When shopping for a truck, you may find that there are two types of trucks to choose from:
- Basic trucks
- Fully loaded trucks that are dripping in upgrades
Basic trucks are the cheapest option. While some buyers are fine with basic trucks, many people want some upgrades such as:
- Alloy wheels
- Leather interior
- Sound system upgrades
- More powerful engine
- Towing package
The thing is, fully loaded trucks are very expensive. Often times, a customer who wants only a few upgrades feels that they have to splurge on a fully loaded truck just to enjoy these upgrades. What if we told you that it’s not the only way to get upgrades on your truck?
You Don’t Have To Spend Thousands On A Fully Loaded Truck To Get The Upgrades You Want
You don’t have to spend thousands on a truck that’s loaded with upgrades, most of which you may not ever use. The smarter and more economical way is to buy a basic truck and then install the upgrades you want.
For example, consider a 2020 Ford F-150 Extended Cab 4×4. With a 6.5 foot bed, a 5.0L V8, and no other options, the XL model has an MSRP of $37,165. An XLT version of this same configuration has an MSRP of $42,005. This is a difference of $4,840.
Granted, the XLT package has a few upgrades, including:
- Chrome front and rear bumpers
- Chrome grille
- Power side mirrors
- Power tailgate
- Fog lamps
- Power windows and locks
- Upgraded floor mats
- Rear window tint
- Adjustable seats
- Upgraded stereo
- Aluminum wheels
- Keyless entry
If you want each upgrade on this list, the XLT package is a pretty good deal. But what if you don’t? What if you want manual windows and locks because that’s one less thing to break? What if you don’t see much need for fog lights or chrome grilles? You could save thousands.
Installing Your Own Upgrades On A Basic Truck
You may be surprised by how cheap some upgrades are. Here are some of the most popular upgrades found on most fully loaded trucks. We also included approximate costs for these upgrades if you do them yourself:
- SiriusXM satellite radio in-car system: $50-$400 + monthly subscription
- Sun roof: $300-$900
- Front or backup camera: $40-$150
- Aluminum wheels: $85-$400 per wheel
- Chrome bumpers: $150-$500
- Heated seats: $50-$150
Another Way To Add The Upgrades You Want To A Basic Truck
If you don’t want to add upgrades to your truck yourself, you have another option: ask the dealer to do it for you. Many buyers don’t realize this, but most dealerships offer “secret menus” of add-ons for brand new vehicles. The most common “secret menu” add-ons include:
- Sunroof
- Leather seats
- Satellite radio
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Heated seats
- More
Buying a used truck? You can still ask the dealer to add some upgrades for you! Here’s a guide on negotiating satellite radio on your used car purchase.
Your Truck Would Be Truly Customized
Significant savings is not the only perk of adding the upgrades you want to a basic truck (instead of buying a fully loaded truck). Another perk is the fact that the truck is customized to your liking. You’ll put in exactly the upgrades you want, and that makes the truck truly yours. If you install the upgrades yourself, you may come to appreciate your truck more.
Are you interested in installing SirisXM in your truck? This post explains why a VAIS satellite radio adapter is the best way to add SiriusXM to your vehicle.
Categories: Aftermarket Stereo, Satellite Radio