Everyone loves a truck. They’re hardy, versatile, and a useful resource. They also come with a lot of creature comforts that make them great family cars without any compromise on utility. And you can save a lot on the price by going in for a used truck. Here’s what you should consider while used truck shopping.
Repair costs
Don’t only compare the purchase price. Factor in the total cost of any repairs you need to make on the truck as well. Include and improvements you plan to make or repairs that need to be performed. Be aware of the full cost.
Private vs. Dealer
With a private seller, you get the truck on an “as is” basis. There are no warranties, no financing options, and you have to do all the paperwork. With a dealership, you can get a warranty, a variety of options, certifications of inspections, trade-in options, and legal protection. But you have to deal with pushy sales agents who will charge you more.
Truck title
The types of titles include a clean title, a salvage title, rebuilt title, and a lemon buyback title. You want a truck with a clean title. This means the truck is not compromised. A salvage title means that the truck was written off and was not worth repairing. Avoid “flood vehicles” and anything that’s not clean.
Serve Your Needs
Only buy a truck that meets your needs. It’s easy to get carried away and buy more truck than you need. Understand your needs and choose one that suits them. A midsize truck suits most people that want to use it for work and as a family vehicle.
Preferences
Once you’ve covered your needs, check if the truck meets your preferences and convenience requirements. If you choose something luxurious, you may compromise on some utility. If you choose something that’s excellent off-road, you will get reduced highway comfort. Consider all the options and choose accordingly.
Test it
Used trucks need two test drives. One for the quality of driving experience, and the second to gauge its mechanical soundness. You need to get a feel for the truck in the conditions where you will operate it. You should also check its electronics and features.
