Dye Autos Denver Area Truck and Automotive Blog
It’s Summer, the kids are out of school, and the open road is calling. Summer is the ideal time for an old-fashioned American road trip. We’ve compiled a list of the best Colorado Summer road trips in a pickup truck.
At Dye Autos, we’ve sold thousands of pickup trucks from light duty, to mid-size, to heavy duty…and everything in between. A lot of our customers are repeat buyers. They come back to us because they know we listen and we deliver. We’ve heard each customer’s reasons they buy… and one of the most common is, “I just want to have fun family vacations in my pickup truck!”
Colorado has so much to offer.
It’s difficult to narrow down the best Colorado Summer road trips in a pickup truck. After careful consideration, we decided to highlight three outings – short, medium and extended – that begin from the Denver area.
Today’s pickup trucks are versatile but choosing the right one for your trip can be overwhelming. We’ve created a pickup truck size comparison article to help you choose what’s right for you >>here<<.
Short Excursion to Eldorado State Park
When you are hiking in the solitude-filled Eldorado Canyon State Park, it’s hard to believe you are just 45 minutes from Denver.
A magnet for climbers from around the world, Eldorado features jaw-dropping cliffs that soar into the blue sky. As you gaze at the walls above you, you’ll start to spot tiny, bright-colored figures climbing the park’s 500-plus climbing routes.
Bring a picnic here [two grocery stores are 6 miles away, Lucky’s Market and King Soopers] and sit alongside South Boulder Creek to gaze up at the climbers. Or cast your line in the creek in search of brown and rainbow trout.
Explore the trails: Fowler Trail is an easy hike, while the more moderate Rattlesnake Gulch Trail starts in the canyon before climbing 1.4 miles up 800 feet to give you spectacular views.
Stop in the visitor center to buy a fishing license and get hiking information. The best time to visit Eldorado is during a weekday. If you go on a weekend, arrive early as the park often reaches capacity during Summer months.
Mid-Size Trek to State Forest State Park
Escape the crowds at Rocky Mountain State Park and head to State Forest State Park in Walden, a nice 3 hour drive from Denver. You’ll find peaks that reach to the sky, alpine lakes, and a mixture of camping, yurt and cabin rentals to match your family’s desires.
Take a hike less than a mile to Lake Agnes, an alpine lake filled with stunning turquoise waters. There’s actually an island in the middle of it.
Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for moose. The North Park area, where the park is located, is considered Colorado’s “moose capital” with more than 600 of the large animals living here. Stop at the Moose Visitor Center for maps, information and to view interpretive displays.
Full-Size Voyage to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park is one of America’s most breathtaking scenic treasures. Its narrow canyon walls stretch 2,700 feet high from the canyon bottom up to the sky. Five hours from Denver makes this trip perfect for a 2-3 or more day break.
Aside from its scenic splendor, the Black Canyon plays host to an amazing variety of outdoor adventures. In Summer, the park offers plentiful options for hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, and expert-level rock climbing.
Reconnect with friends during an overnight stay in the rustic camping area on the canyon rim, fish the Gold Medal waters of the Gunnison River in the canyon’s depths, and marvel at the celestial display in the night sky.
An International Dark Sky Park, the Black (as locals fondly refer to the canyon) offers not only a unique mosaic of beauty during the day, but paints a surreal lightscape at night.
Which trip sounds good to you?
Maybe all three of these places are calling your name. After all, what’s better than Colorado Summer road trips in a pickup truck?
Are you ready to go but need to consider replacing your current truck…or even getting into a pickup truck that would take you and your family on these trips…and so much more?
Regardless of the expedition you’re dreaming of, Dye Autos has a pickup truck to match. Contact us today via our website >>here<< or call us at (303) 286-1665.
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4th of July is right around the corner. You may be planning a big BBQ celebration or maybe just a small get together with the family. Either way, the best vehicle to have for 4th of July is a pickup truck. Here’s why.
1. A pickup truck is great for organizing the celebration.
Every successful July Fourth celebration requires a strong organizer. That’s where your pickup truck comes in. You’ll find lots of models that can easily haul ALL your barbecue prep (and still have room for more).
In fact, now that we are in the swing of Summer, your pickup truck can help you organize and handle lots of activities: camping, home improvement, kids camp, or even a nice date night after a long work week.
2. You can stretch out in the bed to watch fireworks.
What’s better than hanging out in your pickup truck under the stars to watch fireworks? No much. Whether it’s your neighbor’s annual 4th of July “Extravaganza” or a show at your local high school or college stadium, nothing beats a pickup truck for getting the best view possible!
You can celebrate our nation’s 242nd birthday by enjoying the sights and sounds of a community fireworks show at one of dozens of events in all corners of Colorado.
We’ve put together a list of places to watch fireworks in Denver below (click on each link for details). Here’s a link to all the places in the Colorado where you can enjoy fireworks >>Where to Watch 4th of July Fireworks in Colorado<<
WHAT: Independence Eve
WHERE: Civic Center Park
WHEN: July 3 with fireworks at 8 p.m.
WHAT: Elitch Gardens Fireworks Extravaganza
WHERE: Elitch Gardens
WHEN: July 4 with fireworks around 10 p.m.
WHAT: Colorado Rockies Fireworks
WHERE: Coors Field
WHEN: July 3 and July 4 with first pitch at 6:10 p.m., fireworks post game
WHAT: 4th of July Firework Spectacular
WHERE: Green Valley Ranch Golf Club
WHEN: July 4 with festivities at 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:35 p.m.
WHAT: Denver Outlaws Fourth of July Celebration
WHERE: Broncos Stadium at Mile High
WHEN: July 4 with game at 7 p.m., fireworks post game
3. Independence Day pickup truck specials.
If you’ve been in the market for a pickup truck, this is one of the best times of the year to buy one.
There’s a lot of buying and selling of pickup trucks this time of year and you can take advantage of that as you shop for your pickup truck. Dealers have a lot of used trucks and when inventory is high, deals are plentiful.
Like us at Dye Autos, we’ve got plenty of used pickup trucks available and we’re ready to make a deal in time for 4th of July. Call us at (303) 286-1665 or simply fill out this easy contact form >>here<<.
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Everybody wants the most money for their trade-in when they’re getting a new truck or car. Here are the specific steps you can take to increase the value of your trade-in and ensure you’re getting the maximum amount.
Secure your trade-in’s value from day one.
You can begin to increase the potential value of your trade-in long before the time comes to bring it to the dealership.
- Staying on top of regular maintenance items such as oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other preventive measures will increase your car’s value by extending its lifespan.
- Be sure to document all maintenance and repairs in your car’s service manual.
- If you always have the dealership you bought your car from handle maintenance work, that same dealership should be your first stop when it comes to trading in that vehicle. A dealer that is familiar with the work done on the car will be more inclined to provide a favorable valuation.
Pro Tip: Once you’ve traded in your old car, it’s never too early to think about the trade-in value of your new car.
Save all your repair and maintenance receipts.
If you complete any major repairs or purchase any big-ticket items (like new tires) within six months of trading in your car, be sure to save your receipts.
Document everything and you’ll have a better chance of leveraging your expenses as an investment in the car.
Use online tools to appraise your trade-in’s value.
Edmunds.com and kbb.com are two great resources to appraise your trade-in’s value.
Be honest with yourself about your car’s trade-in condition. The more forthright you are when using online appraisal tools, the better off you’ll be when it comes time to trade it in. Very often, people come into the dealership with an overly-optimistic idea of what their car is worth, only to find that reality is less optimistic.
If you’ve got a relationship with a dealer, ask them to appraise your car.
There’s absolutely no charge and the trust you’ve developed over the years equates to a number you both can live with.
At Dye Autos in Wheat Ridge, we’re happy to appraise your car. Just give us a call at (303) 286-1665 or use our easy contact form >>here<<.
If you don’t have a relationship with a dealer, shop around.
Having multiple trade-in offers will help you understand your vehicle’s actual value. With that number in hand, you’re less likely to be talked into taking less for your trade-in when you’re buying your new car.
Pack all your trade-in’s accessories.
Trading in your car means you are trading in everything that goes along with it. Make sure the original owner’s manual and any extra keys are in the vehicle when you arrive at the dealership. Dealers like used cars that still have all the accessories and may even give you a better deal on your trade when everything is there.
Bonus Tip: Bring all vehicle paperwork with you.
Dealers love it when you have all the documents ready to trade-in your car. It makes it easier for them to process your info with the DMV and leaves less room for error once the DMV receives your information.
You will need:
- Certificate of title (if you don’t have it, the DMV can tell you how to get it replaced). Note: if you have an outstanding loan on the vehicle, this will not apply since the bank has your certificate of title.
- Current registration.
- If you still have a loan on the car, you’ll need to have your account number or a payment stub.
- Maintenance records. These help support your claims about whatever prior damage your car has had and the repairs it has undergone.
How do you choose the best pickup truck for your needs? Answer the following seven questions and you’ll be much better equipped to decide when it comes time to buy.
1. Do you prefer a specific brand?
Is there a manufacturer that you’re partial to? Start with that brand.
If you haven’t shopped in awhile, keep your options open because your favorite brand many have changed specs and another brand might be a better option.
2. What do you plan on carrying or hauling?
How you plan to use the pickup truck will steer you through many of the choices and help you narrow the field.
- Towing a boat or Jet Ski? You might need four-wheel drive to gain traction on slippery boat ramps.
- Pulling a very large mobile home, you might need a “dually” (two rear wheels per side) for towing stability.
If you just like the idea of driving a pickup truck and don’t really plan on hauling anything major, a midsize truck such as the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado or Ford Ranger would be suitable considerations.
3. Compact, midsize or full size pickup truck?
Compact pickup trucks are smaller in scale than their larger size counterparts. They can usually tow up to about 3,000 pounds, a weight that accommodates many trailers and handles most boat towing tasks.
If you have heavier towing needs, move up to a mid-size or full-size truck.
Keep in mind that trucks considered ‘small’ in the past have grown in size and towing capability over the last decade.
Mid-size pickups can be closer in size and abilities to either a compact or to a full-size truck. Comparing models on dealer lots is the best way to understand how they actually look when placed side by side.
Dye Autos sells lots of pickup trucks and we can help you compare. Check out our post on pickup truck comparisons >>here<< and get in touch with us >>here<<
4. Standard, extended or crew cab?
How many people need to ride with you? Most manufacturers offer three cab sizes:
- Standard cab is the classic work truck with a single row of seating and limited space between the seats.
- Extended cab has jump seats or a bench seat behind the front seats. ProTip: Be sure to sit in the back while someone else drives the vehicle so that you have a feel for how it feels to ride in the back. Most extended cab seats are utilitarian and not intended for comfort during a long ride.
- Crew-cab trucks have four full-size doors and a generous backseat roomy enough for cross-country travel. Crew cabs are gaining in popularity now that many drivers use pickup trucks as their primary vehicle.
5. Standard or long bed?
The bed sizes vary slightly by manufacturer but are approximately 5.5 feet, 6.5 feet and 8 feet. Though it’s nice to have lots of room for cargo, combining a crew cab with an 8-foot bed might mean you can’t put the truck in your garage.
6. Planning on towing a trailer?
How much weight do you need to pull? Check the towing capacity of the pickup trucks you’re considering to make sure each one meets your needs.
You’ll need to find out the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of what you’re going to tow.
You’ll find this on the trailer “VIN plate” (Vehicle Identification Number) or by contacting the trailer manufacturer. The GVWR is the dry weight of the trailer (empty weight) plus the maximum allowed payload.
- Your trailer may be as little as a 12-ft pop-up camper with a GVWR of under 3,000 lbs.
- Perhaps, it’s a behemoth conventional camping trailer that is 40-ft long and approaching 14,000 lbs GVWR.
- How about a triple-axle 43-ft long 5th-wheel toy hauler that is pushing a total weight rating of 20,000 lbs?
- It may be a large boat, a cargo trailer, or a horse trailer.
Figure out the GVWR of the trailer, as well as the loaded weight of your specific setup.
7. What’s your budget?
Pickup truck prices vary greatly. Knowing what you can spend is the first step.
It’s important to understand your budget and match it with the kind of truck you want. There are many options to choose from it’s crucial to set your expectations. While the most expensive pickup trucks can make you salivate, their price tag won’t.
At Dye Autos, we’ve got many pickup trucks under $20,000. We’re ready to help you determine which used pickup truck works for your lifestyle and your financial needs.
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Your credit report is one of the most important elements of your financial life. Whether you’re buying a home or car or qualifying for a new apartment, your credit report influences decisions. We sell a lot of used trucks and cars, and we’ve learned over the years that used car shoppers need to know about credit reports.
Knowing what’s in your credit report saves time and money. You make better decisions and things go smoother when you’re at the dealership.
Here are some tidbits you should know.
You can obtain a free copy of your credit report.
FTC (Federal Trade Commission) Website: You’re entitled to one free copy of your credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies. Order online from annualcreditreport.com, the only authorized website for free credit reports, or call 1-877-322-8228. You will need to provide your name, address, social security number, and date of birth to verify your identity.
Some states like Colorado have laws that allow you to get a free credit report in addition to the free annual credit report you’re entitled to by Federal law.
Always know your credit score.
If you plan on using financing to buy a used pickup truck, your credit score is key to getting the lowest interest rates. Your credit score is a three-digit number that uses your credit information to assess how risky a borrower you are, and it can significantly influence how lenders decide the terms of your loan.
The higher your credit score, the lower your risk and the lower your interest rate. The lower your credit score, the riskier you are and the higher your interest rates. Be proactive in checking your credit score beforehand so you know where your credit stands before you apply for a loan.
Take advantage of Fair Isaac’s free credit education.
Put some time into understanding how credit works and how your credit scores will be impacted by your actions—late payments, opening a new line of credit, etc.
Fair Isaac Tools—creators of the FICO credit score—have several tools that can help you understand credit scores, including a free credit score estimator and a loan savings calculator.
All the “Credit Basics” are located at myfico.com
Understand all the ways you can boost your credit.
Here are the ways to bring up your credit score:
- Make sure your open accounts are in good standing.
- Pay all your bills on time – even those that aren’t’ on your report.
- Keep accounts out of collections.
- Reduce your balances and keep them low.
- Make sure your credit limits are reported correctly.
- Leave old accounts open and keep them active.
- Open new accounts sparingly.
- Have different types of accounts.
- Clean up any negative items.
Used car shoppers need to know about credit reports.
Because so many businesses use your credit report to make decisions about you, it’s important that you check your credit report at least once a year to be sure the information in your credit report is accurate.
Need help with choosing your dream pickup truck or car that fits your budget? Dye Autos can help. Get in touch through our site >>here<< or give us a call at (303) 286-1665!
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