The new vs. used vehicle debate is ancient. People say that new trucks are more reliable; they come with warranties and have the latest tech and safety features. But others will debate that used trucks are significantly cheaper to buy, and you won’t have to pay off a huge loan with interest. While there are many more points to consider, we believe that buying a used truck is better than buying a new one. We’ll tell you why.
Price
Trucks are expensive vehicles. Most of them have a starting MSRP of about $30,000. The average sale price of a new truck is actually over $49,000. And these new trucks start depreciating instantly. Thanks to this, a used truck is significantly cheaper. If you really want to save, look for a truck that’s at least ten years old. Just don’t choose a full-size truck that has been used to intense jobs. Ask about how it was used, look for signs of wear and tear. Check if the truck was used on a farm for plowing or if it did a lot of heavy towing through its life. Engine, transmission, and frame wear are easy to spot if the truck has lived a hard life.
Durable
A lot of new trucks aren’t as reliable as older models. A lot of them have hoods and truck beds, mostly made from aluminum. This compromises its integrity and safety. Older trucks were made from steel. Some newer ones like the Silverados and Rams are still made primarily from steel, but that doesn’t change the fact that older trucks last longer.
CPO Program
But if you’re still worried that a ten-year-old truck may be too old and may not be reliable, you have another option. A lot of manufacturers run certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicle programs where they sell good-quality used trucks with warranties through authorized dealerships. These trucks are probably no more than five years old. They have also been thoroughly inspected and refurbished to a level that meets the manufacturer’s standards. Only once it passes all these checks and certifications can it be sold as a CPO truck. You can be sure that it will be reliable and high-quality.
