Anytime you want to purchase a pre-owned truck, there are things you need to check and finalize before signing any paperwork. Whether you have bought a pre-owned vehicle in the past or this is your first time shopping for used trucks, our team at Tim’s Truck Capital wants to break down ten things to check before you sign and buy. Not every truck will be worth it to purchase, especially ones with previous accidents and structural damage, so stick around to find out exactly what to do when buying a pre-owned truck this year.
Buying Pre-Owned: How To Get Started
When shopping for a pre-owned car, truck, or SUV, you want to take your time researching the vehicle before making any big decisions. Especially with older vehicles, you might run into damage, wear and tear, or previous accidents that will make you less likely to buy one. Our team at Tim’s Truck Capital makes sure to do the heavy lifting for you, although it is still a good idea to do your due diligence. Below, we will share ten things to check before you sign when buying a pre-owned truck with us or any dealer, so make sure to note anything that stands out to you. We are your neighborhood team, ready to help out near Concord, NH.
1. Frame & Rust Inspection
The first thing to look for when buying a pre-owned truck is the frame. During this inspection, you will want to look for rust and any signs of serious corrosion around or under the vehicle. The wheel wells and suspension mounts are two hotspots for potential rusting, so we always suggest paying close attention to those areas. Additionally, surface rust (a light brown/orange film that scrapes off easily to reveal solid metal) is not as severe or cause for concern as pitting/flaky rust (deep, flaky, or soft rust that crumbles; indicates structural compromise).
2. Engine Health Check
Another step in searching for used trucks is to check the engine health and general condition under the hood. Most of the time, issues such as leaks, corrosion on the battery, and frayed belts/hoses can indicate problems you don’t want to get involved with, and you may need to request a diagnostic report to make sure all major internal systems are working together as they should. Tim’s Truck Capital is happy to get this started for you, so please do not hesitate to request documentation on engine health.
3. Transmission & Drivetrain Check
The third step in buying a used truck will be inspecting the transmission and drivetrain. Some ways to successfully do this include checking the fluid dipstick (it should be red, not burnt/sparkly), listening for smooth shifting, and looking for leaks from the transmission pan or differentials. The transmission converts engine energy into usable power for your truck's wheels, so you do not want to skip inspecting the transmission and drivetrain when shopping for a pre-owned model. A quick test drive may even put you at ease.
4. Maintenance & History
As one of the most important things you can do during a pre-owned buying process, checking the maintenance reports and historical data for the truck you’re interested in can be an eye-opener. Remember, just because a truck looks and runs well doesn’t mean it hasn’t been involved in a serious accident or has had previous damage you should be made aware of. Carfax is a popular vehicle history provider and can be a quick, cost-effective tool when shopping for a used vehicle of any make or model.
5. Look For Signs Of Hard Use
When shopping for a pre-owned truck with us at Tim’s Truck Capital and anywhere in New Hampshire, looking for signs of hard use or aggressive driving can also be a good step in the buying and signing process. Of course, our dealership only sells used models that are ready to purchase, but if you shop elsewhere, signs of hard use may include snowplow mounts, worn hitches, or heavy wear on the truck bed. Ask if this was a work truck if you have any doubts.
6. Body & Paint Inspection
Although this piece of advice may seem like a no-brainer, thoroughly inspecting the truck's body and paint condition can make the pre-owned purchase process more straightforward. A truck is meant to get a scratch or ding here and there, so it's normal for minor imperfections to be present during your inspection. Again, this comes down to your specific preferences, but most used trucks on the market have some paint damage. Even brand-new trucks might have a ding or scratch from shipment, but it never hurts to run your finger across panels, inspect the paint finish, look around for chips and dings, as well as ask more questions about previous owner history.
7. Tire & Brake Checks
Inspecting the tires and brake health of the used truck you’re interested in is our next piece of advice for shoppers. Remember, tires and brakes work together each time you drive to slow and halt a truck at a given moment, and over time, wear is expected to happen. Test-drive the truck you want and see how quickly the brakes kick in when you hit the pedal. Tire tread and wall condition are also worth inspecting; the widely accepted legal minimum tread depth in most U.S. states is 2/32 of an inch.
8. Suspension & Ride Test
Something else we recommend you keep an eye on is the suspension and ride quality of a truck you're considering buying pre-owned. Suspensions can fall out of alignment and be fixed, but if the ride feels super bumpy, there are dips when braking, leaks, or even shaking on the road, you might want to move on.
9. Electrical & Interior Inspection
Ninth on the list of things to do when buying a pre-owned truck is an inspection of the electrical and interior components. You want to make sure all lights, technology, safety, and inside materials look good to go before signing any paperwork. If something doesn’t turn on or is damaged, make sure and flag it for your salesperson.
10. Thorough Test Drive
Something you always want to do when shopping for a pre-owned truck is get behind the wheel for a test drive. We recommend this for several reasons, but driving a few miles and noting any performance issues can save you a headache later. Test drives make a huge difference in any used-car buying decision.
Our team at Tim’s Truck Capital is ready to help find you the perfect used truck, so please stop by during the week and let us handle the rest.