Buying used semi trucks

The combination of the steep cost of new highway trucks and their long operating life makes buying a used truck an attractive option for many buyers. But keep in mind that no matter how much you save when you buy used, there’s a chance that you’ll face higher repair bills in the near term.

The risk involved can vary tremendously: a three-year-old truck with 250,000 miles on it is a significantly different purchase than a 10-year-old truck with 800,000 miles. But not all the differences are so obvious. Here are some ways you can make sure you get the right used truck.

Start at the right source
The first step to minimizing risk is buying from a quality used truck dealer. Online classifieds and auctions may seem to offer great bargains, but unless you’re quite familiar with the exact model being offered, it can be hard to distinguish a good deal from an impending disaster.

Look for truck dealers who offer a wide range of trucks, so they can match your exact needs – not just shoehorn you into one of the few trucks they have on the lot. Reputation is essential to these dealerships, so you can be more confident that you’re getting a high-quality truck. In addition, you’ll be able to get warranties on the truck’s performance that you wouldn’t find with a direct sale or auction.

How to evaluate a used truck
Much of the buying process is the same for a used truck as it is for a new vehicle. You’ll still have to list out your exact requirements, decide on the specs and extras that are important to you, review multiple dealers, and take some test-drives. In addition, though, you’ll have to be more thorough about your inspection when buying used.

Of course, the test-drive is important to a used truck evaluation. Pay extra attention to any unusual noises or vibrations, and watch gauges carefully throughout the trip. Check out the engine compartment before and after your test-drive for any signs of leaks, and compute the exact gas mileage for your trip to verify the fuel efficiency.

In addition to the test-drive, it’s worth taking the truck to an independent mechanic for evaluation, if possible. A qualified mechanic can run critical diagnostics and give you a valuable, neutral opinion on the overall condition of the truck. Most dealers will agree to this, and although you’ll have to foot the bill for the inspection, that’s a tiny cost compared to your potential investment in the truck.

The used highway truck market
Since large fleets are constantly upgrading to newer trucks, there is a steady stream of used but well-maintained trucks entering the market. These days, fleets are downsizing, too, further increasing the supply.

Understandably, the used truck market lags several years behind the new market in terms of features and performance. For example, the used market is only starting to favor the aerodynamic trucks that dominate new sales. You’ll still find loads of square, high-horsepower trucks on sale through used dealerships – and while the prices may be attractive, be sure you consider the operating cost over the long run before you buy.

Modern truck engines are so durable that they can run up to one million miles before needing a rebuild. An engine rebuild can help you get more life out of a truck, but keep in mind that even after that investment, the rest of the truck is still just as old and prone to failure.