How to Buy Used Trucks For Sale Online

There are many used commercial trucks for sale online and at various dealerships. In order to get a good deal on your used truck, you will have to keep in mind a few things. Determine your budget and do your research to find out the type of commercial truck that fits your needs. Since every commercial truck varies in terms of safety features and specifications, you have to find out which truck is reliable, durable and offers you good performance. After you've decided which commercial truck you want to buy, follow the guidelines mentioned below, to purchase it at a low price.

Find the truck. The quickest and easiest way to do your research is to start looking for used commercial truck sales online. Some good websites to research include UsedTruckListings.com and TruckPaper. You must personally inspect any vehicle you wish to purchase before finalizing the deal. Since there are several used vehicle scams on the Internet, make sure you're dealing with a reliable company.
Research the value. Determine the actual market value of the used truck model and make you wish to purchase. A good place to start doing your research on commercial used truck prices is the Kelley Blue Book website. You could also refer to the NADAguides website, to find and purchase a price guide.
Locate a dealer.Look through your local newspaper to find used truck dealers and limited time offers. You may also find private seller listings that might interest you. If you're dealing with a private seller, make sure that you conduct a vehicle history check so that you know, you aren't buying a lemon.
Contact manufacturers. Several commercial truck manufacturers have good quality used vehicles for sales. To find a vehicle of your choice, visit the PENSKE website.
Attend an auction. Another way to get a good deal on a commercial truck is to find used truck auctions. To find auctions in your neighborhood, contact car dealers located in and around you area and ask them about upcoming auctions. You could also visit eBay Motors or AuctionTimeonline.
Check with truck rental companies. Several rental companies offer commercial vehicles for sale at a reasonable price. These trucks may be in better condition than those found at local dealerships. You could visit Enterpriseto find quality trucks that have been inspected. These vehicles also come with a 30 day warranty, and a 7-day repurchase policy.
Get an inspection.Although price is often a determining factor, don't buy any used truck simply because it's cheap. Safety plays a very important role. Have the truck inspected by a professional mechanic to determine its condition. If the truck needs significant repairs, decline the offer and look elsewhere.
Negotiate a price. It's important to use good negotiation techniques to lower the price. Also make sure that you review the invoice before you sign it, to confirm that there aren't any administration costs or hidden fees thrown in.

Don't Forget to Look Underneath the Truck...

If you know what to look for underneath, take the truck where it can be raised in the air for a complete inspection. Some shops will do this for you at no charge or for a small fee.

Look for leaks and damage (or repairs to previous damage).
Check the brakes, drive shaft, U-joints, and steering components.
Surface rust on the frame, axles, and springs are common, but if you can poke a hole through the metal at any point, or the metal has become weak and brittle, you're dealing with structural rust -- move on to another truck.

If you aren't sure what to look for underneath, pay someone to inspect the truck. An experienced technician can give you a realistic idea of what needs to repair and how much it will cost (or save you thousands of dollars by discovering problems you don't want to tackle).

Don't Let the Shiny Stuff Distract You...

A truck's flashy wheels, chrome add-ons, a lift kit or a high dollar stereo might be among the first things you notice about it, but ignore those features until you know what's underneath the trim.

That new paint might look great, but what was the motivation behind the job? Was the original surface dull, with a few scratches, or is the new paint hiding rust and body work?
If it looks like the truck has been driven off-road, how hard was it used? A large percentage of trucks equipped for off-roading never leave the pavement, but the ones that do are often well-worn underneath.

Don't Buy More Truck than You Want or Need...

I've seen too many people buy a truck on impulse, based on features they think they must have, rather than from a true evaluation of their needs. Making payments on a truck that's too large or too small gets old real fast.

Make a list to identify your wants and needs.

Is fuel mileage important, or are you willing to trade good fuel mileage for a larger engine with more power to tow and haul?
Do you need a truck for occasional trips to the home improvement store or to the dump? A small truck with decent fuel economy might be the best choice.
Is a 4WD truck a must for the roads you travel every day, or for snowy conditions in the winter?
Do you regularly carry more than one passenger? Jump seats in a small second row are not suitable for more than short trips.
Are you okay with either an automatic or manual transmission? Which accessories and/or safety features are must-haves? Jot down any characteristic that's important to you and take it along when you shop.

Run a CARFAX Report...

A clean report from CARFAX doesn't guarantee that the truck is problem-free, but the reports often reveal important issues.

Once You Buy a Truck, Stop Looking ...

Don't second guess yourself with the what-ifs. If you've done your homework, shopped around and made a careful decision, enjoy your truck and don't worry about the trucks that "got away."