By: Scott Burger, Used Truck Manager
Today’s truck buyer is in a unique position compared to just a few months ago. Supplies of new and high-quality used vehicles are still low, but gradually growing since the pandemic. At the same time, demand for dependable used trucks of all types remains strong. If you’re one of the thousands who have decided to buy a used truck or commercial vehicle, how can you ensure your investment will deliver over the long haul?
The basics haven’t really changed. Buyers want quality, dependability, and some form of vehicle maintenance and accident history. They expect the support found with a full-service provider who will not only stand behind the sale, but also offer parts, service, and other needs. Savvy buyers want the right truck for the job and someone who can help keep that vehicle safe and reliable for the road ahead.
Whether you’re a small owner-operator or a large enterprise, you lose money when the truck is in the shop. The key to any smart buy is to do your homework, create a list of must-have features, then shop around. The following tips may help…
Having “the right truck for the job” cannot be overstated. In the used market, however, some flexibility may be required. Depending on its use, what you may be hauling, the anticipated miles on city streets or highways, some makes, models, engines, or transmissions may outperform others. Best you can, find out how the vehicle was used. Did the dump truck you’re looking at haul light bulk – or heavy sand or rock? Will having a Cummins diesel or Allison transmission meet your needs, and improve performance, reliability, and eventual resale?
While consumer vehicles have more records available than commercial vehicles currently do, every truck has a history. Search the VIN for its owner and accident history, and recall or maintenance records; most full-service providers should be able to provide vehicle history reports that may be available. At Ascendance, the 159-point inspection performed by factory-trained and certified technicians goes far beyond the federal and state inspection stickers as part of our used-truck certification program.
While you should ask the seller about the truck’s mechanical or accident history, how can you be sure they’re being honest? Bring in your own mechanic to perform an independent inspection. They can spot signs of damage, rust, or wear and tear beyond what may be normal. Any seller that strives for transparency in every used vehicle transaction should encourage such inspections, atop its own inspections.
Once you’ve found a vehicle, do your homework on price. Check the most current listings on TruckPaper to see comparable vehicle prices. With the VIN, you can search the specifications of a truck you’re considering and see what sellers are asking for other similarly equipped trucks. If you’re purchasing in a private sale and need financing, contact your bank or credit union. If you’re buying through a dealer, their financing rates may be as competitive as those from any other financial institution.
Purchasing a used commercial vehicle can be a complicated and stressful process. Following these tips can help ease the burden of uncertainty and get you into the right truck for your specific needs. Click here to read Part Two.
About The Author
Scott Burger is the Used Truck Manager with Ascendance Truck Centers based in Pennsylvania. In his career as a rental and lease account manager, truck sales professional, and full-service lease sales manager, Scott has become a transportation industry expert who assists customers in making sound financial decisions. Have questions? Reach him at Scott.Burger@AscendanceTrucks.com.
