Truck Prepurchase Checklist - don't buy a commercial truck without going over this list, it will save you a lot of trouble
Truck Buyers Guide Checklist
This truck buyers checklist will take some time to work through but will serve as a very valuable resource to assist you in evaluating a truck for purchase.
Oil Analysis - Ask seller to provide you the records showing that the engine and transmission oil have been analyzed on a regular basis. If they have not done this then the price should reflect this. Regardless of records you should pull your own
oil analysis which can detect: fuel dilution of lubrication oil, dirt contamination in the oil, antifreeze in the oil, excessive wear of internal components (by finding excessive traces of metal), wrong type or grade of lubricants. Some wear is normal, but abnormal levels can give an early warning of impending problems and help prevent a major breakdown later. Early detection will reduce repair bills, reduce catastrophic failures, increase machine life, reduce nonscheduled downtime. For example early detection with oil analysis can allow for corrective action such as repairing an air intake leak before major damage occurs. One of the major advantages of an oil analysis program is being able to anticipate problems and schedule repair work to avoid downtime during a critical time of use.
Rust - When buying a used truck remember - rust cannot be stopped. Rust does not rest. Rust MUST be taken seriously no matter how cheap your truck candidate is. If you think you can sheet metal and bondo your way to a permanent fix, think again. A little rust on the body surface may be acceptable for the price. Do not however, accept structural rust, flaking frames, rusting-out fenders or hood hinge mounts, anything that would be a major problem when (not if) it gets twice as bad as it is now.
Service Records - Ask for service records, original paperwork, and recent repair receipts. Everything in the paper trail will help you determine value and avoid potential problems. It will also reward you with some eye opening information. Oh, you mean you didn't know an engine swap could cost $3,000? Surprised that a brake job with rotors and new lines was $1,200? Receipts and paperwork are very valuable.
Carefully look through the paperwork and avoid the purchase of trucks with no paper trail at all. Look for weird situations. Finding a receipt for an AC charge might be good, if its recent. Come across receipts for an AC charge done three times in the last year and you have a problem.
NOTE: If the VIN number on the service records or receipts does not match the vehicle you are purchasing then obviously that paperwork is meaningless.
Suspension Systems - All truck suspension systems are engineered uniquely for every chassis. Engineers review the axles used when in the initial design phase, they study ride heights and frame and width variables so each suspension, either mechanical, air or independent, and each one ends up being a one of a kind custom solution. There is no way around it. The suspension system should be inspected and be in proper working condition, should be built by a quality company, and you should make sure you can find replacement parts easily because truck suspension systems are expensive to repair.
BUDGET - for parts an labor on ANY mechanical part for which you don't have a good history, receipt trail, or ability to inspect. In other words if you can't verify its condition then don't buy the truck unless you can afford to replace it, part by part. That means: AC, brakes, hydraulic lines, engine compression, transmission condition, steering and front end parts, electrical system from the wiring harness to the gauges, alternator and fuse panels, tires, body, and glass, air compressor buildup and recovery times, and many other items your mechanic can advise you about.
Truck Parts for the major brands are available for even 30 to 40 year old trucks. More obscure brands, those made in foreign countries and imported, and models with short production spans can present major problems however. Parts availability issues are one of the reasons you sometimes see beautiful $20,000 - $40,000 trucks sitting idle. These are huge complicated machines depending on the proper functioning of thousands of used parts. Be sure you have at least TWO sources for truck parts lined up BEFORE buying any truck.
Financing a commercial truck - this makes and breaks most commercial truck operations, not the choice of truck make. However many companies offer better financing for certain preferred builders and even certain models, especially those that have the lowest depreciation. The purchase of any truck used for business should not be done without a thorough evaluation of the finance options that are attached to it. Many banks won't finance a commercial truck until it has passed a DOT inspection.
Truck Insurance - this can be a real "dream breaker". How will you tell your wife that you you got a great deal on the truck for them and fixed it up real nice, but...well nobody will insure it cause it's too old, or the brakes are after market, or there was a recall on it. Long haul drivers - if you cannot insure your rig at a good rate you will never be able to turn the kind of profit needed to deal with depreciation, attrition, maintenance, and sales operations.
Do NOT underestimate this part of the process. Get an insurance quote in writing from at least TWO major carriers before signing to purchase a vehicle of any type. Insurance cost is important when comparing two different vehicles also. If the older vehicle costs twice as much annually in insurance costs would it be worth it to buy the newer one?
The "why are you selling" question - ALWAYS ask this question. Look the seller straight in the eye, do not look away, and say these exact words "why are you selling this truck?" Then WAIT! Do not look away, do not say another word until you are satisfied with the sellers answer. Watch the sellers reaction when they hear your question. Even someone who does not practice this technique can often spot a "seller" who is hesitant and may be covering something up, offers a weird answer, is caught off guard, slips up and tells you something they did not intend to, etc.
It is very important NOT to misinterpret the sellers answer, however. Some sellers are embarrassed that they don't have the ability to finish repairs, or depressed they don't have time to use it, or broke, or whatever. Just because they may seem sad does not mean they are selling you a problem.
If you are spending more than $20,000 definitely get the help and advice of a professional salesman, used truck dealer or broker, they can usually save you money. See truck links for dealers I know are reputable, experienced and intelligent enough to be worth every penny they may cost you in "markup". I say "may" cost you because usually they SAVE you money. They purchase the trucks wholesale, can mark them up for a fair profit, and still offer them to you retail for less than you will find on the street.- Truck Buyer Checklist
Quit your job make money traveling Super Fun & Easy
Click for all Pages
Commandments
Buyers Checklist
Selling a Truck
Truck Insurance
Truck Loans
Truck Parts
Truck Rent
Truck Dealer
Truck Makes
Freightliner
Sterling
Peterbilt
Mack
Kenworth
Truck Broker
Accident Lawyer
Accident Attorney
Truck Links
Used Truck Sales
Truck Issues
Contact Us