Trucks are hardy, versatile, and a very useful resource. They can do some heavy lifting, have a lot of space, are great for family trips, and easy to maintain as well. But they’re very expensive. You could always buy a used truck. Remember to check the following things before you buy one.
Price
Don’t compare used trucks with the given price. The price of any used truck includes any repairs it needs or any improvements required for you to use it properly. Be aware of the full cost.
Sellers
A private seller has intimate knowledge about the truck they’re selling. But you buy it on an “as is” basis. This means you get no warranties. Dealerships offer variety, warranties, and inspection certifications, trade-in options, and more legal protection. But you have to deal with salespeople and higher prices.
Title
Even before you negotiate the price, check the truck’s title. You’ll learn about its ownership and its condition. Only go for a truck that has a clean title. Everything else is too risky.
Needs
Understand your needs and purposes and which truck will fulfill them. If it’s for family, prioritize space and comfort; if it’s for work, prioritize torque, hauling, and towing capacity. Don’t buy more trucks than you need.
Preferences
You may prefer an off-road-ready vehicle, but don’t compromise on highway comfort. You may want a large truck, but you may not have the maintenance budget or the parking space. Consider how easy your purchase will be to live with.
Test-Drive
Test-drive it to see if it’s a good fit for you. Not a short spin, but a long drive that allows you to get to know the truck and run tests in similar conditions it would encounter if it were yours. You’ll need to evaluate every single feature carefully.
History
Check the vehicle history report to ensure that the truck is sound in every way. Look for replaced parts, accidents, maintenance records, number of owners, etc. Check if that model has had recalls in the past. Find out what it was used for to see if it experienced damage in its life. Check under the truck for damage. New parts or paint is a red flag.
