Choosing The Right Used Pickup Truck

Old green Truck, still working and in good condition

Choosing the right used pickup truck takes knowledge and consideration. That does not mean it is impossible or even difficult to get a good deal on a used truck. Knowing where to look and what to look for are crucial to finding what you need at a price you can afford.

Buy private

You know that shopping retail always costs more, and the same goes for trucks. While car dealerships do a great job of dressing up their used trucks, these trucks rarely come with a warranty. That means that you pay a premium simply for the privilege of buying off the lot. When you buy from a dealer, the only thing you know for sure is that they made a profit; you can get the same deal they did and save yourself the money they would make by buying private.

Keep an open mind about where you are going to find your truck. Remember that people paying to advertise in the newspaper or on sites like Autotrader.com have more of an investment and are likely firmer on their price than people selling in a short auction on eBay or via a free ad on Craigslist.

Check the records

Most dealers do not even bother with trucks that have incurred damage from an accident. The cosmetic damage is easily repaired, but underlying performance issues often crop up later as a result of unseen internal damage to the truck body or engine. Most people are not going to openly admit that their repaired truck was ever damaged, so if you are serious about a purchase always check the VIN with Carfax first to ensure that the truck has no accidents on record.

When in doubt, ask an expert

Obviously you can see for yourself if a truck is running and if features like air conditioning or four-wheel drive are working. You can also slide under a used truck to look for ominous body rust. That said, some issues are really for the experts. A squeak can mean anything from brakes to suspension issues, and the repair difference between the two is in the hundreds. If you have serious questions about a potential purchase, take it in for an evaluation first.

Avoid dealerships; get all the information you can on potential purchases to ensure you get a truly good deal on your next used truck.

Choosing the right used pickup truck takes knowledge and consideration