Buying a Used Commercial Truck: 4 Mistakes to Avoid
Buying a used big rig can be a great way to save money while still getting a quality truck that will last you for many miles to come. Plus, compared to driving a brand new semi-truck off the lot, a used truck won't depreciate in value nearly as much after you buy it.
Still, there are some common mistakes people make when shopping for used commercial trucks; by being aware of these mistakes and how to avoid them, you'll be well on your way to making a confident purchase.
Foregoing a Vehicle History Report
You'd want to know if a truck was involved in an accident or had a salvaged title before you bought it, so make sure you take the time to pull a full history report on any used semi-truck before you make an offer. You can run a report using the truck's unique vehicle identification number (VIN), which you should be able to find on the truck's dashboard. A reputable used truck dealer may even provide you with a free copy of this report upon request.
Not Knowing Your Local Laws
There's nothing wrong with going out-of-town or even out-of-state to find a great deal on a used truck. However, it's important to make sure that the truck you end up buying will conform to local laws where you'll be driving it. Some trucks may have additional accessories or rigs that won't be "street legal" where you drive, which could end up costing you money to remove.
Buying Based on Mileage Alone
Coming across a used semi-truck with low mileage on the engine can be a good sign that the truck still has many miles left to go before it will need any major work. However, you should never buy a truck based on its mileage alone. Instead, focus on how well the truck has been cared for by its owner(s) by asking for copies of maintenance records. A high-mileage truck that has been well maintained is likely to run better than a low-mileage truck that has not been properly cared for.
Failing to Schedule an Inspection
Before you sign on the dotted line, always bring an experienced truck mechanic to take a look at a used rig. This can be a great way to uncover potential problems that you wouldn't have known about otherwise. And, of course, if the inspection report comes back clean, you can move forward with your purchase with a little more confidence.