Buying a Used Truck: 20 Tips for Making a Great Deal

If you want to start in the field of cargo transport, exchange your truck for a more current model or increase your fleet, it may be more advantageous to purchase a second-hand vehicle than to buy a new one.

However, to make a good deal, you need to observe some criteria, as buying a used vehicle always involves risks and requires some care. But, paying attention to some recommendations, you can minimize these risks and have a great cost-benefit ratio.

Know the advantages of buying a used truck

Buying a used truck can bring several advantages over purchasing a zero kilometer. Prices are significantly lower – when leaving the dealership, the new vehicle already loses about 20% of its value, according to the Fipe table.

Another factor to be considered is that the depreciation rate – the market value that the vehicle loses each year – tends to decrease as the vehicle’s age increases, as its resale price remains closer to the purchase value.

Another advantage of buying a used truck is that many vehicles have already been equipped with accessories – such as air conditioning and an air deflector – by their former owners. This way, you also save on expenses with additional.

Many automakers offer a two-year extended warranty for their new vehicles. Thus, it is possible to find a semi-new truck still covered by the manufacturer. Also, it is possible to find very well maintained vehicles.

Dealerships offer very advantageous conditions for those who purchase a used truck. When purchasing the vehicle at dealerships, you have the peace of mind that the vehicle has already been inspected and revised for resale.

Find out how to choose the best truck

When choosing your truck model, make sure you know what the best configuration for your needs is and also note the resale value of each model. Below, we will give you some tips for you to be able to make the best deal.

1. Before going out to buy a used truck, you must define what you want: what is the make, year and model of the used car, and also how much you want to spend.
2. Negotiate with peace of mind, and don’t let yourself be pressured by arguments that may hasten the closing of the deal. Analyze the vehicle well and, if necessary, come back another day, after thinking carefully.
3. Always check the vehicle’s documentation for pending issues or restrictions, such as debts, fines, and alienation. It is also important to verify that the licensing is up to date and that the IPVA and DPVAT insurance have been paid.
4. If buying cash, try to negotiate with a discount. If the business involves contracting to finance, check what are the interest rates charged and other costs involved.
5. Before deciding to purchase, test-drive the vehicle, preferably with a load, to assess its performance, handling, and comfort. Watch out for strange noises, electrical malfunction, and accessories on the panel.
6. In the test drive, try to find a stiff climb to check if the engine has enough strength to face obstacles without problems. When descending, observe that the motor brake does not present excessive noise.
7. Also watch out for wheel bearing noises. Leave the gear disengaged for a moment to understand better if there are noises.

See which items should be inspected

1. Make a complete inspection of the truck, paying attention to the condition of the engine, gearbox, clutch, suspension, transmission set, tires, bodywork, electrical parts, and accessories. Make sure the vehicle has not been crashed or renovated.
2. Check the condition of the entire bodywork, looking for dents, ripples, and paint differences that may indicate that the car has already been crashed.
3. Open the hood and see if there are any signs of welding between the panel and the fender, which may indicate that you have been hit from the front.
4. A good strategy is to use the magnet trick: wrap a magnet around a flannel and go through the bodywork. If the piece comes loose, it is because there is a plastic mass in place.
5. Observe also the conditions of fenders and bumpers, looking for spots of weld and rust.
6. See if the doors close correctly, with a perfect fit, paying attention to noises and crackles. Any anomaly may indicate that the door is not original and has been replaced.
7. Check that the windows are original and have the vehicle data printed in the corner. Open and close the windows to check that the glass machines work perfectly.
8. Check that all lights are working correctly and that there are no electrical problems.
9. Check that the interior of the cabin is in good condition, that the seats and upholstery are well maintained, that the steering wheel and gearshift knobs work well, that the panel is in perfect condition.
10. Start the engine to check for excess smoke, which may indicate the need for a rectifier soon. Strange noises, such as failures to start, vibrations, or metallic crashes, are signs of problems.
11. Look for signs of moisture and burnt oil marks on the engine and on the whole mechanical part of the vehicle, such as pistons and hoses, which must not be parched. With the engine warm and running at idle, remove the dipstick and check for excess white smoke. If possible, get a trusted mechanic to give an opinion on the condition of the engine and gearbox.
12. Check that there are no cracks or corrosions in the springs and suspension pistons and shake the pistons to check that there are no gaps in the system. Take a test drive and, if possible, rock the truck to see if there are any problems with the shock absorbers.
13. Check that the tires are in good condition and that their size is compatible with the vehicle. Look at the tread grooves and grooves to see if they are bald or not. Look for bubbles and cracks in the entire length of the tires. Remember also to check the fifth wheel.

By following all these recommendations, you will be able to buy a used truck with minimal risk and will certainly be able to make a great deal.