What to Look For When Buying Used Truck

What to Look For When Buying Used Truck

Buying a used truck has become increasingly popular among local drivers, especially those who appreciate the value and reliability that a pre-owned vehicle can offer. Whether you’re eyeing a Ford F-150, RAM 2500, or Chevy Silverado, the allure of getting a great deal on a durable, high-performance vehicle is undeniable. 

When you buy a used truck, check the vehicle history, conduct a thorough mechanical inspection, and pay close attention to the transmission, steering, and any unusual vibrations during the test drive. Verify safety recalls and ensure all necessary repairs are done to avoid future issues.

Fords, in particular, stand out as some of the best-used trucks around, known for their long-lasting build quality and proven track record. But even with the advancements in vehicle history reports and Certified Pre-Owned programs, it’s crucial to know exactly what to look for when buying a used truck.

Understanding the key factors that can affect a truck’s performance and longevity will help you make an informed decision. With the right knowledge, you can confidently choose a used truck that meets your needs and fits your budget. In this guide, we’ll break down the essential aspects to consider, ensuring you drive away with a truck that’s ready to handle anything you throw at it.

Get a Vehicle History Report

Before committing to a used truck purchase, it’s crucial to know how many miles is too much for a used truck and obtain a detailed vehicle history report. Services like Carfax or AutoCheck provide vital information on past accidents, service records, and potential red flags such as flood damage or salvage titles. Understanding the truck’s mileage and full background is essential in making an informed decision.

Check for Lingering Warranties

If you’re fortunate, your pre-owned truck may still be covered by the original factory warranty, providing you with the benefits of a new car warranty at a fraction of the cost. However, it’s crucial to ensure you have the complete service history when bringing the truck in for repairs; otherwise, your warranty service request might be denied. 

At Upper Marlboro Ford, we recommend following your truck’s suggested maintenance schedule diligently, especially with a used vehicle, to extend its life and maintain its performance. Regular maintenance is key to getting the most out of any lingering warranty, keeping your truck running smoothly for years to come.

Do a Pre-Purchase Inspection

A Pre-Purchase Inspection (PPI) is an invaluable step when buying a used truck. Even though modern trucks are built to high standards, hidden issues can still exist. A PPI conducted by a certified technician will reveal any underlying problems that could lead to costly repairs down the line. At Upper Marlboro Ford, our expert technicians can provide a thorough PPI, giving you the confidence you need before making a purchase. The peace of mind that comes from knowing the truck’s true condition far outweighs the modest cost of the inspection.

Go for a Full Mechanical Check: Transmission, Steering, and Safety Recalls

When buying a used truck, a thorough inspection of key mechanical components is crucial to ensure safety and reliability. Here’s what to focus on:

Transmission and Steering: During your test drive, pay close attention to how the transmission shifts and how the steering feels. Clunking, banging, slipping, or resistance in steering can signal potential issues that may require costly repairs.

Vibrations and Drivetrain: Be alert for any unusual vibrations or wobbling sensations under the vehicle. If these disappear when shifting into neutral, it could indicate transmission problems. Persistent vibrations might point to more serious drivetrain issues.

Comprehensive Mechanical Inspection: Beyond what you can observe, have a trusted mechanic perform a full mechanical inspection. This check will uncover hidden issues such as frame damage, engine problems, or transmission fluid concerns, helping to avoid unexpected repairs later on.

Safety Recalls: Check if the truck has any outstanding safety recalls, particularly for models like the GM Silverado and Sierra, known for power steering recalls. Confirm that any necessary recall repairs have been completed to ensure your safety.

Pay Attention to Tires and Brakes

The condition of the tires and brakes is a strong indicator of how well the truck has been maintained. Inspect the tires for uneven wear patterns, which might suggest alignment issues, and ensure there’s sufficient tread left for safe driving. Additionally, check the brake pads and discs for excessive wear, as these are critical to your safety. At Upper Marlboro Ford, our service team can perform a comprehensive check on these components to ensure the truck meets our high safety standards.

Look for Interior Issues

The interior of your used truck should be thoroughly inspected for both comfort and functionality. Ensure that all seats are comfortable, doors open and close smoothly, and any electronic features, such as heated seats and the stereo system, are fully operational. Pay special attention to any signs of water leaks, particularly in models like the Dodge RAM, where faulty seals can lead to moisture issues inside the cabin. A well-maintained interior not only enhances your driving experience but also indicates that the previous owner took good care of the vehicle.

Find a Quality Pre-Owned Truck in Upper Marlboro

Now that you know what to look for when buying a used truck, you’re equipped to make a smart, informed decision. Whether it’s checking the vehicle history, conducting a mechanical inspection, or ensuring the truck has passed all necessary recalls, these steps will help you find a reliable truck that fits your needs.

At Upper Marlboro Ford, we pride ourselves on offering a vast inventory of high-quality pre-owned trucks, cars, and SUVs. Our selection includes a range of makes and models, ensuring that there’s something for everyone. Plus, our expert sales staff is here to guide you through the process, helping you find the perfect truck that suits your lifestyle and budget. With the strength of Ford’s legacy behind us, we know what it takes to match you with a vehicle that will stand the test of time.

But it doesn’t stop there. Our financial team will work tirelessly to secure the best deal possible, making sure your purchase is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Once you’ve made your choice, our service center is always available to help you maintain and repair your vehicle, ensuring it stays in peak condition for years to come. 

Come visit us at Upper Marlboro Ford today to explore our wide selection and take a test drive! We’re located at 5701 Crain Hwy, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772. Contact us to schedule an appointment or get more information.

Used Truck Buying Guide: 10 Steps to Take Before Making a Purchase

Information provided by Doug Shields

This article is a continuation of our series answering many of the questions that a prospective commercial truck owner might have when considering a used truck purchase. In this second installment, we provided nine steps you can take when buying a used truck to increase your odds of having a great ownership experience. Just straight facts and no fluff to help you make a solid, fact-based decision when buying your next commercial vehicle.

If you’re in the market for a used commercial truck, you’re going to want a dependable, reliable vehicle that can meet the demands of the job it’s intended for. You’ll also want a truck that’s in peak condition to handle the strains of day-to-day use that inevitably result from being on the road.

One of the most frequent requests we receive from those looking to buy a used truck is for the previous owner’s maintenance records. While maintenance records can provide a clear picture of the truck’s background, upkeep, and any previous or current issues, you most likely won’t be able to get the previous owner’s information or records due to seller confidentiality or other factors.

So how can you avoid buying a “problem” truck if you can’t get your hands on a copy of the maintenance records? Here are ten steps you can take to better protect yourself and increase your odds of having a great ownership experience.

10 Steps to Buying a Quality Used Truck

Only buy from a reputable truck dealer. Purchasing a truck from an individual you don’t know, or worse online or from an auction, is fraught with risk. In these situations, you will most likely have little to no recourse if the truck experiences unexpected problems after the sale. Working with a widely recognized, reputable dealership ensures that assistance is available if issues arise after driving the truck off the lot. A dealership can also help you consider all of your options and find the best truck to fit your needs.
 

Obtain and review the shop’s condition report for any truck you consider purchasing. The key benefit here is in establishing the current condition of the truck. If the dealer can’t or won’t produce a condition report that you can keep, don’t buy the truck. Review the condition report and the truck with a trusted expert who can go over any concerns and help you make a decision. This could be a technician, an experienced fleet owner, or even the dealership’s service manager.
 

Ask what fleet the truck came from. Fleets are no longer going to turn over previous maintenance records. There is too much liability these days. However, fleets have reputations (good and bad) and most of the larger fleets have well-established shops and maintenance protocols. Knowing who previously owned the truck can give you a good idea of how well it was maintained.
 

Obtain and review the complete engine control module (ECM) report for any truck you decide to pursue. We recommend reviewing the ECM report with an expert, preferably a certified engine technician. They can not only decipher any engine codes, but they can also tell you what to watch for when considering a truck powered by a specific engine.
 

Determine if the truck or any of its individual components carry an existing manufacturer’s warranty. With some heavy-duty engines costing as much as $50,000 to replace, it makes a lot of sense for you to determine if there is an existing factory warranty that will transfer to you upon purchase. If there is no existing warranty, and you still want to buy the truck, you should consider investing in aftermarket component coverage that protects major components for a set time period and mile range. Typically, these packages have specific dollar limits as well as an aggregate total. While an aftermarket warranty won’t cover every aspect of your truck, it can certainly help decrease costs by partially paying for or, in certain cases, covering the total cost of a component should it fail during the coverage term.
 

Test drive the truck before you make a commitment. Just because the truck may look to be in good shape doesn’t mean it is. You simply don’t and won’t know what you’re buying until you put the truck through its paces. A test drive, sufficient to bring it to top speed, is the only way you can know if it’s going to satisfy your needs.
 

Find out what the dealer did to the truck. Get a list of all reconditioning work the dealership performed before the truck was put up for sale. A reputable dealer should, at a bare minimum, perform preventive maintenance services and provide proof of a passed DOT inspection prior to delivery. It’s also a good idea to have the aftertreatment assembly (sensors, filters, etc.) checked thoroughly and cleaned (if necessary) so you don’t have to pay out of pocket to address any immediate issues after the sale. You can ask how much money was spent on make-ready services as well as when they were completed. This date will give you a good indication of how long the vehicle has been in the dealer's inventory. 
 

Request an engine oil analysis. This is a great way for you to determine if there are any internal engine issues. Nobody has a crystal ball, but an engine oil analysis is the next best thing. Getting this done and having an expert review it with you is an easy way to avoid a costly engine problem post-purchase.
 

Perform a forced regeneration of the emissions system and monitor for fault codes. This is a major area of concern that many prospective truck owners simply miss until it’s too late. The ECM report may be clean, and the dashboard may have no active lights or codes showing, but when you perform a forced regen, that can all quickly change. Doing this last step is a great way for you to know if you’re buying a great truck or one that will only cause problems.
 

Request a truck history report. A clean bill of health isn’t complete without knowing where the truck has been. A history report, generated by a third party such as RigDig, will tell you if a specific vehicle has been put out of service for maintenance issues or has been involved in any collisions and helps you avoid equipment damaged by flood, fire, hail, and other undesirable issues. 

Used Truck Sales at Rush Truck Centers

These are just some of the things that a smart truck buyer looks for when investing in their next vehicle. Rush Truck Centers is your source for quality, used trucks of all makes and models. And you can be sure every pre-owned truck at our more than 140 dealerships has gone through a rigorous make-ready process and has passed a federal DOT inspection before being sold.

With a large inventory of pre-owned trucks from the brands you know and trust, our dedicated used truck sales specialists can help find the right pre-owned truck to meet your needs. Search our inventory of used trucks or contact us today to inquire about a vehicle.

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Buying a Used Truck? (Ultimate Guide)

Buying a Used Truck? Read This Ultimate Guide

Most people are already aware of buying a used car tips and tricks as they quite often search online for used cars and they know all about the questions when buying a used car due to a common practice; however, buying a used truck guide is rare but it is necessary for those people who really want to buy a used truck to have enough space or the power for commercial purposes.

This guide is all about buying a used truck covering all aspects related to buying a used truck online and expertly buying a used semi truck or full truck without getting ripped off due to lesser knowledge about used trucks.

How to Buy a Used Truck?

Always start your search after considering your budget and the major purpose for which you are going to buy a used truck. It would give you an estimation that you should be content with a midsize truck or you would surely need a full truck. Once you have done this homework, it's time to follow the suggested steps of buying a used truck guide.

Follow This Step by Step Guide

You may start your quest online or you can easily target the nearest dealerships for a suitable used truck in your budget. If you are not a fan of online shopping, you may start with the nearest truck dealership and shortlist some options. Once you have found a suitable used truck, it's time to check its condition vs price status.

1. Check the Truck’s Odometer

First and foremost thing that should be placed in a buying a used truck guide is to advise the interested buyers to always start considering a specific truck by checking its odometer. Odometer has the readings of mileage and it tells you how many miles are done with this truck and how well it can be for the next 5-10 years. Typically, a diesel-powered used truck with an odometer reading of more than 200000 miles is already done and dusted. It won’t give you its expected power and reliability because it has already passed its peak time.

2. Check the Vehicle’s History

Always demand a particular used truck’s vehicle history from the seller to check how many accidents were reported so far and how many times it got repaired and how much damage has been done with it. It gives you almost every specific information about the expected condition of a specific used truck. Furthermore, you can always negotiate for a better price if the truck has been faced with some serious accidents in the past.

3. Check the Truck’s Transfer History

Before buying a used semi truck or full truck, always check its transfer history or title history. If there have been many owners of the same used truck in recent years, it would no longer be an ideal truck to buy because it won’t be the perfect used truck for the long term - that’s why it has been sold by owners. Always prefer a used truck with a minimum of previous owners.

4. Check the Truck’s Exterior

First of all, check the shortlisted option’s exterior in depth before buying a used semi truck or full truck. A truck’s exterior should be hard enough to do some powerful tasks because trucks have to deal with some complex environments. If there is already some rusting anywhere outside the truck’s body, it means it won’t be suitable for tough situations anymore. So, look for another option.

5. Check the Truck’s Engine

A good truck’s engine should be in a good condition even if it is a used truck. A truck’s engine would really sound like a powerful engine. Thoroughly check the engine observing radiator, wires, hoses and belts. They all should be well fitted and they should be accompanying each other without any disturbance.

6. Don’t Trust Everything without Your Mechanic’s Call

Don’t trust the seller’s claims about the truck's interior and mechanical condition; unless, your own preferred mechanic says that it is a good piece to be bought. Make him confirm that tires, lights, lenses, battery, brakes and tires are in a good condition and you won’t have to splash bucks to get it repaired soon.

7. Negotiate on Weak Points

Once your mechanic has found some hidden flaws that were not described earlier by the seller, you may always negotiate the price by putting all the weak points of that used truck on the table. Try to make the seller lower the price as much as possible.

8. Complete the Paperwork

Once you are satisfied with everything, it’s time to complete the paperwork. If you are not well rehearsed about paperwork, it is always recommended that you should take an attorney or broker with you to complete the paperwork, so all the titles of truck and insurance may be completely transferred to your name without breaking any law.

What Is the Best Mileage to Buy a Used Truck?

It is a rule of thumb that if a truck with a gas engine has covered more than 100,000 miles, then it has already passed its peak and if it is a diesel powered used truck, in which you are interested, there should not be more than 200,000 miles on the odometer.

Where to Buy a Used Truck?

There are multiple online and offline platforms to buy a used truck. There are some truck dealerships and online marketplaces where all kinds of used vehicles are listed for sale. There are several social media groups on Facebook and Telegram where you can find latest ads about listed used trucks. You can always hunt a private seller with the most affordable deal from these private groups or you can simply rely on dealerships to save you time and energy.

Buying a Used Truck Online Tips

While buying a used truck online, you should never rely on just one dealership. You should always browse several truck dealerships in your area and you should check all the previous feedback about them and their services. You can always start via some generic queries along with your target area to buy best used trucks in Maryland and surrounding states.

You should browse their inventory and search multiple options applying several budget focused or a typical brand’s focused queries. You should shortlist some of the options lying under your budget and compare their prices on multiple truck dealerships to get the best deal among them.