3 Things to Do Before Buying a Used Truck
Buying a used truck is an excellent way to save money without necessarily having to sacrifice the quality of the truck itself. After all, a used truck can cost thousands less than a similar new truck, and buyers of used trucks don't have to worry as much about depreciation after buying. Still, before finalizing the purchase of a used truck, there are a few steps that every buyer should follow.
Request a Vehicle History Report
No matter what the seller says, it's a good idea to obtain an official vehicle history report before making a purchase. After all, even if a dealership claims the truck has never been involved in an accident, a vehicle history report may prove otherwise.
Specifically, a vehicle history report uses the truck's unique vehicle identification number (VIN) to determine how many owners the truck has had, whether or not it's been involved in any major accidents, and whether it's ever been totaled. Any reputable dealership should be able to provide buyers with a free copy of a VIN report, but they can also be ordered independently.
Schedule an Inspection With a Mechanic
Even if the VIN report checks out and the truck appears to be in excellent condition, it never hurts to get a second opinion from a professional. Specifically, it's a good idea for prospective buyers to schedule a time to have the used truck inspected by a mechanic. This way, any possible problems can be identified (and, hopefully, fixed by the seller) before the purchase is finalized.
Ask for Copies of All Service Records
If a truck has been well taken care of by its previous owners, there's a good chance that the seller will have copies of most (if not all) of the truck's service records. This will include receipts from tire rotations, oil changes, and other service that's been done over the years. A dealership may or may not have copies of these records, but if they do, they should have no problem handing them over before the sale is finalized. Seeing service records is a great way to give buyers of used trucks Brampton area greater peace of mind in their purchases.
Overall, buying a used truck is a great option for many, but it's still a good idea to follow these tips before spending thousands on a vehicle.