I’m a Car Expert: 8 Pickup Trucks I’d Consider Buying and Why They’re Worth It
Written by
Josephine Nesbit
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Jenna Klaverweiden
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Shopping for a new vehicle can be stressful, but you can always consult with a specialist. Mechanics are some of the best car experts around — so they’ll know better than anyone whether a truck purchase is worth the money.
Auto experts gave their opinions on eight pickup trucks they’d consider buying and why.
American Heavy-Duty Trucks
According to Chris Pyle, auto expert and mechanic with JustAnswer, the three American heavy-duty trucks — the Ford Super Duty F-250-F-350, the Chevy Silverado 2500-3500 and the Ram 2500-3500 — are never bad buys.
“There are always people looking for a big truck,” Pyle wrote. “You need to get it with a diesel or large gas engine.”
Why does he recommend them? They’re safe, reliable and retain a good portion of their original retail price over time. “The reason for buying one is because of its ability to tow all things you can imagine. They are safe in collisions, with plenty of room for the family,” Pyle explained. “They hold their value pretty well.”
GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate
For those who want something a little more luxurious, Rich McClellan, founder of Elite Customs, a luxury car customization shop in Franklin, Tennessee, recommended the GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate.
“The GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate has premium interior features, including a Napa leather upgrade for a softer feel, with some models offering a suede Alcantara headliner and pillars for a refined look with minimal plastic,” McClellan said.
The truck also has several high-tech features, including Super Cruise, which allows drivers to travel hands-free on more than 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the U.S. and Canada, and an upgraded audio system with Apple CarPlay and navigation.
“To further elevate the luxury experience, the truck has enhanced lighting, heated and cooled seats, and upsized wheels,” he said.
Ford F-150
Pyle gave the Ford F-150 a resounding yes. “No-brainer, the Ford F-150,” Pyle said. “America’s best-selling truck for almost five decades. They have the power, the size, and can haul and tow close to the specs of a Super Duty.”
McClellan also recommended the Ford F-150 but prefers the King Ranch trim level.
“Like the GMC Sierra Denali Ultimate, the Ford F-150 King Ranch showcases a range of luxury features, though it does not include Super Cruise,” McClellan explained. “The King Ranch is known for its high-quality interior with leather and modern technology upgrades, which is why it is a strong competitor in the luxury pickup truck market.”
Ram 1500 Tungsten
The Ram 1500 Tungsten offers features similar to those found in the Sierra Denali and the King Ranch, but McClellan explained that it has some distinctive touches.
“The Tungsten offers massage seats, heated and cooled options, an upgraded audio system, and hands-free self-driving,” he explained.
Ford Maverick
The Ford Maverick may not be ideal for everyone, but it has its advantages.
“The Ford Maverick, nothing special here. It’s cheap, it’s small, the tow and cargo capacity are low, it is front-wheel drive and it has a four-cylinder engine. It is everything you do not find in a truck,” Pyle said.
Those features may be ideal for some, though. “However, not everyone needs to tow or haul a lot. Perks are great MPG, cheap, four full doors and it can handle light-duty tasks very well,” he explained. “Compare it to the regular cab two-wheel-drive Rangers Ford sold a gazillion of. It is a very close match.”
Toyota Tacoma
Similar to the Ford Maverick, the Toyota Tacoma isn’t as powerful as the heavy-duty trucks, but it is still roomy, gets great gas mileage and typically retains some of its value.
“The Toyota Tacoma is kind of like the Maverick, but it more resembles a truck, and they last forever and seek good money when you trade them in,” Pyle explained.
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