Compare the exact truck, not just its name
Start a shortlist with the model year, engine, transmission and drivetrain of each truck. A familiar badge can cover several different configurations. Use the EPA comparison tool to find the entry matching the truck you are considering rather than using a rating for a different engine.
Choose the city, highway or combined figure that best describes your normal driving. Write the fuel type beside it. A useful comparison needs both trucks measured on the same basis, with the same annual mileage and fuel-price assumption.
Calculate a budget you can adjust
Estimate annual gallons by dividing your yearly miles by the selected mpg figure, then multiply by your assumed price per gallon. Change those assumptions to see what a longer commute would mean. Treat the result as a planning estimate, not a promised fuel bill.
Put asking price, insurance and expected maintenance beside that estimate. Ask about modifications, tire sizes and service records on the individual truck. Decide whether any saving in fuel would justify a higher purchase price within your own budget.
Keep the job in the comparison
List what you carry and tow before choosing a smaller or more efficient configuration. Check the truck's labels and manufacturer documentation for the applicable limits; an mpg figure does not establish payload or towing capability. Include the people and equipment you normally take with you.
During your visit, check access to the bed, cab space and parking fit. Ask Picasso Imports to confirm the configuration and availability of any current listing. The right shortlist combines a usable truck with a fuel budget you understand.