FIVE THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A USED SEMI TRUCK
So, you're ready to purchase a pre-owned commercial truck. Congratulations! While it's an exciting process, it is also one that must be well thought out as there are any important factors, besides price, to consider when buying a used semi truck. Knowing what to consider will help you make a well informed purchase.
Age and Mileage
Let’s start with the basics. At a minimum, you want to consider the age of the used truck along with its mileage, which will be a good indicator of the truck’s condition. Although many relatively new and low-mileage used trucks are purchased, age of the vehicle alone doesn’t necessarily mean that the truck isn’t in good condition. An older, used commercial truck that has been well maintained can be a smart buy.
Consider Your Application
You’ll also want to be sure that the used truck you buy is the right vehicle for your application. For example, if you’ll be running cross-country routes and putting on a lot of miles, you’ll need a drivetrain that supports excellent fuel economy. If you’ll be hauling heavier loads locally, you’ll need a truck with higher capacity axles and suspensions to support your loads.
Warranty
Another important element to consider when buying a used truck is the warranty. Is the truck still under factory warranty? If so, for how long? If not, what type of used truck warranty can you purchase? A used commercial truck is a complex piece of machinery and can be expensive to repair, so you’ll want to be sure that you are covered for any unexpected events, at least for a year. There are even some warranties that cover specific parts of the vehicle, such as the aftertreatment system. These are all factors to consider when looking at your used truck warranty options. Comprehensive warranty coverage may seem like a large upfront cost, but it can save your company from costly setbacks down the road. SelecTrucks is proud to offer Select Limited Warranty, the leading OEM-backed warranty in used trucks. This warranty, available on eligible Freightliner used trucks, has $0 deductible, no aggregate claims limit and unrestricted progressive damage. Click here to learn more.
Previous Owner and Maintenance History
Used commercial trucks have a history. They belonged to someone else for a period of time, so it is important to find out how well they were cared for. The last thing you want to do is inherit maintenance issues due to improper care by the previous owner. Ideally, you’ll purchase a vehicle that came from a well-known fleet with a reputation for good truck maintenance. Without insight into the past, the future is unpredictable, and that isn’t a chance you want to take on your vehicle. Be sure to ask your used truck salesperson about the history of your truck.
Who are you Purchasing From?
Purchasing pre-owned commercial trucks from a reputable dealer is vital. This is because reputable dealers put their vehicles through rigorous inspections to ensure nothing drives off of their lot with issues that could have been detected before the purchase. Reputable dealers also have more comprehensive warranties, better financing and used truck leasing options. Finally, offering solid aftersales support really differentiates the best used truck dealers from others. Purchasing your truck is hopefully, the first transaction in a mutually beneficial relationship between you and your used truck dealer. Look for a used truck salesperson that can be like a business partner to you, offering critical guidance, expertise and support as you start your new trucking business. At SelecTrucks, we are backed by Daimler Trucks North America, the parent company of Freightliner. All of our trucks go through a thorough inspection and are DOT certified. We have industry-leading used truck warranties and 90-day Buyer’s Assurance, meaning you can drive off the lot with the confidence that your used truck is covered for 90 days, at no cost. Additionally, we have dedicated finance and insurance managers who work to understand your business so they can craft unique used truck financing solutions to meet your needs. Visit a SelecTrucks Center near you to learn more.