Accurately Evaluating Potential Used Heavy Trucks
When it's time to replace a truck or pick up a first fleet of used heavy trucks, there's a lot to consider. You have to figure out how and where to find the trucks and what a reasonable asking price is. But above all, you have to become very skilled at spotting clunkers. All the sourcing knowledge and negotiating skills in the world aren't going to add any value if you drive home a used heavy lemon. Here are some tips to help you and your crew drive off the lot with used heavy trucks that are in great condition and will meet your business' needs.
Evaluate the Legitimacy of the Sale
Your dealer may seem like a nice guy, and that may very well be so, but that doesn't mean he's selling a high-quality street legal vehicle. Maybe it was stolen and even he doesn't know it. Whether or not he seems like good man, there are steps you can and should - always - take to prevent getting suckered into a bad deal. When you're test driving potential used heavy trucks, pay close attention to the ignition. If it looks like it has been tampered with, it may have been stolen. Also, take note of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) code. It's located at the bottom driver's side windshield. Now, make sure this number matches the VIN code on the registration and title. If the numbers don't match, the truck was probably stolen. You can always run it past the department of motor vehicles or the police if you're suspicious.
Evaluate the Exterior Quality and Hidden Surfaces
Make sure to check out the truck beds or other mechanical parts the back half of the truck consists of. If they had a hard life filled with heavy hauling, you'll be able to see large dents and smashed metal. Be sure to check underneath for signs of rotting. These issues aren't just cosmetic. They indicate how long you'll be able to use your used heavy trucks before having to replace parts. Also, if the previous owner didn't take care of the outside of the truck, they probably didn't opt for regular maintenance under the hood either. If you still want to negotiate on the purchase after finding anything unsavory hidden away, you can always haggle the price down to cover the cost of repairs.
Check Under the Hood for Basic Health
Pop the hood and check the battery cables. You're looking to see whether they are clean and in place. Next, let the car cool down and check the radiator fluid. If it's not bright green, it's not okay. Rusty water is a sign that the engine hasn't been used in a long time. Muddy brown water is probably a sign that there's an oil leak. In this case, you'll need to replace the head gasket. Just like the radiator fluid, you'll want to evaluate the oil. If you happen to notice a foamy discoloration, there is likely a water leak. Again, this indicates another repair that will need to be done on your used heavy trucks before you even get them on the road. To be thorough, run the truck by a mechanic for an evaluation prior to agreeing to the purchase.
Give It A Thorough Test Drive With A Voice Recorder In Hand
It's time to put the keys in the ignition and start her up. Is it a smooth start or were there sputters or jumps? If anything went wrong here, take a mental note or state it into a running voice recorder. Most phones have apps for this these days. You're far from done with your test drive yet, but sputters aren't a good sign when you're starting out and should be looked into. During your test drive, make frequent turns so you can evaluate the steering. Actively evaluate the braking function when you stop at lights and be sure to drive up a hill or two to see how the transmission responds. Any noises and clunks should be noted and inquired about to the owner.
Buying new-to-you used heavy trucks can be somewhat stressful. A good mechanical evaluation by a professional is always recommended prior to laying down any cold hard cash, but if you don't have a mechanic at your disposal, knowing the basics of weeding out the junk from the great deals on your own can save you a lot of time and money. Commit the above tips to memory to help you evaluate your used heavy truck purchases in a pinch.
When it's time to replace a truck or pick up a first fleet of used heavy trucks, there's a lot to consider. You have to figure out how and where to find the trucks and what a reasonable asking price is. But above all, you have to become very skilled at spotting clunkers. All the sourcing knowledge and negotiating skills in the world aren't going to add any value if you drive home a used heavy lemon. Here are some tips to help you and your crew drive off the lot with used heavy trucks that are in great condition and will meet your business' needs.
Evaluate the Legitimacy of the Sale
Your dealer may seem like a nice guy, and that may very well be so, but that doesn't mean he's selling a high-quality street legal vehicle. Maybe it was stolen and even he doesn't know it. Whether or not he seems like good man, there are steps you can and should - always - take to prevent getting suckered into a bad deal. When you're test driving potential used heavy trucks, pay close attention to the ignition. If it looks like it has been tampered with, it may have been stolen. Also, take note of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) code. It's located at the bottom driver's side windshield. Now, make sure this number matches the VIN code on the registration and title. If the numbers don't match, the truck was probably stolen. You can always run it past the department of motor vehicles or the police if you're suspicious.
Evaluate the Exterior Quality and Hidden Surfaces
Make sure to check out the truck beds or other mechanical parts the back half of the truck consists of. If they had a hard life filled with heavy hauling, you'll be able to see large dents and smashed metal. Be sure to check underneath for signs of rotting. These issues aren't just cosmetic. They indicate how long you'll be able to use your used heavy trucks before having to replace parts. Also, if the previous owner didn't take care of the outside of the truck, they probably didn't opt for regular maintenance under the hood either. If you still want to negotiate on the purchase after finding anything unsavory hidden away, you can always haggle the price down to cover the cost of repairs.
Check Under the Hood for Basic Health
Pop the hood and check the battery cables. You're looking to see whether they are clean and in place. Next, let the car cool down and check the radiator fluid. If it's not bright green, it's not okay. Rusty water is a sign that the engine hasn't been used in a long time. Muddy brown water is probably a sign that there's an oil leak. In this case, you'll need to replace the head gasket. Just like the radiator fluid, you'll want to evaluate the oil. If you happen to notice a foamy discoloration, there is likely a water leak. Again, this indicates another repair that will need to be done on your used heavy trucks before you even get them on the road. To be thorough, run the truck by a mechanic for an evaluation prior to agreeing to the purchase.
Give It A Thorough Test Drive With A Voice Recorder In Hand
It's time to put the keys in the ignition and start her up. Is it a smooth start or were there sputters or jumps? If anything went wrong here, take a mental note or state it into a running voice recorder. Most phones have apps for this these days. You're far from done with your test drive yet, but sputters aren't a good sign when you're starting out and should be looked into. During your test drive, make frequent turns so you can evaluate the steering. Actively evaluate the braking function when you stop at lights and be sure to drive up a hill or two to see how the transmission responds. Any noises and clunks should be noted and inquired about to the owner.
Buying new-to-you used heavy trucks can be somewhat stressful. A good mechanical evaluation by a professional is always recommended prior to laying down any cold hard cash, but if you don't have a mechanic at your disposal, knowing the basics of weeding out the junk from the great deals on your own can save you a lot of time and money. Commit the above tips to memory to help you evaluate your used heavy truck purchases in a pinch.
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