Buying a Used Vehicle: Find the Bargain not the Trash

The escalating price of new work trucks has many buyers considering the used truck market. For about 40 – 65% of the price of a new work truck a customer can buy a used truck that has more than 75% of the useful life still available, if properly maintained. The main problem is how do you locate and verify a work truck in good condition, when the vehicles are typically bought as-is & sight unseen. Below are a list of helpful suggestions to help complete due diligence when purchasing a used work truck.

1. Dealer Reputation – Ask the dealer for a referral of a customer who recently bought a truck from them. Having a customer’s opinion is often the best way of discovering what kind of dealer you are about to transact with.
2. Ask the dealer where the truck came from? – Used trucks that have operated in the Northeast, Midwest, and upper Central regions probably have been exposed to some very harsh de-icing agents. The last thing you need is a vehicle with an eroding undercarriage. Try to get trucks that have operated in the South, Central South, Southwest, West, and Northwest regions.
3. Ask for an ECM (Electronic Computer Module) readout – Truck manufactured after 2002 are equipped with an ECM module. An ECM report will give you the true mileage reading. Many times dashboard instrument clusters are completely replaced in a work truck, so the new digital odometer might read lower that the true miles. The only way to get accurate mileage reading is to generate an ECM report.
4. Buy a VIN inspection – For less than $50.00, you can order VIN inspection that will give you the entire reported history for accidents, service, ownership, and DMV registration. A good online resource is: www.autocheck.com
5. D.O.T. inspection – Request the dealer perform a DOT (Dept. of Transportation) inspection with a 3^rd party service facility. Costs can vary from $75 – $150.
6. Request pictures of the truck – Extensive pictures of both the exterior & interior are essential in making a good decision. It might be wise to request a picture of the VIN plate as well.
7. Used vehicle condition report – Hire a local service center to independently inspect & complete a used vehicle condition report. A D.O.T. inspection report will suffice, but a used vehicle condition report can be significantly more extensive.

The old saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth of a pound of cure”, this holds exceptionally true in purchasing a used vehicle. Spending a small amount of time and money into a future investment is a great way of protecting yourself from a substandard used vehicle. Following just a few of these items above and you’re one-step closer to buying a good used work truck.