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 from Seven commandments for buying a truck
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