The first step you need to take is to prepare a checklist. Start by listing your requirements. Then set a budget or a comfortable price range. Next, narrow down your options and investigate the truck you’re interested in thoroughly. Work out your financing and insurance too. Sounds simple. But there’s a lot of work you need to do to get it right. Here are the details.
Background Check
Find out why the owner is selling. Make sure it’s not because there’s something wrong with it that’ll cost you down the road. Check the maintenance records to ensure it received regular maintenance. Check if any of the parts need to be upgraded or replaced. In case a lot of major parts were replaced recently, the truck may be worth buying.
Check out the oil change records as well to ensure that the oil was changed at the recommended intervals. Ask the dealer if anything’s missing or if they have any additional insights. Next, check the accident history and learn what kinds of accidents and collisions it was involved in. Find out how bad it was damaged and which parts were replaced. Ensure that the brakes and lights are also working properly.
Model History
Go online and research the track record of the particular model you’re interested in. See if it’s known to have problems or is praised for its reliability. Trucks tend to have parts that wear out after a certain amount of time or number of miles. Check up the best engine and other options for that model too.
Vehicle Check
Check the existing situation of the engine and transmission oil. Then conduct a visual inspection in bright sunlight. Look all over the body of the truck, especially in door frames and the wheel wells, for structural rust. Look for raised spots on the paint and the roof. If there are any, the truck may not have much life left. Consider the mileage of the truck and check when it’s due for a rebuild. Inspect the tires and ensure that there’s enough tread left on them. Check how many miles they’ve been driven and when they’re due for replacement. And get everything inspected by a mechanic.
