Used Trucks: The Secrets to Finding a Great Purchase

You have to be a savvy consumer to get a great deal on a used truck. When it comes to used trucks, navigating the best deals comes with its own set of considerations and challenges. The market can be difficult without knowledge, so every little bit of research plays a role.

What Are Your Needs?

Before you start looking for used pickup trucks, define your personal needs. This prevents you from ‘window shopping’ and getting overwhelmed with things that shouldn’t be on your radar. A window shopper mentality will lead to spending way over budget on a vehicle you don’t even want. There are stories of consumers that prioritized buying a used truck, yet somehow left the lot with a 2-door coupe hybrid. Solidifying your needs before shopping will not only save you money, but it will prevent the most common mistakes of used truck purchases.

Budget Concerns

Budgets can be firm, yet flexible. The problem here is that flexibility often goes out of the window when you decide to ‘give an inch’. One of the quickest ways to blow through a budget is by looking beyond the base model. Not everyone needs a fully loaded truck, and there are plenty of people that have never used the sunroof on their vehicle – despite paying a premium for the feature. Don’t get caught up in the trim level game, and your budgetary concerns will balance out towards the features you will actually use.

Brands And Models

Brands have specific things that they are known for, but their year-to-year models may not reflect that. One year a Ford may dominate the headlines with their towing power. And in another year, Chevrolet will redesign its flagship model to offer better consumer variety. Then there are brands like Ram that are not afraid to play around with hybrid powertrain setups. The point is that every brand is capable of creating something great, so it would be a mistake to never look beyond their name. Pair the brands and models together to get a clearer picture of which used truck will be the best value.  

Vehicle History Report

The VIN number will provide a gateway of information about the vehicle since it first came off of the production line. All of the essential information you need to avoid a bad purchase is right here! Title status, accident history, repairs and maintenance are all listed as part of the status. You can even take a quick glance at the number of previous owners that have driven the vehicle. There is a high preference for one-owner vehicles since it means less undocumented changes. But if you’re really into the purchase, there is some flexibility in this area as long as the VIN information is available.

The Interior Inspection

Trucks are known for having the best center console in the industry. That is why it’s so easy to get wrapped up in all of the bells and whistles. Vehicle makers have a ton of space to work with, and they work hard to make the most of it. As a buyer, the first glance will leave you in awe of the screen size, dash instruments, wheel position, storage space and more. Don’t let this moment of greatness distract you from small things like a peeling leather seat, one of the windows not going down, or a specific dash warning light that won’t go away.

Modern trucks have advanced sensors, and will always warn you when something is wrong. Bring along an OB2 code reader to check out any warning codes that will change your purchase decision. This cheap little tool is also the quickest way to see if a previous owner erased an important code that could impact the drivability of the truck.

The Exterior Story

While some truck buyers don’t do their due diligence to check the interior, the exterior is the complete opposite story. This is where a lot of overanalyzing takes place and leads to buyers talking themselves out of a purchase. When the Hemi was at its highest popularity, used versions would sometimes have a ticking sound. Despite the alarming sound, the Hemi tick was not an engine issue. In many cases, a few loose bolts needed to be tightened and the sound went away. It was minor enough to be missed by current owners, but caused a bit of paranoia in potential used truck buyers to ward them off of a purchase. When checking out the exterior, it is better to ask questions instead of letting your paranoia get the best of your buying decision.

What’s Under the Hood?

Plenty of buyers look underneath the hood of a truck without knowing what to look for. If it is clean, they consider everything to be in order. The hood check should be about looking for worn out parts, signs of a leak, corrosion and rust. Hood checks became particularly important in areas where flooding was a seasonal issue. Signs of rust (and a quick check of the VIN) would point to situations that should be avoided. You don’t need to be a mechanic to notice under the hood problems, but you do need to be diligent in how you check for the details.

Certified Pre-Owned as An Alternative

There is nothing wrong with buying a used truck. But if you need more reassurance about a used purchase, consider certified pre-owned trucks as an alternative. They have an identifiable history, are in better condition and usually come with a deeper warranty. This has been the go-to option for consumers that want the appeal of a used vehicle without the cost of a new one. As a bonus, you get low miles, and sometimes the original warranty will get transferred over automatically. If you’re interested in certified pre-owned, make sure to ask about specific brands or models.

Be Patient

By doing your due diligence, a used truck purchase will always be a good deal. Don’t rush into a decision, and never let a salesman get the upper hand. By following these tips, you will leave any car lot with a reliable and suitable used truck.

Here are some other articles related to your search:

• Truck Accidents: Determining Liability Is Not Easy

• 5 Tips on How To Prolong the Lifespan of Your Truck

• Features to Look For in a Truck Bed Liner