Looking to buy a new/used truck

[iNeb]

Well, for years and years i have put off buying a car, i don't like what insurance company's charge, and never been a big fan of driving, i have always took the bus or rode with co-workers, i have never needed a car.

In a few months i'm looking to buy a pickup, but don't know which one to get? I have a friend that works at a GMC dealership, and can get me any car from their partners (Not sure which) for a good price. Or i'll have her come with me and help me haggle with the dealership of my choice (Since she knows how to do these things)

I've been looking around while i'm going to work, and those Ford F-150's or Toyota Tundra have been ones i've seen alot. They look nice.


My Requirements (I know NOTHING about cars, so i need a guide to show me the ropes):

1) Price really doesn't matter as long as it's under $20k-$25k
2) Don't mind Diesel or Unleaded, just as long as it doesn't make alot of noise!
3) Good mileage of course, around 20MPG would be great
4)Should have the option of having an extra-cab (No doors though)
5) Not too huge, i don't want a big bad ass truck
6) 4x4 not needed, but would be an extra.
7) CD/Radio/Air conditioner/heating/nice interior/power windows
8) A bed cover, not the kind that go all the way to the roof, but the tarp kind so the bed is covered, as long as it's easily removable
9) My friend (The dealer) told me never buy new because they rip you off, and it's a better value to buy used

Not sure what else i would want, like i said, i know nothing about cars and their packages

[brandon184]

A pickup truck... yee-haw.

I'd go and actually test drive a few trucks to see what you like. On a side note... why a truck?

[iNeb]

I was thinking that, but be nice two problems:

1) I don't have a drivers license, like i said, never needed one until now.
2) I don't know which dealer ships to go to, be nice to get some good brand and model to look up online, then test drive

[The Real Bingo]

How bout a Ford Ranger, or if you want something bigger, the F-150.

[iNeb]

Yeah, i was looking at those, i am not going to be hauling anything but grocerys and/or my stuff if/when i move.

I went to the ford site, they have about 7 different options, which should i look at? The price goes from 16k to 26k, cheaper of choice would be better

[RedFury]

I think a great mid sized truck and gotten relatively new ( a couple of years old ) would be the Dodge Dakota extended cab.
( adults can sit in the back seat of these with little discomfort....I'm 6ft and was okay as long as it wasn't a long haul...like an hour of driving )

You can get eithe a V6 or V8, and the V6 in a truck that size has plenty of power and will get you the mileage you are looking for or better.

Otherwise you could look into the S-10 extended cabsYou may find these cramped, and the jump seats are designed more for kids.

Otherwise, you can't go wrong with a Chevy Silverado or GMC.

Really, you can't go wrong with just about any of the big 3 trucks as they compete so fiercly for brand loyalty that they've built some pretty good trucks. Mostly boils down to what you want out of a truck. Chevy/GMC are more car like as far as the ride/interior go. Ford is in the middle, and Dodge Rams seem to fit in that category of ...it's a truck, period.

Brandon has it right though, test drive all the trucks in the category you are debating so you can get a feel for the differences in them.

[brandon184]

Is there a reason that you're looking for a truck, rather than a car or SUV?

[iNeb]

I don't know, i just think a truck would suit me. Hard to explain.

[The Real Bingo]

Ford SVT Lightning. Fastest production pickup out there. Supercharged 390 HP. Bit outta your price range though. :P

[NeoStarO1]

Originally posted by iNeb
I was thinking that, but be nice two problems:

1) I don't have a drivers license, like i said, never needed one until now.
2) I don't know which dealer ships to go to, be nice to get some good brand and model to look up online, then test drive

Well I think before you go test driving trucks or even getting a truck for that matter it just might be a good idea to aquire your drivers lience first.

I don't think a person can purchase a car either used or new from a dealership without a lience. From a private party yes but not from a dealership. They usally ask you for your lience number ect...

Can't test drive a dealership car without a lience either. The dealership will get in big arse trouble if someone smacked into you or you smacked into someone else and you are driving without a lience.

Also need to take in consideration of insurance. To purchase a vechicle you will need to get insurance before driving the vechicle off the lot. No lience no insurance, also keep in mind that since you never had a need to drive before that your insurance rates will be high as you will be considered a high risk driver.

Get your lience first and also take a drivers ed course that will help in keeping your insurance rate down just a tad.