Trying to get the best pick-up truck for your business? It can be difficult to choose from the ever-growing number of models available in the UK. From long-time market staples like the ISUZU D-MAX and Ford Ranger to relative newcomers like the Volkswagen Amarok and FIAT Fullback, it can be hard to separate some pick-ups, aside from by looks alone.
What should you consider? As we want you to get the best pick-up truck for the job you do, we’re here to break down the key requirements you need to think about before going with the model of your choice…
Reliability
It’s not often that you’d put this top of the list, but with a pick-up truck of all things, you need it to be reliable. Some have better track records than others, so research the model you want, especially if it’s second hand – it’s important to check reviews with the likes of Auto Express and Honest John.
Size and cab space
What’s realistically needed in terms of business needs? Bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better; you could find that you use a double-cab pick-up truck on a barely monthly basis, but there’s all that extra unnecessary weight – and a concession you’re making with storage space. Don’t forget to test other major issues about size, including ride height, manoeuvrability, and stability.
Day-to-day efficiency
Pick-up trucks don’t have the best reputation for day-to-day running costs, but the British line-up is far from a mid-90s US Ford F-150. Still, it’s important to remember that as a specialist vehicle, it might be better value to invest in a pick-up for specific tasks instead of trying to buy a silver bullet that can get you to and from work, do the school run, then cover every job in the yard and on the road. There are plenty of vehicle running cost calculators knocking around on the internet – such as this one from the Money Advice Service – so if you want to check the return on investment on your prospective pick-up, check one out!
Transmission – MT or AT?
As a spin-off of running costs, it’s also important to ensure the car you want has the transmission you need. Each option has its perks; manual transmission pick-ups are less prone to overheating with heavier loads, while more skilled drivers can get better MPG from these gearboxes. However, automatic transmission pick-ups are being increasingly favoured for heavy cargo, as gear shifts can have a worse effect on a manual gearbox. Still, automatics are heavier, and will eat into that all-important payload. Make your decision wisely!
Comfort and trim
Especially with the likes of the Isuzu D-Max, you’re faced with so many different trims and levels of comfort within the cab that your head might spin. While we’re more than happy to talk you through the specifics of what would work for you, it’s important to make a list of “must-haves” – whether that’s just an MP3 port for your phone, or the latest satnav. Even cup-holders might be important to you! After all, you’re probably going to spend a lot of time in your vehicle, so it needs to be as comfortable as possible.
And last but not least – the cost
So with all of these things taken into consideration – and your business needs central to the decision – is it worth investing in a brand new model, or getting something near-new, or picking up a jalopy for the short term? New cars are better than ever, while near-new pick-ups have so many years of life ahead of them, if properly maintained. Still, we recommend you make a list of requirements, loves, likes and bonuses, in that order. Things will soon become clearer!
In the meantime, we recommend you check out the fantastic New Pick-ups we have: ISUZU D-MAX, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok and FIAT Fullback.
Click here to view our range of used Pick-ups
