What to Look For When Buying a Used Truck
What to Look For When Buying a Used Truck
Posted on April 20, 2020
There sometimes seems to be a stigma attached to buying a used vehicle. However, because new vehicles are becoming increasingly expensive, many customers are starting to buy more and more used pickup trucks. And while there are some used vehicles that are not of very high quality, there are still quite a few used pickup trucks out there that are in great shape and excellent condition.
Because the used truck sector has become more and more popular, many used car dealers are starting to have more used truck options than ever before. Because there are so many options to choose from, it can seem overwhelming to try and figure out which used truck would be best for you. Here are a few general rules that you can follow when looking for your next used pickup truck to ensure that your new vehicle will be able to fit your needs and last for many years to come.
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What Did the Previous Owner use the Truck For?
When buying a used truck it is important to know what the truck as primarily used for by the previous owner. This will help you to have a better idea of what kind of condition it is in currently. For instance, if the truck was used for commercial use, there is a good chance that it was driven by a variety of people and could have a lot of miles on them. However, just because a truck was used commercially does not necessarily mean that it is in bad condition. In fact, companies that have vehicles that are used solely for work purposes will usually ensure that their trucks get maintenance regularly in order to keep their own business and operations running smoothly. You don't have to avoid trucks that were used commercially, but it is recommended that you have them looked at by a professional mechanic in order to ensure that they have been serviced regularly.
Additionally, a truck that has been used primarily as an off-road truck also needs to be inspected before you purchase it. If you happen to see a lot of scratches and dings on a truck, there is a good chance that the truck has seen its fair share of off-road trails. Again, this doesn't mean that you have to completely avoid the truck but having a qualified mechanic check the undercarriage to ensure that there is no hidden damage on the truck is always advised.
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Warranty
One of the things that makes buying a brand new truck so desirable is the fact that all new vehicles come with some type of warranty.
However, just because you are buying a used truck does not mean that it will not come with a manufacturer's warranty. Many automobile manufacturers provide a comprehensive warranty with each of the vehicles they sell. And many times, these warranties are completely transferrable. This means that when you buy the truck, you get you still get the warranty for the remainder of the time that is left on it.
Before deciding which used truck to buy, be sure to ask your dealer if any of the used trucks come with a warranty.
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Flood Damage
Flood damage can be disastrous for a vehicle. Most vehicles are not made to be submerged in water. If the truck has been completely submerged in water, it could cause vital electrical components not to work properly. Most used car dealers will not try to resell a truck that has been involved in a flood. However, if you try to buy a car from a private seller, they may be able to clean the car up enough so that the flood damage his not noticeable.
Most trucks that have had extensive flood damage will have a "savaged type." This means that the truck had an extensive amount of damage and was reamed a total loss. When buying any type of used vehicle, you want to make sure that it has a clean title.
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Consider Your Needs
This may go without saying, but before you purchase a used truck, you need to decide how the truck will be used and what features are most important to you.
If you want can work hard and frequently haul heavy loads then you should look for a truck that has lot horsepower and torque. On the other hand, if your truck will primarily be used as a family vehicle, then you will want to look at used trucks that offer plenty of interior space and entertainment features.
Once you have decided what features are most important to you, you will be able to narrow down your options, which will make shopping for a new truck not seem nearly as overwhelming.
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Think About Bed Size
In addition to the power train and interior space, you should also consider what size of bed you will need on your truck. Truck beds generally come in three different sizes: short, standard, and long. A long bed usually has a length of around 8-feet. A regular bed usually measures around 6 feet, 8 inches. And a short bed is about 5 feet, 8 inches long.
Obviously, longer beds are able to carry more cargo. However, shorter beds are easier to maneuver in and out of tight parking spaces.
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Don't Forget to Take the Used Truck For a Test Drive
Whether you are buying a used or new vehicle, if you are thinking about buying the vehicle, it is important to always take it for a test drive first. This will allow you to test certain aspects of the truck, like the breaks and the steering wheel. It is hard to fully test everything out in a short drive. Instead of driving just around the block, see if you can drive the truck for at least 10 to 15 minutes. By taking the truck for a longer drive, you will be able to detect any problem areas that the truck may have.
Choose the Right Dealership When Buying a Used Truck
At Lethbridge Trucktown, we have one of the largest selections of used cars, trucks, and SUVs. Every one of our vehicles goes through extensive inspections by our experienced and knowledgeable service department. If you have any questions about any of the vehicles that we offer, please feel free to contact us today.
