Pickup trucks are easily one of man’s most useful inventions. You can use them for off-roading, helping people move, as a work vehicle on a farm or ranch, or as a work vehicle as a small business owner. The point is, trucks are incredibly versatile and useful.
Unfortunately, however, brand new trucks are also expensive – that’s why many people choose to buy a used truck.
With a used truck, however, you have to be sure of what you’re getting when you sign on the dotted line. Trucks are often used for laborious work. While they’re designed for just that sort of thing, if they aren’t well maintained, it could mean trouble down the road.
Take a quick look at our used truck buyer’s guide to make sure you have it down to a science!
Tips for Buying a Used Truck
As we suggested above, you need to know what you’re getting into when buying a used truck. However, there’s a lot more to it than that. Buying a vehicle of any kind requires doing your homework and being financially aware.
Check out these top 10 tips for buying a used truck!
- Know Your Budget
First, you need to know your budget. How much can you spend on a used truck and how much do you want to spend. Remember, just because you’re approved for a certain amount, it doesn’t mean you should spend that much.
We recommend getting pre-approved before you even start shopping for a used truck, just so you know what to look for. The last thing you need is to fall in love with a truck only to find out it’s out of your price range.
- Have a Down Payment
If you want to keep your interest rate down low, it’s always a good idea to put some money down on a vehicle. Your good deal on a used truck could be a lot more expensive over the years if your interest rate is high.
If it means saving up for a while before you start shopping, perhaps that’s what you should do.
- Know What You Want
One of the most important things about buying a used truck is knowing exactly what you want.
What are you going to be using the truck for? How much towing and hauling capacity do you need? How big of a cab, bed, or wheels do you want?
These are important questions to ask yourself before you start shopping. Narrow it down so you avoid wasting time looking at trucks that don’t suit your needs.
- Be Ready to Compromise or Walk Away
Once you have your budget and needs determined, you can start shopping around. However, make sure you are ready to compromise if necessary. For example, if you didn’t want to spend more than $25,000 but found the perfect truck for $25,999, it’s okay to bend a bit.
However, you also need to know when to walk away. If the dealership doesn’t have what you need, don’t get talked into buying something else, no matter how cool the 2019 Mustang is! Perhaps that can be a purchase at a later time.
- Shop Around
Next, you want to know you’re getting the best deal. It’s a little more tricky when buying a used truck because there are a lot of factors that go into determining its value. Mileage, damages, accident history, condition, and more go into a car’s worth.
Shop around, but keep it to reputable dealerships. These types of dealerships have well-trained and honest staff members whose main goal is to help you get the best used truck for your needs and budget.
- Get a History Report
Any used truck should come with a vehicle history report. This is important in determining if the truck has ever seen an accident or had any major damage.
A vehicle history report will also tell you how many owners the used truck has had, if it was ever a vehicle used for leasing, etc.
- Get It Checked by a Mechanic
If possible, when considering a used truck, have it checked out by a mechanic. Most dealerships have their own in-house mechanics who give vehicles a thorough look before they go out on the lot.
Additionally, sticking with a reputable dealership will help you avoid having any nasty surprises with a used truck.
- Know the Mileage and Check the Tires
One of the biggest factors that affect a used truck’s price is its mileage. However, keep in mind that diesel engines are different from gasoline engines, especially when it comes to mileage.
Also, a well-maintained truck with 150,000 miles on it may be more reliable than a poorly maintained truck with 80,000.
Before signing on the dotted line, you also want to check the tires. A good dealership is unlikely to send you off the lot with worn-out tires. However, it never hurts to take a look and you may be able to barter for new tires or a lower price.
- Check for Rust
Depending on where you live, vehicles may be more prone to rusting out. Most newer trucks are built with rust-resistant metals and even have guarantees. However, rust is like a contagious disease – it will spread.
The most important place to check for rust is the frame. There’s also the underbelly and the body.
- Consider Other Expenses
Finally, when buying a used truck, you need to consider all the other expenses that come along with it. This includes liability and comprehensive insurance, and registration costs.
Newer vehicles can be quite expensive to register and insure. Make sure you made room in your budget!
Down the Road
If you’re buying a used truck from us, you know you’re in good hands. It’s important to us that every customer walks away satisfied with their new vehicle. However, it’s also important to us that your truck serves you well down the road.
If you’re ready to get into a new truck, our dealership is more than happy to help you out! Please, feel free to contact us with any questions!
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