Buying a used truck allows you to get the pickup you have been yearning for at a bargain. However, price is not the only thing you should consider when looking to purchase a pre-owned truck. It is important to look past the surface and avoid getting blinded by the bells and whistles, so you can make a smart, thoughtful purchase.
Here are a few recommendations from mechanics, dealers, and other used-car experts regarding what to look for when buying a used truck.
Pay Special Attention to Diesel-Powered Trucks
Diesel-powered engines and vehicles are often more costly to repair than gas-powered options, so you should take extra care to check for issues with diesel trucks before making your purchase. You should also take extra care when inspecting trucks with more than 60,000 miles.
Start by verifying whether the truck’s coolant overflow reservoir, cap, or the coolant itself show any signs of diesel fuel. Any presence of fuel shows that the truck may have issues with the head gasket, exhaust gas recirculation cooler, or oil cooler, all of which are expensive to repair. Also, verify that the injector lines or injectors do not have leaks and that no leaks are present around the turbocharger. It’s good to look at the vehicle’s past history of accidents to see whether you can get proper insurance coverage.
Verify the Warranty
It is always advantageous to buy a truck whose drivetrain and smog system parts are still under warranty. Check the truck’s drivetrain and verify that it matches the mileage and also verify the federal emission warranty, which offers a lengthy coverage for some pickups, extending up to 80,000 miles or eight years.
Having a warranty is especially important in cases where a truck has very high mileage as it will be extremely costly to repair the transmission, computer, and engine when they are out-of-warranty. For extra peace of mind, consider buying the pickup from a dealer who offers an additional limited warranty for trucks that are fully inspected and serviced by their mechanics.
Ensure That No Parts Have Been Removed or Disabled
There are diesel owners who are notorious for removing certain parts from their trucks, like the muffler, diesel particulate filter, and the EGR cooler. Others might block or remove the EGR valve while attempting to make their trucks have more power. While those actions may offer enhanced power, they are against federal emissions laws. Anyone who had them removed should have replaced them before they put their truck up for sale, but you should take the time to check. If they have not been replaced, ask for a lower price, since they will cost thousands to replace.
Use All Your Senses During the Test Drive
Going for a test drive allows you to verify how the truck really performs while out on the road. Ensure that the transmission and engine perform correctly, work the brakes, and accelerate hard. Any potential suspension, steering, and drivetrain issues should be noticeable within the first 20 minutes of your test drive. Engage all your senses to see, hear, or smell red flags and also feel how the truck handles.
Don’t Forget the Transmission System
Never forget to pull out the automatic transmission’s dipstick before you agree to buy a used truck. Check the color of the fluid and start raising questions if it is anything other than reddish with minimal smell. The smell of burned metal and a brownish color are some of the signs that the transmission system is damaged. For manual transmission, short-shift into high gear and step on the accelerator energetically during the test drive to check if the clutch is working well. Chatter or slippage are indicators of issues within the gearbox.
Play With the Gears
Shifting gears allows you to check for odd sounds or grinding of transfer cases. Ensure that you check the appropriate gears, for example by putting a 4X4 truck into four-wheel drive. If you can, drive off-road and ensure that the front wheels are driving with the front hubs locking well. Check the rear wheels too by spinning them when the truck is in the two-drive mode and verifying whether the limited-slip functions properly.
Crawl Under the Truck
Get under the truck and check for fluid leaks, especially at the front. Leaks under the engine could mean serious problems in the water pump, front main seal, or a deteriorating gasket. Check for oil leaks near and around or under the axle housings and transmission. Also check the backside of the wheels for oil leaking from axle bearings or brake lines. It is best to do this check after the test drive since it is when most serious leaks will be evident.
Ask for Service Records
A detailed service record or logbook and receipts of work help to substantiate a seller’s claims about their truck. It shows how well they maintained the vehicle and that they are making zero effort to conceal anything. It also indicates that the engine and transmission might have longer life spans due to consistent maintenance.
Conduct Background Checks
Use online tools and websites to conduct background checks on any truck you consider buying. These resources can show whether the vehicle has previously been involved in a crash, for instance, and whether the owner reported the repairs to their insurance company. Check the pickup’s identification number too, in case it is the subject of outstanding recalls.
Avoid Flood-Damaged Vehicles
Flood-damaged vehicles should ideally be scrapped, but unscrupulous individuals can refurbish and seek to sell them. Such vehicles have damaged or weak electrical, fuel, and mechanical systems. You can avoid them by checking for signs of corrosion under the hood or carpets. Water marks on seatbelts, mold, bubbles under the paint, or mud or rust anywhere are also indications of flood damage.
Contact Rydell Outlet to Schedule a Test Drive
When you want to buy a used truck, it is best to buy from a trusted dealer who gives you a chance to inspect the vehicle properly and take it for a test drive. Contact us to schedule a visit to our Grand Forks, North Dakota, used car lot today to review our vast collection of certified pre-owned trucks.
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