taking the stress out of buying a car

Buying a used truck is a great way to get the vehicle that best fits your needs and preferences at an affordable price. However, you don't want to go charging into the used truck lot without doing a bit of planning; otherwise, you may end up with something that doesn't benefit you at all. Here are two things to consider when going used-truck shopping.

What Are You Using the Truck for?

Possibly the top thing you need to decide before you set one foot in a dealership is what you will be using the truck for. This will determine the exact features you should be looking for in a vehicle. For example, if you'll only be using the truck to drive around town or commute to work, then you'll want to get a truck with good fuel efficiency such as a Toyota Tacoma or Chevy Silverado. Alternatively, if you plan on towing items like boats or a tiny house, then you'll want to find a truck with a powerful engine and great towing capacity, such as a Ram 3500 or Ford F-350.

Another thing that people often forget when purchasing used trucks is passenger capacity. Many trucks have only enough room for the driver and one passenger. However, there are some trucks with extended and crew cabs that can fit more people. Be aware, though, that even these vehicles can be problematic if you have children, as it may be difficult to fit a car seat in the back passenger area.

Can You Afford the Insurance?

According to some experts, pickup trucks cost 14 percent less to insure than cars. This can be attributed to the fact that trucks generally cost less to fix than automobiles. Not all trucks are the same, though, and some will actually cost more to insure than others due to their size and value.

One reason for this is because larger trucks can do more damage to other vehicles in a collision, which may result in bigger insurance payouts to the victims if you are found liable for the accident. Another reason is some trucks—such as the Ford F-250—are popular targets for thieves.

It is a good idea to do the research to determine how much it will cost to insure different trucks and locate used trucks that fit your budget.

For help with purchasing a used truck, talk to a salesperson at a local dealership.