Tips for buying a good used truck

Thinking of trading up? It’s a good time to do that because your truck is worth more than it was months ago. In February, prices were up nearly 18% over 2020, according to ACT Research, which monitors the used truck market.

That might have you counting the equity in your current vehicle. Then again, the supply and demand forces that govern prices also mean you’ll have to spend more on a replacement. Buying a used truck saves many thousands of dollars over a new one, not to mention the 12% FET that you won’t pay. But you’ve got to know what you’re doing to avoid a mistake that you’ll regret every day. You know where the used truck lots are where you live or run, and you have access to the numerous shopper-type publications that carry ads that can be good starting places. Aside from those, here are some tips offered to us by experts.

The right truck

You probably have an idea of what you want and how it should be equipped to haul what you do and where.

Chances are it’ll be similar to what you now have, though you might want to move up in the world with a bigger engine, more spacious sleeper, and so on. Or maybe you’re changing your operation and will need a truck configured differently. In that case, look at the type of equipment other guys are using and pick their brains to find out what works and what doesn’t. Either way, narrow down the possibilities to one, two or a few truck makes, and a preferred powertrain (by builder and horsepower), transmission type (number of speeds and manual, automated or automatic), and other components like suspensions, axles and axle ratio, even exterior and interior color.

Of course, the longer your wish list, the harder it will be to find exactly what you want unless your preferences jibe with those of big fleets, in which case there are many now sitting on used-truck lots.

OEM dealers

Your first impulse might be to go to an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) franchised dealers or its network of used-truck outlets. You can expect to see large selections of recent trades. The dealers and networks often work together to keep each other stocked and trucks serviced and repaired. Most trucks on their lots might be their OEM’s captive make but other makes come in, too. You could expect decent inspection and refurbishing services. You also could expect the backing of special warranty programs supported by numerous locations.

Independent lots

Their offerings come through trades, outright purchases and from auctions. Some of these operations are large and have extensive rebuilding and refurb operations. That means trucks on their lots might have higher mileage but still could be in top condition. Some of these businesses specialize in vocational trucks and in buses and “yellow” machinery, like cranes and earth movers, which makes a visit a little more interesting. Shopper-type publications list thousands of vehicles for sale

Auctions

These offer excitement, especially if you visit one and participate in live bidding, and the hope for a bargain. There might be plenty of those, but they could be well worn and completely as-is, meaning beat and dirty. Then again, a particularly desirable truck, like a sparkling, low-mileage, long-and-tall K-whopper in stunning condition, can drive up prices beyond what the vehicle is really worth, so you’d have to hang onto your good judgment and back away when bids begin climbing skyward. Many auctions now are run online, with photos and descriptions posted and regular schedules for certain types of equipment. This might or might not be a place for the owner-operator looking for just one good truck.

Fleet sales

A number of big and moderate-size fleets prefer to market their old iron themselves. Many post inventories online with photos and descriptions, similar to the auctions, but with set asking prices instead of what’ll-she-bring. The quality of these offerings is often proportional to the trade-cycle philosophy of the fleets. Some put their trucks up for sale with under 500,000 or 400,000 miles, so there’s a lot of useful life left. Others pretty much consume their trucks and park them with a million miles on their odometers, but they might still be useful to farmers, container haulers, and other low-mileage, seasonal trucking operations. And a guy or gal with very little money and weak credit might find something that’ll provide a fresh start in trucking.

Reliability

In general, the longer your haul, the more you need a truck that doesn’t break down. A newer truck with lower miles and/or one that’s been thoroughly inspected and reconditioned, is your best chance for consistent uptime. Whatever the truck’s age, inspect, inspect and inspect.

Any heavy truck should carry a recent sticker from a federal annual inspection, which covers the safety items like brakes, steering and tires. Engine health can be determined through a blow-by test, which puts pneumatic pressure on valves, rings and other internal components. A dynamometer run determines horsepower and torque that you can compare to the engine’s advertised ratings, which is another indicator of engine condition. Any reputable dealer will do those tests on request or send them out to shops that will.

Your own inspection

Of course, you’ll want to drive the truck to see how it rides, steers and handles. If it’s a tractor, try hitching onto your own trailer or one you usually pull to see how it behaves under realistic conditions. If you have good mechanical skills, or have a trusty mechanic friend, poke around the truck and plug into its diagnostic systems to find out what’s been happening to various componentry.

Records

Ask to see maintenance and repair records that document how the truck’s been cared for. If the seller says he doesn’t have them, be wary. Trucks that come off lease can be good bets because leasing companies are known for good maintenance programs and records keeping. Walk away from anything that hasn’t seen regular fluid changes, especially motor and transmission oil.

Reputation

Dealers as well as truck models and components earn fame or notoriety by what they do or don’t do. Reputation can be gauged by what you hear on the CB radio, in bull sessions with colleagues at terminals and truck stops, and in online discussion groups.

Bear in mind that people like to complain but take less time to praise, so something or someone might not be as bad as what some guy claims. Also know that some online testimonials are paid for, and any organization that stoops down to buy fake endorsements doesn’t deserve any business.

Reputation also can be judged by how the sales and service people treat you. If they’re courteous, professional and upfront in describing a truck’s condition, chances are there are honorable people who’ll give you a square deal on a decent product. LL