Do You Need Mechanical Know-How To Buy A Used Heavy-Duty Truck?
It's hard to deny the appeal of used heavy-duty trucks, especially for new owner-operators. Purchasing a used truck can put you into your own rig for drastically less money than buying new from the dealer lot. You can often find a rig better suited to your specific hauling needs by buying used, ultimately giving you more value for your business.
However, you may have some understandable concerns about purchasing used, especially if you're not mechanically inclined and don't intend to perform maintenance or repairs yourself. Fortunately, you don't need to be a gearhead to buy used, and a preowned rig can be an excellent purchase for drivers at any skill level.
What Should You Know About Your Purchase?
While you don't need to be a mechanic to buy a used truck, you'll still want to gather as many service records as you can and learn as much as possible about the truck's history. Was it a fleet truck? Did it follow a routine or extended preventative maintenance schedule?
Remember that the more you can learn about your truck, the more likely you are to buy a truck that will serve you well. When doing your research, make sure you determine the manufacturer-recommended service intervals. You can use this information to compare with the truck's maintenance history to determine the previous owner's level of care.
You should also learn as much about DOT inspections as you can. Your new truck will need to pass this inspection to operate on the road, and you can perform many of the steps yourself. A DOT inspection and walkaround is an excellent way to perform a "sanity check" and confirm that a used rig is worth serious consideration.
What Else Should You Do Before Buying?
If you've found a truck that looks good and performed your own inspection, you should still consider having an outside diesel mechanic perform a more thorough review. Any dealer will usually be happy to allow a mobile mechanic to come on-site and inspect a truck on their lot. This inspection can help reveal more severe issues or confirm that a rig is in good shape and road-ready.
This final step is particularly crucial if you don't have mechanical skills and don't know what to look for when evaluating a truck. By relying on an experienced mechanic, you can ensure that your used purchase will last for years of hauling without significant maintenance or repair headaches. This approach lets you enjoy all the benefits of a used truck and none of the downsides.
For more information about used heavy-duty trucks, contact a local dealer, like Arrow Truck Sales.