Here is what you need to know if you consider buying a used truck

As everything else, buying a used big rig can be a lot easier if you do your homework in advance. Because, let’s face it, buying anything previously owned and used can be more on the gambling side of things. Sometimes you will get the best for your money, but if you don’t do the necessary research, you can quickly find yourself stuck with a vehicle that causes more problems. 

However, you don’t have to rely on your luck, when buying used truck. We will help you with some tips for getting the best for your buck with making a good research beforehand.

Research and look for the truck that meets your needs

New rigs can be considered a bit overpriced, so not every new owner-operator is ready or has the needed financial power to pay such price. This is why most newcomers to the business choose to start with a used rig. However, before you start looking at prices and deals, first you should consider what type of truck you need. What will your work involve? Are you going to do long hauls? Short hauls? Do you need a flatbed truck?

It’s all about the proper specs of the vehicle. Sure, you may find some good deals out there, but do these trucks suit your job? If you are going to haul heavy loads, an underpowered truck won’t cut it. So be smart about it.

This is what you need to look for in a used truck

First of all, you need to pay attention to the maintenance of the rig – take a look at the list of scheduled maintenance, get to know the engine history, how many miles etc. If the engine hasn’t been maintained in a proper state, you may find yourself in a need of a new engine sooner than you wished.

Here is what you need to ask for:

• What is due for replacing soon?
• How often was the oil changed?
• Can I have copies of the maintenance records?
• Do the tires need changing?
• Are there problems with the engine?

You will also need to check the state of the rear-ends, drive train, transmission, suspension etc.

If you have the complete picture, you can make a more informed decision and also set aside some additional budget for repairs if needed.

Steer away from one and done trucks

Not all trucks are made the same. Some models have a relatively short life and a big drop in quality once a certain period of time and usage has passed. Make a research of the model – are there many deals with the same model? Usually this is not a good sign. If many people are selling the same model truck, well, maybe this rig should not be your first choice no matter the price.

Buying directly from a fleet

Purchasing a fleet tractor has its pros and cons. First of all, most fleets sell their rigs when they are updating to more current models. This means you can get a good deal on a truck that is not too old. Also, fleet owners usually keep a lot of information on their trucks, so you will have no problem receiving everything you need – mechanical history, proof of regular maintenance etc.

However, sometimes there are truckers that don’t take as much care of a company truck as they would do if it was their own. So, you should keep this in mind when buying a fleet tractor.

There you have it, some tips for making the best decision when buying used rigs. Remember, though, it all depends on your research. Be aware of what you need and make sure you have the whole information before making a decision. After all, this is very important, so don’t skip any steps.