5 Things to Consider before Purchasing a Used Semi-Truck
Posted on: 6 December 2016
If you've been a commercial truck driver for a while and you're interested in becoming an owner-operator, one of the most important aspects of getting started is having a reliable semi-truck. Most new owner-operators have a tight budget, so choosing a used semi-truck over a new one makes sense financially. If you don't want to get stuck with a money-pit, it is important to be careful when purchasing a used truck. Use the following tips to help ensure that you buy the right used big rig:
Take a Look at the Oil
When you find a used semi-truck that you are interested in, ask to see a sample of the engine's oil. The condition of the oil can tell you a lot about the engine and how it has been maintained. Also ask for records of all oil and transmission fluid changes.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Service Records
A reputable truck owner who takes pride in his vehicle should have no problem providing full service records to a potential buyer. Reviewing the service records will give you a good idea about how well the truck has been taken care of and what type of maintenance has been done, as well as any repairs that have recently been made.
Always Have a Mechanic Inspect the Truck
A used semi-truck is a big financial investment, and the last thing you want it to end up buying a lemon. Prior to agreeing to purchase a used semi, it is in your best interest to hire a mechanic to do a full inspection of the truck and its major components. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that you're buying a quality vehicle that will allow you to do your job every day.
Make Sure Replacement Parts Are Available
Even if a used truck is in great condition when you purchase it, something will eventually break and need to be repaired. Make sure that replacement parts for the year, make, and model of the truck you want to buy are readily available and not extremely expensive compared to parts for other types of semi-trucks.
Don't Forget about Insurance Costs
It is not uncommon for people to set a budget for a used semi-truck but forget to include the cost of commercial auto insurance. Buying a quality auto insurance policy for a semi-truck can be quite expensive; after you get a few insurance quotes, you may find that you can't afford as high of a truck payment as you thought you could after you pay your insurance premiums.
For more tips on buying used semi-trucks, check out http://www.arrowtruck.com/.
Share