{"id":3561,"date":"2021-09-15T12:06:40","date_gmt":"2021-09-15T02:06:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/?p=3561"},"modified":"2021-09-15T12:11:01","modified_gmt":"2021-09-15T02:11:01","slug":"the-five-things-you-need-to-consider-before-buying-a-used-truck","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/the-five-things-you-need-to-consider-before-buying-a-used-truck\/","title":{"rendered":"The Five Things You Need to Consider Before Buying a Used Truck"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some truckers swear by their old IVECO or SCANIA over newer models. But is a used truck a good choice for you?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to buying a truck, people often include used trucks in their options. After all, there are advantages to getting a used truck. One of which is the lower cost &#8211; something that some people see as a critical upside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, you also need to keep in mind there\u2019s some mileage on a truck that might have taken some pounding.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As such, you want to ensure that there aren\u2019t any significant issues with the truck, or else it could cost you dearly. Worse, your used truck may let you down in the middle of the road.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is why careful scrutiny is a must.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With that said, what are the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">questions to ask when buying a used truck<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What to Check When Buying a Used Truck<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Will You Use the Truck?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you look for a used truck, you need to first determine your towing needs and the average distance travelled on a weekly or monthly basis. That will help you determine the ideal towing capacity and engine power.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can go above what you require, but you probably do not want to settle for less. After all, you\u2019re bound to run into situations where extra power and capacity will come in handy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, gas mileage might be worse with powerful used trucks, though there are newer models that are more fuel-efficient.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The bottom line is that you should aim for a good balance of features that would allow you to get the job done.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Else (If Anything) Is Included in the Deal?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re wondering <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to negotiate when buying a used truck<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, start by asking about the extras. You might be able to drive the price down if there\u2019s nothing else in the deal but the truck.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the other hand, a lot of dealers perform inspections on their used trucks and fix any defects to make them roadworthy. That\u2019s why, ideally, you will shortlist used trucks that have also gone through an MoT or get the dealer to do it for you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep in mind that your used truck should come with a warranty from the dealer. While it won\u2019t be anything like the one that comes with new trucks, reputable dealers may offer a three-month warranty or more on the truck\u2019s key components such as:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Differentials and axles<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Engine\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gearbox<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some may even throw in roadside assistance during the warranty period.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does the Truck Look Like Under the Hood?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s a good idea to create a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">checklist for buying a used truck<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> so that you won\u2019t miss anything. In particular, you want to come up with a list of what you need to inspect, especially under the hood.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can do your inspection this way:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<ul style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you take a look under the hood, you\u2019ll want to do it in daylight. It\u2019s because artificial light can conceal defects even if the lot is well lit.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you open the hood, unscrew the radiator cap and take a look. The coolant fluid is usually green, so any odd colour may indicate an engine that\u2019s prone to overheating.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Move on to the air filter next. It shouldn\u2019t be too dusty, as with the engine\u2019s surface.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice large deposits of oil and grease on the engine, that\u2019s a clear indication that the truck hasn\u2019t been adequately cared for.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should also start the engine and listen to it. Try to determine if there are strange noises. A pronounced thud or knock may point to a faulty crankshaft or bearings.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keep looking if you\u2019re not fully satisfied with the results of your inspection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Does the Truck Look Like on the Outside?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspect the truck\u2019s panels and openings. The former should fit snugly, without any cracks or gaps in the joints.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also, check the doors and underside for signs of rust. When you run your hand along the edges, everything should feel smooth, as anything rough is a sign of corrosion or rust.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next, climb up on the roof of the truck and look for raised spots that would indicate there\u2019s rust underneath. If you see anything of the sort, you should take a closer look.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Next up, check the tires for tread wear and leakage. There shouldn\u2019t be excessive brake fluid or grease around the tires.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Last by not least, get in the cabin and inspect all the switches, including those for lights, indicators, windows, AC, and such. Any defects there should be a quick fix, except perhaps the AC. But you may want to avoid any repairs if at all possible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What is the Truck\u2019s Service History?<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do you know <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">what to ask when buying a used truck<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, especially if you\u2019ve found one that you really like?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its service history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That\u2019s critical because you don\u2019t want a vehicle that has changed hands too many times or was involved in a major accident. Plus, the service history may also show you if the truck has either been neglected or cared for by the previous owner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, as great as a used truck may appear to be, the absence of service records should raise alarm bells. The standard advice in such cases is to walk away, but you can be the judge after doing due diligence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Get a Great Used Truck<\/span><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Buying a used truck comes down to inspecting all the critical aspects as described above. As you may have figured out by now, these are not the same as the <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">questions to ask when buying a new truck<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With used vehicles, you\u2019ll want to pay attention to each component that might sideline the truck and add to your expenses. It\u2019s absolutely critical to do your due diligence to ensure you won\u2019t regret your purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And with this article, you should now have a better idea about how to choose a suitable vehicle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need extra help, check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/truckdealersaustralia.com.au\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truck Dealers Australia\u2019s website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. You\u2019ll find a great selection of used trucks that won\u2019t let you down.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Some truckers swear by their old IVECO or SCANIA over newer models. But is a used truck a good choice for you?\u00a0 When it comes to buying a truck, people often include used trucks in their options. After all, there are advantages to getting a used truck. One of which is the lower cost &#8211; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":3563,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3561"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3561"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3561\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3566,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3561\/revisions\/3566"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3563"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3561"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3561"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3561"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}