Choosing A Used Semi-Truck

Buying a used truck requires ample preparation. It’s necessary to sink in countless hours in knowing the available models, comparing features and prices, and determining which truck meets your needs. You will also need to consider the overhead costs of purchasing a used vehicle, such as maintenance costs planned upgrades so that you can budget accordingly, mitigate further costs, and receive the most value. We have prepared a few tips to help you narrow down your search and help you find the best-used truck that will serve you well.

Take Precautions

International Machinery knows what to look for when it comes to assessing used semi-trucks for sale. To help you make the best purchase, below is a list of common concerns that you should bear in mind before buying a used truck.

• Know your business needs and determine the truck that fits the job.
• Plan the budget and the price range that you are comfortable with.
• Browse as many catalogs as you can to narrow down your options.
• Once you find one, take the time to investigate the truck’s ownership history and current condition.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for available financing options and insurance coverage.

Do Your Research

Before buying a used semi truck, always investigate its previous ownership and why it was put up for sale. Most often, the previous owner decided to upgrade to a better unit and the funds from the sale will help purchase the new one. But sometimes, the used truck could have hidden mechanical issues that would likely appear later on. It’s better to be aware of any technical problems right off the bat rather than inheriting a ton of problems that will add to the costs. Determining these technical problems ahead of time can be a good opportunity to slash down the price further especially if it’s an issue that can be resolved with a mechanic’s expertise.

Mileage

Always find out a truck’s mileage before purchasing it, as it can be a good indicator of the overall wear and tear of the truck’s structure and engine. Knowing the engine model can help you determine the mileage point at which an engine would need fixing and rebuilding. Consider how you are going to use the truck if you are looking at the mileage. It makes much more sense to look for a truck with lower mileage if you are planning to drive it frequently over long distances.

However, this is no reason to overlook vehicles with higher mileage. Most semi-trucks require engine rebuilds by the time they hit the 500,000-mile mark. But as long as a truck is properly maintained, most models have no issues exceeding 500,000 miles and would still run for years.

Check for Signs of Rust

Surface rust can be easily remedied with the proper tools and solutions. But if a used truck had developed rust on both its outer and inner structures, like on the frame, it can be an indicator that the truck would require a larger investment. Make sure to inspect a truck’s quality by looking for rust on its exterior surfaces. Check the door frames and other parts for signs of structural rust. Look for raised spots and patches on the paint, especially on the roof. Signs of rust indicate that the vehicle has been maintained poorly and may drive up your costs for repair and maintenance in the long run.

Check The Oil & Maintenance Records

Take the time to check the truck’s maintenance records. Find out if it received regular tune-ups from the previous owner or any parts had been replaced. Aside from maintenance history, you also need to check its oil change records. Checking the oil can give you an idea of the engine’s general upkeep and can aid in verifying whether the oil changes have been done correctly with no contamination. Irregular or inconsistent oil changes could contribute to potential engine problems in the future.

Likewise, be wary if there are sparse records or even no maintenance and oil change records at all. This could mean poor maintenance from the previous owner as well as attempts to hide potential engine and structural problems. When in doubt, ask the dealer if anything is missing or if they have additional information on the truck. Gaining a better idea of a used truck’s overall history can help you prevent problems with an investment.

Take A Mechanic With You

We carry high-quality used semi-trucks that have passed stringent inspections from our own professional mechanics. Nevertheless, we encourage you to bring your own mechanic if in case you decide to check our line of used trucks. Acquiring a professional’s opinion is always universal whenever you venture out on a purchase of a used product.