Buyers spend more time shopping and researching used vehicles than new vehicles. This has decreased in recent years, and, on average, a person spends about 14 minutes deciding which vehicle they want. This is more than likely due to the vast amount of information that is available online.
Whether you spend 14 minutes or longer when shopping for a vehicle, there are some things you need to consider before buying used trucks. Read on to discover what seven of these are.
- Know Why You Need a Truck
The first thing you need to consider before buying a truck is determining what you need it for. Do you need it for work? Will you be using your vehicle to haul a camper, boat, or other toys for some weekend fun? Are you using it as a daily commuter?
Being able to answer these questions will help you find a truck that will work for you.
- Consider the Features
Once you have decided why you need a truck, you need to start thinking about what features you want it to have.
There are a wide variety of features for trucks, and some are more luxurious than others. Maybe you want heated or cooled seats. Perhaps you are looking for a rear backup camera or the most advanced safety features.
You might only be using your truck to haul items to the dump, so you don’t need anything fancy.
It may not be possible to find a used truck with all of the features you want, but you always have the option of adding aftermarket options if you so choose. These will cost, so keep that in mind when shopping for used trucks.
- Create a Budget
Knowing how much you can spend on a vehicle is a huge part of the buying process. If you’re like most people, you only have a limited amount of money to use for monthly payments.
When it comes to used truck prices, these can vary widely. Some of the factors that impact the price of a used truck include the year, make and model, features, and how many miles it has.
Buying a used truck can be more budget-friendly than buying a brand-new vehicle, but you want to be able to afford it. In addition to thinking about the monthly payment, you’ll also need to consider how much it will cost to fill the truck up with fuel and your insurance premiums.
Taking the time to create a budget and figure out exactly how much you can afford is the best way to find the used truck that will work for your budget.
- Ask About the Truck’s Maintenance and Repair History
Trucks are durable and strong, but they can still experience breakdowns and will need repairs to keep them in optimum running condition. Before making a final decision on a used truck, ask about the maintenance history for trucks and about any repairs.
Should you notice that one area of the truck has needed more repairs more than others, this could be a weak point on the vehicle. You can probably expect that this will continue to give you issues in the future.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that the truck had regular oil changes and tire rotations and that the brakes were checked.
Consider taking the truck to a mechanic before you buy and have them inspect it. If you are buying the truck from a reputable dealer, ask about their used vehicle certification process. You may be able to see their repair report to know if repairs occurred before the vehicle was placed on the lot for sale.
More Miles Could Mean More Problems
It’s also a good idea to look at mileage. Trucks with a lot of miles could experience more issues than those with fewer.
It’s important to keep in mind that both new and used vehicles can experience issues at any point in their life — mileage and previous repairs aren’t indicators of future problems. However, if a truck was regularly maintained, this could be an indicator that it has a lot of miles left in it.
- Know What the Truck Has Been Through
In addition to looking at the maintenance and repair history, it’s also helpful if you ask about what the truck has been through.
Rental or commercial trucks could have been driven hard. If they were used for heavy-duty work, this could have subjected their components to a lot of strain. This could lead to part failure.
Trucks can handle tough jobs, but you don’t want to buy a used one that has been through the wringer and back. Talking to sellers and asking about the truck’s history is the best way to find out if the truck is a good deal or not.
- Check for Rust
Rust is like cancer on vehicles. A small spot can quickly turn into a large issue. Before buying a used truck, take the time to look for rust.
Not only should you be looking in obvious areas, but also take the time to look under the vehicle and in the engine compartment as well. If you notice any rust, unless you are getting a really good price on the vehicle, it’s in your best interest to keep looking.
- Make Sure it Handles Well
Test driving a used truck is the best way to determine how it handles and how it makes you feel.
You should feel comfortable in your truck. That includes while driving as well as when you are a passenger. You should also feel safe and in control while you are behind the wheel. You can learn a lot from a test drive, so take the time to take the used truck out on the road.
Consider These Factors Before Buying Used Trucks
When it comes to buying used trucks, you need to find the one that will work for you. At Homer Skelton, we have a wide variety of used trucks to choose from. We want to help you find the one that is right for your personal or commercial needs.
Whether it takes you 14 minutes or longer to decide which truck you want, our friendly, knowledgeable sales staff will be with you every step of the way. Contact us today to find the used truck that will fit your wants, needs, and budget!
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