Join Us in Our Ford Truck-Buying Journey
Get all the excitement, the frustration, and all the highs and lows of buying a new truck. But don’t worry — I’m signing the dotted line, not you.
I’d like to invite you to join me on my quest for a new Ford F-150. The decision to stop procrastinating and start looking has been made, and I have to admit that I’m pretty excited.
As the editor of Ford Truck Enthusiasts I live and breathe Ford trucks. Actually, pretty much all things Ford as a whole. In addition, my job as an automotive journalist and blogger allows me to test a ton of cars every year, giving me a darn good idea of what most domestic and foreign manufacturers have in the market. You’d think that all those awesome privileges would make car shopping easier or more enjoyable. Not really.
Regardless of how much shopping experience or product knowledge the consumer has, venturing into a dealership is sort of like jumping into the multi-dimensional black hole from most scary movies. Yes, the internet has helped consumers enormously, but shopping for a new car remains a journey full of surprises. So, trust me when I say that I’m bracing for a bumpy ride.
What Kind of Truck Do I Need?
First of all, I plan on leasing and not buying. Second, you can sacrifice me in the comments section for not being a “hardcore truck dude,” but I don’t need a Super Duty, I don’t need a Raptor, and heck — I don’t even need a V8. I work from my desk for what seems like forever, and due to the large volume of cars and trucks I drive for work purposes, I put less than 4,000 miles in my personal car in 2016.
This is what I do need: a SuperCrew cabin where I can comfortably fit my wife, kids, and dog. I also need a truck bed for the many activities and sports we’re involved in, and the ability to tow a small trailer that weights around 3,000 pounds. In many ways, a Ford Ranger wold fit the bill. Darn it, Ford!
Considering my driving habits and the minimal weight I will be towing, the fuel-efficient 2.7L EcoBoost engine would fit like a glove. That being said, I wouldn’t snub “the one” if it turns out to have the 3.5L EcoBoost or even the 5.0L V8. I’m definitely keeping my options open.
Living in the Midwest makes you appreciate features like heated seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, etc. It’d be really nice to have them, but not necessary by any means. Actually — no, I don’t want to pay for them. My wife loved the dual-pane sunroof in our 2017 F-250 Super Duty Platinum review truck, but I don’t want to pay for that, either.
Now that you know what I’m looking for, do you have any good advice for me? Oh, and even though my last name is Perez, I’m not necessarily rolling in dinero.
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
