best type of car for construction industry in CO (sale, how much)

[KStoCO]

Hello, I will be moving to CO this next summer and will begin my career in the Construction industry. I'm on the search for a used car. I've been doing some research to see what people suggest for driving around in Colorado and have seen several different options. However since I will be working in construction my needs are slightly different. I've always wanted a Chevy Silverado and was planning on getting one(figured it would be best for work), however I'm wondering if that would be the best option for Colorado winters. I've looked into the Toyota 4Runner as well, just always liked Chevy and GMC though. Overall I need something that will be good for hauling, getting roughed up a bit, taking up the mountains, and going off-road for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities.

[pikabike]

Originally Posted by KStoCO

Hello, I will be moving to CO this next summer and will begin my career in the Construction industry. I'm on the search for a used car. I've been doing some research to see what people suggest for driving around in Colorado and have seen several different options. However since I will be working in construction my needs are slightly different. I've always wanted a Chevy Silverado and was planning on getting one(figured it would be best for work), however I'm wondering if that would be the best option for Colorado winters. I've looked into the Toyota 4Runner as well, just always liked Chevy and GMC though. Overall I need something that will be good for hauling, getting roughed up a bit, taking up the mountains, and going off-road for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities.

It's for work; get a pickup truck with a long enough bed for your needs, not an SUV. You can add a tonneau, a topper, or just a tarp if you need to cover things. There is even a canvas topper made that can be removed more easily than a hard topper.

If you frequent the mountains, you will want 4WD. Possibly a set of chains also.

[sunsprit]

You wrote: "Overall I need something that will be good for hauling, getting roughed up a bit, taking up the mountains, and going off-road for camping, hiking and other outdoor activities."

Your scenario is a 4x4 pick-up truck.

A 1/2 ton gasoline powered full-size would be an entry level rig, depending upon how much "hauling" capacity you need.

[alloo66]

Toyota Tundra!

[sunsprit]

Originally Posted by alloo66

Toyota Tundra!

LOL ... there's many reasons why you don't see these trucks in the parking lots of work sites, or at livestock sale barns or events, or in just about any situation where a "work truck" is put to work ... they just don't deliver on the requirements of a work truck in today's marketplace.

and they have a track record of some rather serious defects/problems compared to the Big 3 domestic trucks (which aren't perfect, either ... but still do a far better job when it comes to working trucks)

do your due diligence when it comes to the "tools of your trade" ... you're seeking a service vehicle for your construction job.

PS: the Toyota V-8's/transmission combinations don't appear to be competitive when it comes to fuel economy, either.

[himain]

Truck

[brown_dog_us]

As someone who has spent most of their adult life in construction I'm a bit confused. Do you plan to work with your hands or be a foreman? If it's foreman, then get a 4wd suv or truck. If you will be working with your hands, then go with a 4wd truck if you haul material or a van if you haul tools/equipment. It's tough to find a 4wd van. Also, your construction vehicle will generally get abused and overtime look rather bad. Don't spend money on a purdy truck.

[Dirty-Mill]

I occasionally work at construction sites... I see everything from old beat up Honda Civics to $50,000 full size trucks. I guess it depends strongly on what exactly you do. Some people have full sized vans and trailers filled with tools and others just walk on to the job site with a small amount of hand tools. I Personally would go with the most cost effective (and dependable) vehicle you can find that can get the job done. I have a friend that actually went from a giant truck to a small 4 cylinder after he got sick of spending so much on gas to go from site to site. My sisters ex was a steel worker and drove a 4 cylinder station wagon. Another friend was given a company truck to use for work and personal use.

Maybe once you have a job ask what type of vehicle you need. Your manager might say just get something dependable that will get you to the job site on time.