What do you look for in a used Truck?

Since half buy used I thought it would be interesting and maybe even educational to learn what people look for when shopping used.

No need to new vs used arguments. This is specifically for used buyers, New buyers can learn how to get the most from their trucks at sale time or at least make them easier to sell to those of us "huge risk takers"

For me first of all I prefer a ONE OWNER vehicle...Period. I ALWAYS buy UNMODDED....for a reason. Usually a "Home Depot" runner truck with low miles rather than a "week end warrior" "tower" or work trucks which have higher rougher miles.

A quick look at the bed condition reveals a lot about what was carried and how often as do the springs. The interior tells another revealing story.

There are things I look for that have in the past led me to believe the previous owner was diligent.

FIRST requirement. Has to be a ONE OWNER vehicle...First owner usually takes more pride in their new car and breaks it in easy and is generally more OCD than second owners like me. HOWEVER It cannot be a "grad gift" either,

I also actually prefer to buy privately because one can learn far more from a previous owner face to face than a salesman. One can see how they take care of their property even. Their age. What does their garage look like. Clean? Messy? IS there a boat, a camper indicating towing? How certain inquiries are answered. Plus the cash now offer can lower a price in a hurry. MY CERTIFICATION IS BETTER THAN AN STEALER.

I look for the following whether private or at a dealership

1. ALL OWNERS MANUALS and service paperwork present including saved key codes etc...Monrony Sticker a plus.

2. ALL bits and pieces with the truck like tie downs clips, factory mats etc

3. CLOTH seat covers a plus . Wet Oakleys or the like may mean it may have been water proofed for a reason.....not a selling point for me.

4. Bed free of deep scratches and wear indicting light loads and Springs tight. No extra D-Rings indicating heavy loads for distances.

5 Completely Stock except for non invasive mods like weather tech mats bug deflectors, running boards aesthetic accessories, and window deflectors. Mud flaps in place

6. NO AM performance parts. NO AM suspension parts, Original or factory switched wheels

7. no evidence of factory parts removed and replaced,

8. Was not previously leased.Clean Vehcilefax

7. If radio was changed no, amps or subs were added. Fuse box stock no additions or exclusions.

9. Tow hitch interior indicates it may not have seen a receiver


I eliminate a lot of vehicles using this list before I even test drive it ..I Probably pass on some good ones but I rarely am sorry and never have initial issues that show up in a few months after the band-aids fall off. I would rather do the aftermarket stuff professionally if I want it.

I have to my wife's discontent taken 6 months from decision to purchase. But I have never been burnt or bought a pig in a poke.
There is no $25,000 vehicle worth $20,000 if it has been abused.Unless one is looking for a beater.

What about you guys..What do you use as a checklist despite an appetizing price?

 

Sounds like a great checklist

 

Sounds like a great start, although I wouldn't necessarily count of a vehicle for some of those criteria (like extra D-rings for example). I would also check a few other things:
1) Rust (i'm in new england, so salty roads eat up the frame)
2) Check the tires (it's a small matter but I'd like to know if I'm buying a vehicle and immediately have to drop $7-800 on new tires)
3) Check the vents to see if there's a ton of dirt built up in them like it's been off road for a portion of it's life. You can also check other random nooks and crannies.
4) Other than that, a test drive is my final decider. You can see if it's still got some balls, listen for squeeks, see how it rides and of course check out the interior stuff like the radio, CD player, dash lights and all the HVAC switches and fans.

 

I think that a very safe list. I like to see that if parts are swapped for aftermarket, the owner has actually kept the factory parts. The amount of time a person keeps the vehicle is also important, unless there's a valid explanation. Sometimes an abrupt sale can mean the vehicle has problems.

 

LOL Yeah 30+ years out of places where snow plowing is an actual job and I forget things like rust but instead I will simply pass on all vehicles from Snow country. Many move here from the north and trade in vehicles. People here run Vfax if for no other reason than to see how many northern Winters the vehicle suffered through.

Winter salt and sand is brutal on lubed suspension pats and frames. That said those who are near the beaches can suffer some chrome pitting as well as a tell tale sign.

I won't even test ride a truck unless it passes all my bullet points first, Dealers WANT YOU IN THE TRUCK..they want you "feel like you own it already becasue you are simply driving it. They are running for the keys before they get your name LOL...

 

Loose change under the seat.

RZ Rob

 

LOL, but some things on your check list are a little too much if you ask me. Like the D rings and the 1st owner. Of course you don't want 4 owners but I think 2 owners are fine if the 2nd owner has been a good owner, and can tell you things about the first owner.

 

I understand your reservations regarding some of my requirements however I feel the way you do about reasons people buy new.

One owner vehicles are the only ones that can be certified for good reason.
D Rings indicate tie down of heavy bikes or vehicles. that would wear the suspension more than a truck that has not done the same. Especially if the bed is clean. These are things I have found given me the best odds of buying a great vehicle. Not all are or should be pertinent to everyone.

Used cars are a risk. Minimizing the risk is key to buying a late model used car for cash. It has been said the most economical way to purchase a car is 4 years old for cash. If it is one owner that means they liked the vehicle. If they liked it they took care of it.

Trucks are especially tough to judge

 

I agree with most of the stuff you said...but Just caused they hauled a motorcycle for 100 miles a couple times doesn't mean the suspension is shot.