By: Scott Burger, Used Truck Manager
In Part One of Your Guide to Buying a Dependable Used, Commercial Truck, we discussed some critical tips you can follow to help ensure the investment you are making in a used commercial truck best fits your needs. If you missed Part One, click here to review.
In this post, we are going to continue to look at some additional, yet no less important tips to consider prior to your next purchase of a used truck.
Bad things can happen to good trucks. If the truck no longer has the factory warranty, consider an extended warranty for protection down the road. Ascendance offers up to 24-month warranties on all International Truck units model year 2016 and newer for 750,000 miles for heavy duty and 300,000 miles for medium duty. We also offer protection products for other pre-owned brands we sell. Protection also typically includes emergency roadside assistance and other support services.
Two reasons to purchase an extended warranty when you buy the vehicle. First, warranty prices rise each year. Waiting to purchase may mean a higher price in the future. Second, many extended warranties take effect when the vehicle’s factory warranty expires. This will effectively extend your warranty life even further.
When you buy from a full-service commercial truck retailer, you get more than keys and a promise. You get a reliable vehicle that will start making you money the moment you leave the lot. Used trucks from Ascendance generally are those coming off our lease programs or purchased from an existing customer. We know the vehicle’s history and can confidently back your purchase. The right fleet solutions partner at your side can perform routine maintenance, warranty and recall work, general repairs, and when you need it, parts and collision service. What’s more, if you’re trading in a vehicle, you’ll likely get more for your trade. You get a partner with a wide selection of used trucks from all manufacturers, makes, and models – available from every dealer location. If the dealer doesn’t have a model you want, will they source it for you? And if you decide to buy elsewhere, the right dealer who strives to be a partner will run the numbers to ensure you’re paying a fair price for the particular vehicle.
Most of all, as a buyer, don’t be bashful. Ask hard questions, and demand answers to any red flags that may arise about the truck’s history. Whether buying from a trusted retailer or a private sale, expect full transparency in the process. This will help protect you down the road.
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.
