Best First Trucks Under $10,000

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Buying your first pickup truck is a huge milestone. Whether it’s for a first-time driver or someone who’s never owned a pickup before, the first choice is critical. There are plenty of used models that cater to the specific needs of first-time truck drivers that won’t break the bank. U.S. News released a list of best-used trucks. These three ranked high and came in under $10,000.

Dodge Dakota | Randy Risling/Toronto Star via Getty Images

A safe workhorse for first-time drivers

The 2010 Dodge Dakota is a great first truck under $10,000 for first-time drivers who need a reliable work truck. This model has one of the highest towing capacities in its class. It’s capable of pulling 7,250 pounds with makes it perfect for various recreational and work activities. Young drivers could easily use this truck to run a small business without making a huge investment.

This truck was criticized for being underpowered, but that may benefit young and inexperienced drivers. New drivers who are still perfecting their skills don’t need an engine that pushes limits and breaks records. Instead, a focus on safety features, ease of use, and dependability better serve these unique needs. The 2010 Dodge Dakota is a perfect first Trucks Under $10,000 that’s often underrated.

This option is great first trucks under $10,000 for all ages

2016 Toyota Tacoma interior

RELATED: The Most Popular Pickup Trucks of All Time

The 2009 Toyota Tacoma is a great truck. Its high-quality interior makes it an easy transition for drivers accustomed to the comfort-centered interiors of sedans or SUVs. This truck also boasts standard safety features like traction and stability control were standard in this model year. Front-seat side and side-curtain airbags make this one of the safest trucks in its class.

U.S. News ranked the 2009 Toyota Tacoma second among all 2009 compact pickup trucks. It also won the publication’s 2009 Best Compact Truck for the Money award. This popular truck boasts better fuel economy than its contemporaries, getting an EPA estimated 23 mpg. The front seats impress reviewers, as does the comfortable ride and well-appointed cabin.

This inexpensive truck is an all-around solid choice

The Reagans with their Ford Ranger | Hulton Archive via Getty Images

RELATED: The Ranger Isn’t Ford’s First Midsize Truck

2009 Ford Ranger has a strong and reliable V6 engine that makes it popular as a budget used car. Some criticisms of the Ranger focus on its cramped interior and low-quality interior materials. These may not be make-or-break features for drivers looking for easy entry into truck ownership. This inexpensive truck is a practical choice as a reliable workhorse.

The 2009 Ford Ranger has a towing capacity of 6,000 pounds and can handle most chores with ease. Its gas mileage is slightly above average for its class, offering an estimated 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. Some models offer features like leather seats, keyless entry, and cruise control. Many reviews have mentioned the rear seat in the extended cab option. The rear seat has been heavily criticized for being too cramped. It’s best to think of the Ranger as a two-seat option.

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The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV Will Surprise You in the Best Way

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Who would’ve thought that a few minor tweaks to a compact electric car could transform the Chevy Bolt into an SUV? Though the Bolt EUV doesn’t look like a traditional sport utility vehicle, it still boasts SUV features, including a few stylistic lines. 

U.S. News includes the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV in its roundup of the cheapest electric SUVs this year. In fact, it’s the least expensive EV listed. So, how well does it perform, and what does it offer?

How the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV performs

The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV can travel about 250 miles on a single charge. Full recharging takes about seven hours using a 240-volt outlet. There’s a 110-volt option, too. 

A 65 kWh lithium-ion battery pack and a single electric motor produce 200 hp and 266 lb-ft of torque. Using a DC fast-charging station, you can shorten the charging time quite a bit. In fact, U.S. News reports you can recoup 95 miles of range in as little as 30 minutes using the fast-charging option. 

The Chevy Bolt EUV provides a comfortable ride even on uneven surfaces. Traveling on winding roads doesn’t affect it either — it can remain sure-footed at all times.

However, the main downside to the Bolt EUV is its lack of an all-wheel-drive option. 

The Chevy Bolt EUV’s features

RELATED: Car and Driver Can’t Deny the ‘Dorky’ Chevy Bolt’s Attractiveness

The 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV’s interior offers plenty of legroom for front and rear passengers. In fact, the back seats come with three inches more space to accommodate adults. Cargo space isn’t bad either, despite the EUV’s small stature. With 16.9 cubic feet of cargo space behind the back row, you can haul plenty of groceries or enough camping gear for a couple of people. 

One of the most interesting features has to be Super Cruise, which General Motors hasn’t installed in any other vehicle outside the Cadillac lineup until now. The Chevy Bolt EUV uses LiDar scanning and mapping to accomplish semiautonomous driving on compatible roads. The system can detect traffic flow around it and change lanes when safe to do so. 

The Chevy Bolt EUV also boasts an easy-to-use infotainment system with a large central 10.2-inch touchscreen. Its interface is simple, and the display comes with a few physical buttons to control the audio system and climate control. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging, and HD Radio all come standard in the Bolt EUV. 

How much does the 2022 model cost?

Starting at a reasonable $33,995, the 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV comes in three trim levels. The base-model LT has a push-button start, rearview camera, cloth upholstery, LED headlights and taillights, and 17-inch alloy wheels.

A few LT trim packages are also available for an up-charge. The first is the Driver’s Confidence package, with items like rear parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring for $495. The Comfort package adds a power-adjustable driver’s seat and heated seats for $895. The last is the Convenience package, with ventilated front seating, black and silver accents, and leather upholstery for $1,695.

The Premier trim starts at $38,495, U.S. News reports. It includes all the features of the previous model’s optional packages and adds adaptive cruise control and a surround-view parking system. For optional packages, it offers the Sun and Sound, which adds a panoramic sunroof and a Bose sound system for $2,495. The Super Cruise package costs an additional $2,200.

The top-tier trim is the Launch Edition, providing everything the Premier model offers plus the additional packages. However, Chevrolet isn’t taking any more reservations for this trim level at this time. This model starts at $43,495.

Overall, the brand-new Chevy Bolt EUV offers more fun features, smooth driving dynamics, and rarer amenities than the previous model year. It’s so exciting that it could give the Tesla Model 3 a serious run for its money. 

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Best Used off-Road Pickup Trucks

by Gabrielle DeSantis

With robust suspensions, lifted bodies, and powerful engines, some trucks are perfectly suited for off-road use. Like any vehicle classification, it’s important to choose the best make and model for a specific application. Which off-road pickup trucks offer the best performance after the pavement ends?

Ford F-150 Raptor | Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

A legendary option for of-roading

The 2016 Ram 1500 Rebel sports larger wheels, off-road tires, and best-in-class clearance making it a perfect option for leaving the pavement. This truck’s 33-inch tires and 10.3-inch lift kit mean it can crawl up rocks better than most pickups its size. Bilstein shocks, a revised steering calibration, skid plates, and a specially tuned suspension make this a perfect off-road option.

Own the used off-road pickup truck called a national treasure

2017 F-150 Ford Raptor | Paul Warner via Getty Images

RELATED: Is the Ford F-150 Raptor Named After a Bird or a Dinosaur?

The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor is one of the best off-road trucks ever made. Ford’s ultra-light aluminum alloy materials trimmed 500 pounds off the Raptor’s curb weight. This reduced weight gives the truck a lot more maneuverability off-road. This truck offers an 8,000-pound towing capacity. Car and Driver called this truck a national treasure, and it’s obvious to see why. It’s dependable, reliable, and fun to drive.

A camo lovers dream

Hunters and woodland enthusiasts will love the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado Realtree Edition. This truck features GM’s Z71 four-wheel-drive package. A locking rear differential and monotube shock absorbers mean this truck can handle the trail. All-terrain tires wrap its 20-inch black wheels. Heated front seats and an advanced infotainment system keep passengers comfortable. The truck is decked out with camo graphics inside and out.

Off-road racing meets off-road pickup truck

2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro | Raymond Boyd via Getty Images

RELATED: Is The Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Worth The Extra Cash?

Toyota shows its off-road racing chops with the 2017 Tacoma TRD., a TRD-tuned suspension with Fox racing shocks gives this medium-duty truck a lighter feel. Kevlar reinforced all-terrain tires wrap its 16-inch black alloy tires. Rigid Industries LED fog lights illuminate the adventure. A slew of modern safety features make this an appealing option.

A high-end option for comfortable adventures

Off-roaders looking for premium touches and creature comforts should consider the 2016 GMC Sierra All Terrain X. A leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated 10-way power-adjustable bucket seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control give the cab a high-end feel.

A performance exhaust system gives the truck’s standard 5.3 L V8 a 10 hp boost for a total of 365. 18-inch Wrangler DuraTrac tires give this truck grip. It’s a high-capacity air cleaner. Hill Descent Control, protective underbody shield give drivers the confidence to tackle any terrain.

This lightweight truck is agile

The 2016 Nissan Titan XD Pro-4X takes this light-duty truck to another level. Its upgraded suspension includes an electronic locking rear differential, Bilstein off-road shocks, and a skid plate give it the toughness to take on rough country. This unique truck is the only light-duty to offer a V8 diesel engine. This Titan can tow more than 12,000 pounds. Its tow package includes front tow hooks, a trailer harness, and a receiver hitch with hitch member.

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3 Questions You Should Ask the Mechanic Before Paying

by Gabrielle DeSantis

There is never a good time for car trouble. It is annoying, inconvenient, and unfortunately impossible to avoid if you want a car. Although, many people fear dealing with the mechanic or dealership and the thought of getting ripped off more than they do the actual repairs. Here are three questions you should ask the mechanic to protect yourself from fraudulent charges or bad repairs. 

Mechanic rolling a wheel | Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance via Getty Images

Start by understanding how to communicate with a mechanic

Of course, all mechanics aren’t dishonest and scheming. This is a stereotype that is unfair to all honest mechanics. However, it is an industry that supports dishonesty. Many people don’t have any idea of what makes their car work or not. This means the mechanics have all the power. 

You don’t have to be super knowledgeable to be protected from bad mechanics. The key to all of these steps is to make sure all communication is clear and accounted for. Mechanics can’t do anything to your car that you don’t permit them to do. If you understand this basic fact, this can inform the rest of the interaction. 

Ask the mechanic to explain specifically whats wrong with the car 

The first step of taking your car to the mechanic should be trying your best to understand what is wrong with your car. Modern cars have computers that will tend to give you some sort of notification when something is wrong. These notifications may not always be clear to you, but it’s important to take note. 

Mechanic looking under a car together
Mechanics working together | Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance via Getty Images)

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A few minutes of googling might provide a basic understanding of what your car is telling you. This way, when you go to the shop, you can at least mention this possible issue which sets you up better with the shop. 

The key is to make sure you ask the mechanic to tell you specifically what is wrong with your car. This can help hold them accountable for a specific issue and remove the vagueness from the job. According to Forbes, the more clearly you can communicate with your mechanic, the better off you’ll be. 

Ask specifically what they will need to do to fix the specific problem 

Forcing the shop to be as specific as possible will help you be able to hold them accountable to the john that needs doing. If you know what is being promised, you can make sure you got what you paid for. 

Motor car on hydraulic lift repair workshop. make sure to ask the mechanic plenty of questsions
Motor car on hydraulic lift repair workshop | Andrew Woodley/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

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Asking this question will also lead you to inquire about pricing and what exactly you are paying for. Be mindful, most shops charge you for parts, and labor is typically charged by the hour.

If you know what they are going to do, you should be able to better keep an eye on the bill. Again, this is as much accountability for the mechanic as it is for your own knowledge. 

Before you pay, ask the mechanic to explain the bill in detail

This is probably the most important question of them all. In every step of the process, you are trying to demystify the job they are doing and know exactly what you are paying for. This is why you have to follow up on the specifics of the bill before you pay. 

RELATED: Is a Mobile Mechanic Just As Capable As a Dealership Mechanic?

At the beginning of the process, the mechanic should give you a quote. Once you’ve asked the questions about what specifically they plan to do, this will inform your query at the end.

By asking them to explain everything in the bill in detail can help keep them honest. It’s harder to lie or overcharge if they know the customer is paying attention to everything that has happened. 

The goal is accountability

The more specific you can make them be, generally speaking, the better you should be at the end of it. Of course, none of this means you will get a better deal or anything like that, but it should help you feel more confident about the money you spend going to the right places. 

Obviously, the more you know about your car, the easier it will be to hold anyone working on it accountable. But even if you know nothing about cars, you can make the mechanic explain everything they do. This brings that power dynamic closer to level. 

Lastly, don’t be afraid to speak up. If something doesn’t make sense to you, it probably doesn’t make sense. Use logic, math, and respect. If you respect yourself and the mechanic, the whole thing should work well. They are professionals, and you need their skills. Just try your best to understand as much of the process as possible. 

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