Here's a creative way to dig into the pros and cons of an issue, an article at The Globe and Mail in which Petrina Gentile and Mark Richardson discuss ins and outs of buying a new pickup truck for the first time. There are many issues to consider and the article is a creative way to unearth the various facets of these issues. 
The 2020 Chevrolet Colorado mid-size pickup.
The article is titled, "I'm looking to buy my first pickup, preferably a diesel. What should I buy?"
What a great title. It's not clickbait, but is certainly effective. It tells you what the article will be about and pulls you in.
A reader named John has written in to say that after driving cars for years (currently a Ford Escape) he wants to purchase a pickup. Because he may also be buying a boat in the near future he wants to get something that tows well, and is leaning toward a diesel. What size should he get though?
These were his thoughts and the authors. dive right in.
Richardson begins by letting John know that as soon as he gets a pickup he will be "everybody's friend" as they will come to him to help them move and bring things to the dump. Gentile concurs, noting that this has also increased their popularity. Seven companies, he adds, are working on bringing electric pickups to market, though Richardson quickly notes that these will be expensive.
The two digress to debate whether these EVs are simply status symbols or really worth the extra cost. Then they return to the discussion. Because trucks are heavier are they counterproductive as a commuter vehicle? Richardson then notes that he knows people who would never consider driving something that wasn't a truck, so the question is moot.
One of the bigger issues is brand. Pickup owners are exceedingly brand loyal. "I can’t recall a single pickup-truck driver among my friends who’s switched brands in the last decade," Richardson said.
Gentile shared that his dad drove a Ford F-150 for 50 years and never once considered trying a Silverado.
As for size, Richardson says that John only needs a full-sized pickup if he's planning to get a full-sized boat. The mid-size will be more than satisfactory and, because it is lighter, will give better fuel economy.
Gentile replies, "Not so fast." The Dodge Ram 1500 is powerful and fuel efficient. Richardson agrees here, saying he'd driven a Ram diesel that gave better fuel economy than his Toyota Rav4.
There are a number of additional details, but when all is said and done what do you think they recommended? Well, since there is no right answer and you don't want to offend anyone too badly, many brands catch some strokes. I'm impressed, though, at how many positive things we've been hearing about the diesel-powered mid-sized Chevy Colorado on so many forums. Its cousin the GMC Canyon gets cited as well as the Ford Ranger with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine, though this latter has no diesel option.
The friends close out the discussion with a reminder that there are options with all these choices which can add additional costs, so there is a lot to consider.
The article is a fun read, and an intriguing way to present information. Follow this link for the full story.
I would tell a friend to check out a first generation Ford F-250 Powerstroke diesel pickup truck. It's a great place to start. It's one of the best trucks out there. Ford trucks have a workhorse reputation and in terms of heavy duty pickup trucks, it all started with Ford’s first generation super duty line. Trucks from this generation, which ran from 1999-2007, are great examples of a good used diesel pickup truck.
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