Trucks are the most popular type of vehicle in the country, and they outsell sedans and crossovers by a huge margin. Trucks offer loads of versatility; they come with the ability to tow, store cargo, seat numerous people, and tackle nearly all types of terrain.

There are different types of trucks available to suit a wide variety of budgets. Whether you’re buying a truck for everyday purposes or occasional use, there are some important factors you need to take into consideration to ensure that you get the most out of your purchase. This checklist will help you determine which type of truck is right for you and if certain features are worth the extra money. Here are five things to consider before getting a top truck:

Passenger capacity: Most trucks come with a standard two-passenger configuration to seat the driver and a single passenger. Typically, trucks with two-person cabs are less expensive than trucks with larger cabs that come with longer beds. If you don’t plan on transporting many passengers and need more cargo space, then the standard truck configuration might provide the best value. Go for a larger truck when you need more passenger capacity for friends or family.

Power and engine size: The engine size is an important factor, but you have to remember that bigger is not necessarily better. If you’re buying a truck for everyday commute and don’t plan on transporting large items, then a 4-cylinder engine can help you save money on gas. Some of the top trucks in this category are the Toyota Tacoma and Nissan Frontier®. If you’re buying a truck to tow a boat or a trailer, then you should buy one with a V6 or V8 engine. Trucks with powerful engines tend to be heftier and pricier. The Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado are two examples. While they are less fuel efficient, they are more versatile and powerful.
Research about the payload and towing capacities to make sure that the top truck you pick that is powerful enough for the items you plan to transport.

Manual vs. automatic transmission: If you’re confused about picking between a manual and automatic transmission, you should take into consideration the traffic conditions of where you will be doing most of your driving. If you plan to spend a lot of time in traffic, then a truck with automatic transmission will save you a lot of unnecessary effort. If traffic isn’t a concern, then a manual transmission can provide you with better control over the engine without the burden of excessive shifting

Manual transmission is pretty rare in top trucks and in vehicles, in general, these days, but they are available on the base trim levels of a few models. They can be more fun to drive but aren’t effective when it comes to towing or sitting in traffic.

Camper shell: If you’re buying a truck for the purpose of transporting large items in the bed, a camper shell can be very useful for preventing theft and keeping your belongings safe from the elements. For instance, if you’re moving furniture and it starts raining, you’ll be very thankful that you don’t need to worry about the furniture being ruined.

The cost of camper shells can vary quite a bit, but a nice one will generally set you back by about $1,000 give or take a few hundred dollars.

Check special fees and regulations: Depending on where you live, choosing a larger truck might require a special license or entail extra fees. Check with your state’s motor vehicle authorities before locking in your purchase of a top truck. These fees might not be deal-breakers, but it’s good to know what you can expect when you buy a new vehicle.