If you are like everyone else, you may have made a resolution last New Years that you didn’t keep, which may have been to take better care of your old pickup. The up side to that is that you may be in the market for a new truck to start the New Year. Here is what the manufacturers are claiming to be the top four choices in brand new pickup trucks for 2017.
Ford boasts that the top seller for 2017 and the past 39 years is the F-150. The 2017 F-150’s are claimed to be the best ever in their lineup with a starting MSRP of $26,730 for the XL pickup only having 4 x 2 drive train, with estimated MPG at 18-24. The attributes are impressive torque, capability and good fuel economy. Ford is now offering tailgate and box side steps making access to the cargo box a breeze. Keep in mind everything you add jacks the price up, and if you have your heart set on these amenities right out of the gate, that gives your sales person room to work their magic by dancing you through higher priced add-on items to the basic bare bones MSRP making that monthly payment skyrocket. Make sure you know what comes standard and what does not, including the total prices of all the options tacked on. Tonneau covers, running boards etc. are usually not included in the price of even higher end models like the King Ranch, Platinum and Raptor.
Chevrolet claims fame in their proven power and performance full size pickup trucks like the Colorado and Silverado. Chevy has made some bold muscular changes to their front end on the Silverado, a more sculpted hood and signature LED lighting accents. They boast about their world class EcoTec3 engines that offer impressive V8 fuel economy. However, I believe it was noted that their claims regarding their steel truck beds vs. the Ford aluminum beds weren’t exactly tested fairly. Anyone observing their video of the competition product testing would have to see this for themselves. I personally can’t imagine any truck owner having cement cinder blocks dumped into their unprotected/unlined pickup bed. Landscape blocks such as those are usually loaded on a pallet.
All Chevy Silverado lines have phased out 6-speed transmissions and been upgraded to 8-speed automatic. They have added some new cool colors in the premium finish line like deep ocean blue and Siren red. MSRP for the 2017 Silverado 1500 is $27,585 and would obviously cost much more if you purchased it with any other options other than the bare bones items included. The estimated MPG on this Chevy mirrors the stats of the Ford F-150.
Dodge Ram 1500 Express Quad Cab 4 x 4 is very popular but has a higher MSRP of $35,795 for a V-8 automatic. Anything that is not included as standard in whatever model you are looking at will drive that price up higher than you may want to pay for what should be included for a $35,000 truck and is not. Obviously whatever you use your truck for dictates what you have to have as opposed to what you want to have. Be wise and prudent in the choices on your wish list and don’t be talked into pretty stuff you could add later at your own pace. If you plan to tow with your truck, the GVW rate on the 1500 Express is 6,800 lbs. If you want 4-corner air suspension, it will cost you another $1715 while tacking on another $27/month to your truck payment. These are all examples of things to consider.
Let’s explore a bit higher on the truck lineup. The GMC Sierra 1500 Denali premium pickup has a starting MSRP of $52,155. It’s considered a light duty truck with a full size pickup design, signature Denali accents, distinctive lighting and a sculpted front end with bold lines. It’s a beauty for sure. The maximum GVW on this one is 9,300 lbs. Price hikers include the 3.23 rear axle ratio, bed steps and tonneau cover. Obviously the larger the truck bed, the larger the price tag, so be careful not to get a huge truck bed if you won’t be hauling large amounts of cargo. All weather floor mats are a really good investment and I am pro-floor protection all the way, but are they necessary the day you drive out of the dealership? No, especially if you won’t be adding passengers right away.
Buying a new truck can be an exciting venture and so worth all the confusion and information. Do your homework and trust your salesperson if you have had successful transactions with that person or dealership in the past. I welcome your comments below, or feel free to cruise on over to truckworldaccessories.com and check out the add-ons we have to help you personalize your new or older ride. I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have, and I value all opinions of truck enthusiasts. Got a birthday coming? Your loved one can get you a Gift Certificate from Truck World for the things you wanted on that new pickup, but wisely waited to add later.
Beware Of This When Buying A Used Pickup Truck
Of course a shiny brand new truck is a thrill for any truck lover, but if your wallet can’t deal with a big monthly payment and you still need a pickup for work or just because you want one, use the following tips to prevent getting yourself a lemon or having to sink crazy dollars into the truck right after you buy it because the seller misrepresented the vehicle.
Plowing Snow With Your Pickup Truck
There is no denying that snow season has arrived. If you’re a truck owner with a snow plow, as much as you may dread all the inches of white stuff, you have to admit there is a certain appeal to the flashing strobe lights, the whine of hydraulics and the sound of steel dragging on the pavement. At times it might feel like you are playing with your favorite toy, but there is no mistaking the price and value of that toy, hence you had better know how to use it wisely and make it last. If you are new to plowing or purchasing a plow for the first time, I think you will find my information regarding features and options valuable.
Keep Your Truck Perking In Cold Weather
The last thing you need or want is for your truck to not cooperate and perform well for you every time you turn over the engine. Even though your pickup may be garaged, it doesn’t like the freezing weather any more than we do. Some parts of the country have mild winter temperatures, but many of us can have extreme or unseasonably colder weather than we normally do which presents challenges for getting to work, school or wherever we need to be. I swear by the motto that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Here are some reasonable precautions and tips on helping your truck survive winter temperatures.
