The Checklist: 10 Things to Inspect in a Used Truck Before Buying
There are definite economical advantages to buying a used truck. Your cash goes further and because of their general build quality they are intended to last for a decent amount of time, which means your used truck should last you well.
It does, however, make sense to run through a thorough inspection checklist before you part with your money. By running through a series of key aspects of the truck’s condition and checking that everything is in order you should be able to buy a vehicle that represents great value for money and will perform to the standard you expect.
Even if you don’t have firsthand mechanical expertise you can still check for any telltale signs that could serve as a red flag. Here are some of the main things to inspect when you are thinking about buying a used truck.
The condition of the truck’s body
If you are buying a used truck there is bound to be a certain amount of wear and tear on display. What you are mainly looking for with your inspection is obvious signs of damage or repair that you need to ask more questions about.
Do some parts of the body appear to be newer than the rest of the truck? If so, you need to ask more questions about whether the truck has suffered damage and parts have been replaced.
Any misalignments on fenders and doors are also a warning sign that should prompt you to ask some more questions about the truck’s history.
Inspecting the engine
You don’t always need to be a qualified mechanic to check the condition of the engine. Make sure you inspect under the hood while the engine is cool. This allows you to hear it start up from cold and hear as well as see how it responds.
Some obvious signs of a potential problem would be oil splatters under the hood or on the ground below the engine. Also, check the instrument panel to see if any warning signs stay illuminated.
Check the braking system
Another critical component to check is the brakes. You should expect the brake system to be in good condition and fully functional.
If you can get to inspect the brakes, take a look at the condition of the rubber on the brake pads. This should give you a good idea of the state of the brakes. It is also a good idea to test the brakes by taking the truck for a drive. Be wary of any spongy or bumpy feeling when you press down on the brake pedal. This could either be an issue with the brake lines or rotors.
Does the truck have a service history?
It is always reassuring to know that the truck has been serviced and maintained at regular intervals. Ask to see the service history so that you can check everything is in order.
You should also check how many owners the truck has had. If it has changed hands more than a couple of times you might want to ask why this is the case.
What does the odometer say?
Mileage readings can often be a critical indication of the state of the truck. Ideally, you want the truck to have relatively low mileage as this means there is plenty of life left in the vehicle.
Check to see if the vehicle is in a condition that is commensurate with the mileage reading. If there is a low mileage reading but signs of significant wear and tear that is a red flag to be wary of.
Check for signs of cracks and glass damage
As you work your way around the exterior of the truck you should look for any signs of cracks or damage to the bodywork. Check that the glass doesn’t have any significant chips in it.
Normal wear and tear is expected in a used truck, but any undue damage is also an opportunity to negotiate on price.
Is the suspension working properly?
A good way to check if the suspension is sound is to look at the vehicle and see if it is standing level. The vehicle shouldn’t bounce too much if the shock absorbers are working okay, and you don’t want to hear any squeaks or groans when the suspension is called into action.
Check the condition of lights and lenses
Pay attention to the condition of the lights and lenses on the truck. You don’t want to see any signs of cracking and the lenses and reflectors should be clear and not fogged.
Although this might seem to be a minor blemish and not too expensive to fix, if they are in poor condition it could be an indication that the truck has been poorly maintained.
Be sure to look at the condition of the tires
Tires are easy enough to inspect, but they do provide some vital clues that help verify the overall condition of the truck and how it has been driven.
If the tires on the front wheels look worn down or worse for wear compared to those at the back, that might suggest the truck has been ridden aggressively and may not be in such good condition as you might expect.
Has the vehicle been independently inspected and tested?
Last but not least, despite your best efforts to verify that everything is in order with your intended truck purchase, it can often prove to be money well spent if you get the vehicle independently inspected and tested.
A second pair of professional eyes could reveal issues that you may not have noticed. Even if they find everything is perfectly in order, that means you have been able to confirm that the truck would be a good buy.
Investing in a used truck is an important purchasing decision. That’s why you should take the time to go through this checklist before agreeing to buy. A valid seller will be happy to allow you to go through this inspection process and will understand why you are doing it.
