Growing your commercial fleet with additional used trucks can be a financially savvy way of adding more vehicles at a reduced price. However, there are some catches with buying used commercial trucks that you need to be aware of before making your purchase. Not all used commercial trucks are alike, but there are a few standard items to keep your eye on before you make a deal. To help you with this process, we have prepared five helpful tips for buying used commercial trucks below.
5 Tips For Buying Used Commercial Trucks
1. Know the Truck’s Maintenance History
A good place to start when verifying the status of a used commercial truck is to take a look at the maintenance records. First of all, if the seller can’t produce accurate records you will know right away that this truck isn’t likely going to be your best option. Be sure to include oil change history in your maintenance record check, as this will be a strong indicator of the overall engine performance. Looking over the maintenance history will also give you insight into any possible damage that you weren’t able to see on your first visual inspection.
2. Know Why The Truck is For Sale
There are a number of reasons why a commercial truck owner may choose to part ways with their vehicle(s). Before you invest too much time researching the truck itself, be sure to inquire about why the truck is on the market. You won’t necessarily see any major red flags at this point, but there are a few things to be aware of when asking this question. First of all, you can take this opportunity to isolate any possible issues that might come up concerning the vehicle’s performance. You may also find that the owner is simply looking to upgrade their fleet, which usually indicates there won’t be any major vehicle issues.
3. Know The Model’s Track Record
For this, you can do some general research on your own time. The web has become a great hub for detailed and reliable information about different commercial truck’s records of performance over the years. You can make use of this resource as you narrow down your vehicle selection. Researching how well a certain model holds up over time can have a major influence on your final purchase decision.
4. Know Your Own Maintenance Plan
It’s one thing to get a nice used commercial truck on your lot, but what happens when you need a replacement part? Even the best-used truck you could possibly find will need some kind of maintenance or repairs. It is always best to know that you have parts suppliers who are able to facilitate any needs you will have for your commercial trucks. This should always be a key consideration during the research and purchasing process.
5. Know Your Insurance Options
In addition to purchasing your used commercial truck, you will have to likely shop around for some appropriate insurance. Assessing this may require the help of an expert, and at the very least you will want to gather more than one quote before committing to a policy. Fortunately, in BC, there are lots of options to choose from when it comes to insurance for commercial fleets such ICBC fleet plan.
For more helpful tips for used commercial truck purchases, fleet maintenance, and management, or general inquiries about our services, be sure to contact the friendly team at DieselTech today. And if your commercial truck is dirty, we can help you wash it in our truck wash bay.