Truck Sale Guide
Seven Commandments for Success
Seven commandments governing the purchase of any make or model used truck.
Break just one of these rules and you will probably be sorry for the rest of your
life, possibly ruining your truck ownership experience altogether. I - Thou shalt NEVER buy a truck that has rust on critical areas of frame
or supporting body, this cannot be permanently fixed without a huge expense. II - Thou shalt NOT buy a particular truck for which you have not determined
your source for repair and replacement parts. If you can't find a supplier in
a week then you probably will never find that part. Many are surprised when they
see attractive $25,000+ trucks sitting idle and don't realize it is normally due
to replacement parts problems.
III - Thou shalt NOT purchase a project truck, one in need of substantial
conversions or repairs, without a clear, accurate cost estimate, deadlines and
plan for completion. "Great truck buying deals" can quickly become embarrassing
"projects that never get done". IV - Thou shalt NOT purchase a truck until you have identified exactly
what problems you are trying to solve or what needs you are trying to meet with
the vehicle. The needs of a part time delivery driver for a cheap truck vary greatly
from those of a wealthy full time big rig team of drivers traveling 130,000 miles
a year. You may have many choices in the market but only ONE will be your best
solution - and the path to happiness starts with identifying exactly what you
need...NOT which pretty truck the salesman can get you financed for the quickest. V - Thou shalt NOT buy a truck without a complete professional inspection
of major parts, engine, transmission, frame, electrical, and air conditioning.
Warranties, service records, and history of vehicles use can be very valuable
in helping determine value. VI - Thou shalt NOT purchase a truck without an absolutely verifiable
title with year of original production in place. For instance, it is legal in
many states to "re-title" an older truck, say a 1980 model. First the
dealer will make repairs and renovations up to DOT standards. Then they can legally
re-title it. The new title will say, for instance, year made, 2004. There is nothing
wrong with this as long as it is disclosed and the price reflects the value. VII - Thou shalt NOT purchase a truck for business or commercial contract
use without having a complete business plan in place, including insurance costs
(which are routinely underestimated), license fees, maintenance costs, repair
estimates, and breakdown contingency plans. Financing is typically the single
most important issue to handle correctly after customer retention. - Seven commandments
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