Are Pickups Just for Construction Workers?

No!
Although pickups aren’t for everyone, they can be the best choice in some situations.

With their large cargo capacity, they’re the perfect vehicle for construction workers. You’ll also find them on farms, where they’re used for towing and transporting goods. But even for the average person, they’re more than just a way to haul things around.

They come in very handy for camping, which has seen a resurgence in Québec. Many people have moved away from ground tents and opted for the comfort of bigger and bigger trailers. And some of these homes on wheels need a truck to tow them. Water recreation activities like boating, and winter activities like snowmobiling also require the cargo capacity of a truck. These pastimes have made pickups very popular.

Quebecers in particular appreciate pickups because they can stand up to our harsh winters. When snow storms hit, drivers can count on their automatic or manual four-wheel drive for a sense of security and reliability.

And lastly, many people want to drive a truck just for the fun of it. They’re gaining ground across North America. What people like about pickups:

• Big, comfortable cab for all passengers, especially with double cab models
• Feeling safe behind the wheel
• Engine power, for both loading and towing
• Comfort features available on base models
• Driving assistance options that make getting around easier

Even with all these advantages, the major drawback of pickup trucks is their large carbon footprint. While fuel consumption can be very high when driving in the city, on the highway they burn about the same amount of gas as an SUV or a sports car. In recent years, auto manufacturers have worked on engine performance to reduce fuel consumption. There are also more and more hybrid and electric models of pickup trucks these days.

And last but not least, pickup trucks are built to last. It’s not uncommon to see trucks with over 200,000 km that still have plenty of years left. They’re more reliable and have a longer life than small cars, which reduces their carbon footprint because owners tend to change them out less frequently, which is one of the criteria for sustainable consumption.

So if you’re thinking of buying a pickup truck, you might want to consider a used one, since they offer good long-term reliability.
At Entrepôt Auto Durocher, our advisors can show you the different models available. Check them out online or come visit us in the comfort of the largest automotive warehouse in Québec.