Trucks are convenient and highly efficient off-road vehicles that can navigate the roughest terrain. In Colorado, that’s an attractive feature. Trucks are also surprisingly popular as large family vehicles because they have ample room, superb safety features, and comfort for the whole family.
Most people prefer buying used trucks as they are more affordable and accessible. However, with the wide range of truck models available, it can be challenging to narrow down the best-used trucks to buy.
Here we look at which features you should keep in mind when picking trucks for use in Colorado. We also rank the most reliable models to help you choose the right used truck for your needs.
Choosing the Best Used Trucks to Buy in Colorado Springs
When deciding on the best-used trucks to buy, there are several features and factors to consider in helping you determine the best truck for your needs.
Some of these include:
Bed Length
Bed length is an essential feature to consider when picking the best-used trucks to buy as it can determine how much you can haul.
The open cargo bed is useful for moving tools and equipment, large appliances, and specialist cargo like manure and trash. Most bed lengths measure eight feet, while crew cab and extended cab bed lengths are slightly shorter, measuring five feet and six feet, respectively.
Identify what types of needs you would have for hauling with your truck. Do you just occasionally want to haul items you pick up at Lowes or Home Depot? Perhaps you flip houses and you’ll often be hauling long wood-planks for projects. Or does your fifth-wheel trailer need a heavy-duty truck to pull it up the pass? Identifying these needs will help you determine what size bed length would be best.
Cab Size
Extended cabs are the most popular truck cab configuration today. These are sometimes referred to by manufacturers as “Double Cab”, “Quad Cab”, “Super Cab”, or others.
It is essential to note that although extended cab trucks have seating and excellent interior storage, the rear seats can be cramped for adults. That being said, they still provide ample room for kids.
Crew-cab trucks and regular-cabs are the other cab configurations available with many used trucks.
Crew-cab trucks feature four regular doors and excellent rear space for seating people or transporting cargo.
Regular-cab trucks, the least expensive type, have become harder to find as many companies have limited their production lines of these types. These are the trucks with no back-row seating and limited storage capacity behind the seats.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is another essential feature to consider when picking the best-used trucks to buy, as you may be looking for a vehicle with low-cost ownership.
The base engine for today’s trucks is a large four-cylinder engine, but most models offer an optional six-cylinder engine that provides more power along with smoother, quieter operation.
Some newer eight-cylinder engines have cylinder deactivation features that allow the engine to operate on fewer cylinders when moving light loads, saving fuel.
Ride
As you’ll probably be spending most of your time in your truck, look for the one with the most comfortable ride. Try to opt for the more versatile 4WD truck for extra traction that runs indefinitely without harming the driveline.
Payload Capability
Pickup trucks are ideal for hauling trailers, boats, cars, and campers. However, each model has a recommended maximum weight or payload, which you should consider when purchasing your truck.
Several factors dictate a truck’s payload or towing capacity, including:
- Bed size
- Cab size
- Engine power
- Presence of a factory towing package
- Rear-axle ratio
- Wheelbase length
A well-equipped truck can tow over 12,000 pounds, but some truck configurations can only manage 5,500 pounds. Heavy-duty trucks can tow up to 31,000 pounds. Make sure you research the truck’s capabilities before buying to determine its safe towing capacity.
For heavy hauling, consider getting a diesel-engine truck, such as the 1500-class Fords, GMs, Nissans, and RAMs.
Safety
Finally, you must consider the safety features included in the used truck before you make a purchase.
Many trucks now have advanced safety features, including:
- Automatic emergency braking systems
- Blind-spot warning systems
- Chest-level or curtain-style side airbags
- Forward collision warning systems
- Higher trims
- Lane-departure warning systems
- Seat belts and LATCH connectors
- Telematics systems that alert emergency personnel if an airbag deploys
Electronic stability control has been mandatory on light-duty trucks since 2012, so look out for it when picking the best-used trucks to buy. This feature ensures you maintain vehicle control in slippery conditions or in cases where you take a corner too fast.
Excellent Selection of the Best Used Trucks to Buy in Colorado Springs
Whether you need a light-duty truck to ferry your family around Colorado Springs or a heavy-duty truck to haul trailers, large loads, and other attachments, Mile High Car Company has a wide inventory of the best-used trucks to buy.
All our used trucks come with standard 2,000-mile, 2-month powertrain warranties, vehicle history reports, and patented “Select Shield” checks for quality and road safety. Additionally, we offer excellent after-sales service for all makes and models from ASE-certified auto repair technicians.
Mile High Car Company also offers flexible financing options for first-time, self-employed, no-money-down, or slow credit buyers. You can be confident your next used truck purchase will be a fast and stress-free experience.
Contact our team online or call (719) 570-7800 to access some of the best-used trucks in Colorado Springs today!
