Surprise! Winter is rapidly approaching. If you live in New England or New York, this means one thing: crappy weather is on the way. If you’re currently cruising around town in a small sedan, then we’re praying that you’ve opted for a solid health insurance plan. After all, few sedans are able to overcome snowy, icy conditions, and you’re usually stranded during any regular snow storm (unless you want to risk getting in a crash). That’s why it’s probably in your best interest to opt for a pickup truck. Of course, we know what you’re saying right now: “Yea, I’d obviously love to replace my sedan with a pickup truck. Unfortunately, money doesn’t grow on trees.” Preach, brother/sister (we don’t discriminate here at CarBuyerLabs). Fortunately, there’s probably one opportunity that you’ve failed to consider: used pickup trucks. We’re sure you have some negative preconceived notion about used vehicles that makes you avoid them entirely. Well, we ask you to have an open mind as you consider the four used trucks below, each of which provides drivers with a number of winter-centric features. If you’re going to be hunting around for used trucks in Albany, NY (or any other snowy city), see which pre-owned rides should be atop your list of targets.
Chevy Colorado
This renowned pickup truck is generally known for its power, performance, and off-roading prowess. Unsurprisingly, these attributes have proved to be particularly important when it comes to winter driving. The Chevy Colorado (especially recent-year models) have been equipped with many mechanical features that will prepare you for the poor impending road conditions.
For instance, the all-speed traction control system assures that your tires are maintaining a consistent grip with the road at all times. Traction is naturally compromised when those tires are traveling over snow or ice, but the system promises the optimal control when driving in nasty conditions.
Meanwhile, if you can somehow get your hands on a used Chevy Colorado ZR2, you’ll be able to take advantage of a useful winter amenity. The vehicle was specifically designed to travel through any road condition, and this predictably includes wet roads. Thanks to the engineering decision to boost ground clearance, you can easily travel over any accumulation that’s compiled on the ground, and the rear-locking differentials will provide you with excellent braking and stoppage power when the situation arises. In other words, this pickup truck is fully prepared for whatever hazards the winter season brings.
Of course, assuming you opt for a relatively recent-year model, you’ll have access to the comfy heated seats, allowing you to escape the bitter cold. In the event that you are stranded (which is unlikely), you can sit back and wait for help as you jam out to the intuitive infotainment system. Does it get much better than that?
Chevy Silverado 2500 HD
Heavy-duty is the name, and winter driving is its game. This beloved pickup truck is more than prepared to overcome any winter conditions, whether it be ice, snow, sleet, or rain. That’s a big reason why the nameplate is one of the most popular choices among those who live in the northern states. The accompanying features help to emphasize why you won’t have to worry about a thing when you’re traveling in a Chevy Silverado 2500 HD (even if it’s a used version of the nameplate).
Among pundits, the LTZ variation of the pickup truck is particularly popular. The accompanying LT265/70R18E all-season Michelin LTX A/T 2 tires are more than able to overcome those road conditions, while the sturdy frame should keep everyone protected in the unlikely chance you end up in an accident.
If you’re really looking for the ultimate used pickup, try hunting for a pre-owned version of the pickup truck that’s equipped with the hulking 6.6-liter Duramax turbodiesel engine. This system won’t only allow you to cruise through the winter weather with ease, but it will also better prepare your ride for any plowing or towing.
Similar to the other used Chevy pickup included on this list, the Chevy Silverado 2500 HD’s interior is prepared for the winter months. With heated seats, a dual-zone climate control system, and a remote starter, you’ll always be comfortable when you enter the ride.
Ford F-150
Listen, regardless of what used pickup truck you decide to opt for, we’re sure you’re going to encounter your fair share of skidding and sliding (this would be common in any vehicle outside of a tank). This can be rather taxing to your engine, and you’ll be wasting a whole lot of gas trying to overcome the obstacle. In other words, you’re going to have to budget for some extra gas money during the winter months.
However, that won’t be too much of a worry if you end up finding a used Ford F-150 sitting on a dealership’s lot. Recent-year models were equipped with the versatile 3.6-liter V6 engine. While this system is plenty powerful, it’s more renowned for its efficiency. Drivers can ultimately anticipate a fuel efficiency that’s lingering around 18 miles per gallon in the city, a remarkable number for a used ride. Even if this number has slightly decreased over the years, you’ll still appreciate the savings at the gas pump.
Of course, the efficiency isn’t the only reason why the Ford F-150 is a great winter option. The vehicle is plenty powerful, it’s roomy and comfortable, and it’s been lauded for its safety capabilities. While it may be a bit smaller than some of its rivals, it’s still a perfect option for those seeking an affordable used pickup truck for the winter months.
GMC Sierra
This pickup truck somewhat resembles a giant commercial-grade snow plow, so you should be more than confident that a used variation will be ready to overcome any winter condition.
The “Professional Grade” version of the pickup truck is equipped with Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires, which are renowned for their traction and resiliency. If you’re lucky enough to find one of these pickups sitting on a used lot, make sure your target is equipped with these tires (or, at the very least, make sure that the accompanying tires are ready for winter driving). Meanwhile, the four-wheel-drive system promises that you’ll continue cruising in all weather conditions, while the suspension system will prepare you for any off-road conditions.
While GMC isn’t necessarily known for their amenities, the Sierra includes a number of winter-centric features that will satisfy you and your passengers. The heated seats and steering wheel will help you escape the cold, and the heated exterior mirrors mean you’ll always have the best (and safest) vantage point of the road. Plus, thanks to the accompanying WiFi hotspot, you’ll have the ability to connect to the internet quickly should an emergency pop up.
So there you have it. Just because you may have a limited budget, it doesn’t mean you can’t consider an impressive used pickup truck. With the winter months approaching, it may be in your best interest to be prepared with a second vehicle. After all, you can never be certain what the winter months will bring, and you’ll at least be prepared with a capable and reliable truck to get you through that winter weather.
