answersLogoWhite

0

Used Pickup Truck Buying Guide

Updated: 9/27/2023
User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Best Answer

Pickup trucks hold their value and usefulness for much longer than cars. Quite often a used pickup truck can represent quite a sound investment, especially if that truck has been well maintained and gently used.

Why is it needed?

The first question a potential used truck buyer asks is for what purpose is the truck? How is it going to be used? There is no sense in buying a larger and less fuel-efficient truck when a smaller one will do the job just as well. Likewise, if the need is for moving heavy loads, it is important to find a truck with both the power and hauling capacity. Other needs may include long road trips; therefore, a luxury, comfortable king cab truck may suit you better.

Nasty surprises

Many used trucks hide nasty and expensive surprises unless you know how to look for them. For example, rust holes in the floor, the bed or the rocker panels can very quickly render a truck non-road-worthy, if not completely unsafe. Likewise, look for bent frames and rails or unusual wiggles or shimmies when the truck is in motion.

One of the easiest and quickest ways to check the integrity of the motor is to remove the oil cap, and rub a small amount of the engine oil between your fingers. Oil from a well maintained engine should contain no grit. Grit in the oil spells trouble down the road. Check that mileage

High mileage and low fuel efficiency are the terrible twins as both can burn holes in your wallet. High mileage trucks are bound to give you more problems much sooner, and low efficiency is a poor mix with high fuel prices.

Know the condition

One of the most important things any potential used truck buyers can do is to establish in what condition they are buying the truck. Is the seller offering it "as is", or are they guaranteeing that the truck will pass safety and emissions inspections? Knowing this small detail at the start can save a lot of wasted money, time and heartache later.

If potential buyers know what they are getting into, a used pickup truck can represent money very well spent. However, like many other things in life it is also quite easy to act in haste and repent at leisure.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Used Pickup Truck Buying Guide
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What questions should I ask before buying a used pickup truck?

When buying a used pickup truck, you should as about the engine (how many miles it has on it); ask about the milage per gallon; ask if it has been in any accidents; and ask what the towing capacity is. Before buying a used pickup truck, you should ask about the mileage of the truck. Then you can ask for a carfax to see the history of the pickup truck and finally you can ask about the price.


Should you have a mechanic check a pickup truck first if buying it used?

It is always advisable to have a qualified mechanice take a look at a used vehicle before you purchase it.


Would buying a new cheap pickup truck make more sense than buying a used but nice cheap pickup truck for biweekly runs to the dump?

Purchasing a new pickup will last much longer for you in the long run. You'll have the peace of mind that it will get you where you need to go and if you only use a few times a week the maintenance should be minimal.


Where can I compare vechile models?

Used Trucks, Used 4x4 Pickup Trucks - UsedCars.com Pick Up Trucks - Trucks for Sale | GetAuto.com PickupTrucks.com offers pickup truck listings, road tests and reviews, a truck buyer's guide, community bulletin boards, and ratings on trucks.pickuptrucks .com


What is the average price of a small pickup truck?

If you are buying a used pickup, I would say that an accurate guess is around $5,000 to $8,000. If you're wanting to buy a new one, probably closer to $13,000 to $18,000.


How much money would I save by buying a used pickup truck (one or two years old) when compared to buying a new one?

Used only a couple years should save about half the price of new in most cases.


Where can one find a used pickup truck for sale?

craigslist.com


Where can i buy a cheap pickup truck?

You can find used pickup trucks on the used section of Pickuptrucks.com, http://www.pickuptrucks.com/html/classifieds/new-and-used-pickups-for-sale.html. You could also put a "wanted" ad on craigslist.org to find an inexpensive pickup truck.


Where can I find a good used pickup truck online?

.Check out www.cars.com,this site had a dedicted used pickup area with loads of used trucks for sale.


Is pickup a lorry?

Yes. Lorry is a British term used for truck.


What is the best used diesel pickup truck?

Dodge. Straight up.


When Buying a Pickup Truck?

If you are in the market for a new or used pickup truck, there are few things you should consider before you drive your new truck home. Because pickup trucks are notorious for using a lot of gas, sales have been down due the the economy. There are some great deals to be found on new pickup trucks as dealership’s try to sell off slow moving inventory. Used pickup trucks are flooding the market as people downgrade to more fuel efficient economy cars. So if you have been considering a new truck, now is the time to buy.How will your pickup truck be used?The first thing to consider is what will be the primary use of your pickup truck. If you just want one for driving around town, then a small pickup truck will be more cost effective in the long run. If you haul heavy equipment or livestock trailers, you will need to be sure the towing capacity for the model you plan to buy can handle the loads you typically haul. If your looking for an off road vehicle be sure to do your research and find a pickup truck made for this purpose to avoid costly repairs.New vs. UsedBuying used will save you money when the deal is closed, but always come with unknown variables. Buying new may cost more, but most new pickup trucks have extensive warranties to keep your repair costs low. Regardless of which route you decide to go, be sure to research your dealerships carefully. Find one that has a solid reputation and follows through on their promises.Insurance CostsBefore you get your heart set on a particular make or model, check with your insurance company to see what your policy will cost for each option. Some trucks are much more expensive to insure than others, so you should take these costs into consideration. Also, when buying a new pickup truck keep in mind that you will be required by your lender to have full coverage insurance. If you purchase a used pickup truck on payments this will also apply. However, when you pay for a pickup truck completely with cash you can opt for your states basic minimum liability requirements.