Do You Need A Pickup Truck?

To the displeasure of the greenies, sales of pickups are strong, and even increasing in some areas. For a certain kind of person, being seen around town driving a pickup is mandatory. In addition, the trend is very much towards crew cabs with luxury interiors and a long list of comfort and convenience options, yet this does not represent the most logical choice for someone who has only an occasional need for such a vehicle. A full-size pickup that checks every box on the option list is ideal for towing an RV and travelling hundreds of kilometres a day, but for many people, you have to wonder whether a pickup is a sensible buy.

If it is to be your only vehicle, then you have to think carefully about what you really need. If you never have to transport large objects or pull a heavy load, it is most unlikely that you actually need one. On the other hand, if you work in construction, deliver bulky items or run a landscaping service, for example, a pickup is probably your only sensible choice. People who claim that a pickup is a necessity because they have to transport building materials or a few shrubs once or twice a year would probably be better advised to purchase or rent a small trailer to tow behind their car. It is a different matter if you routinely transport a motorcycle, ATV or snowmobile, but again, a trailer could be the answer.

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In the end, you need to draw up a list of your actual needs in order to enable you to make an informed decision. If you live in a city, a pickup for personal use makes less sense than it would for someone living in the country, where such a vehicle is more useful.