A Guide to Buying Your First Truck
Buying your first truck can be a confusing and stressful experience if you're not sure what you're looking for or how to compare different models. To make the truck buying process easier, we at ELCO Chevrolet have put together this guide on how to find your perfect pickup.
Tips for Buying a New Truck
Know That Trucks and Cars Are Not Equal
While this may be an obvious statement, it's worth reminding that cars and trucks not only looking different but also handle differently on the road. Trucks are heavier than cars and their larger sizes can make them a bit more difficult to park. Keep this in mind when test-driving the trucks that you're interested in. If you want extra assurance when driving a pickup, consider choosing one with lots of confidence-enhancing safety features.
Determine How You'll Use Your Truck
In order to select the right truck for your needs, you must know what those needs are. Will you be going on off-roading adventures? Heading to the campsite with your family every weekend? Completing projects around the house? Once you write down a list of your needs, you can then narrow down your truck options.
Take Note of the Features You Want
Pickups often have many more options available than cars, and this can make it overwhelming to decide which options are must-haves and which you can do without. Rather than waiting until you arrive at the dealership to try to figure out which features that you'd like, conduct some research online and make note of any options that catch your eye. Then, you'll have a good idea of the extras you want to add on once you go shopping.
Shop at a Dealership
Buying from a private seller always carries some risk but especially when you don't have any experience buying trucks. You may have difficulty getting the warranties you need and telling whether or not a truck is a lemon. At ELCO Chevrolet, you can have peace of mind knowing any truck you choose is functioning properly and likely backed by warranties.
Do I Need a Light-Duty or Heavy-Duty Truck?
Perhaps the biggest decision you need to make when searching for a new truck is whether to buy a light-duty or heavy-duty model. Take a look at the positives of each before coming to a decision.
Pros of Light-Duty Trucks
Light-duty trucks, like the Chevy Silverado 1500, make up much of the pickup truck market. These are best suited for transporting personal items, such as furniture, camping gear, trailers, and small boats. They can also handle lighter-weight construction equipment and building supplies. The 2021 Silverado 1500 can tow up to 13,300 pounds and haul 2,280 pounds when properly equipped. Many other trucks have a maximum towing capacity of roughly 12,000 pounds and a maximum payload capacity between 1,500 and 3,000 pounds.
Light-duty trucks also tend to be easier to drive than heavy-duty ones — making them great for first-time truck drivers. For this reason, light-duty models are also great options for traveling off the road or running errands around the city.
Pros of Heavy-Duty Trucks
Heavy-duty trucks, like the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD and 3500 HD, are not as common as light-duty ones, but they still make up a significant portion of the market. These models are designed to transport large construction materials and equipment along with sizeable boats and trailers. That's why they offer enhanced transmissions and powerful diesel engines.
You can expect many heavy-duty models to tow over 20,000 pounds and haul over 6,500 pounds. The 2021 Silverado 3500 HD, for instance, can tow up to 36,000 pounds and carry up to 7,442 pounds. If you need a capable vehicle for work, a heavy-duty truck is your best bet.
When you're ready to get your hands on a new or used truck, head to ELCO Chevrolet in Ballwin, MO, and our staff will help you find your ideal model.
| Monday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 5:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Friday | 7:00AM - 6:00PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:45AM - 4:30PM |
| Tuesday | 7:45AM - 4:30PM |
| Wednesday | 7:45AM - 4:30PM |
| Thursday | 7:45AM - 4:30PM |
| Friday | 7:45AM - 4:30PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |