A Comprehensive Checklist to Buying a Used Truck

Thinking about buying a used truck?

That’s great! You might just uncover a hidden gem out of thin air provided you know all the right ways to get the same.

In this article, we’ll be providing you with a checklist for used truck inspection and purchase that you can use to great effects for the very same purpose. So let’s begin without further ado.

1. Daylight inspection

The truck MUST be inspected ONLY in daylight.

Even a room that may seem well-lit to you may conceal defects and can hamper a thorough inspection procedure that should be done from the customer’s point of view.

So why take the chances? Daylight inspection is the safest of choice of the lot; so go for it.

P.S. The inspection should also be done on level grounds so that you can check all the fluid levels correctly.

2. The body check

Check each and every joint and opening of the truck. Also, test the panels along the body that runs from the back to the front. If you think they are uneven, use a magnet for your inspection. If they are repaired with plastic, it won’t attract the magnet for sure. No attractability; no purchase.

Brush your hands lightly along the bottom of the doors and look for rusty edges. If you feel one, ask the dealer to remove them ASAP.

If you think that those rusty edges have gone beyond repair (like they have gone brittle as a result of the rust and age), dump the vehicle without further ado. It will just worsen over time.

3. Look for raised spots

Did you see any raised spot on the vehicle?

If you do, it means it has rust underneath it. If you are dead set on purchasing the truck, do ensure you go through a more thorough inspection of the spots. A little bit of rust is manageable but not if it has gone brittle as a result of it.

4. Look for leakage

Fluid leakage is a common problem of most used trucks. You should also be aware of the same.

The best way to check for fluid leaks is to look at the inside of the tires.

Did you see signs of anything wet? If you do, it may easily signify fluid (such as grease and brake fluids) leakage. Although it can very easily be water; but don’t hesitate to inspect it more. A professional view would do you more good in such circumstances.

Note: While checking the tires, don’t forget to look for tread wears.

5. Inspection under the hood

This inspection’s probably going to be the most important one of the lot. So pay attention as closely as possible.

Raise the hood and remove the cap of the radiator. Take a peek at the coolant. It should be greenish in color. But is it? If you feel that the color’s wrong, the fluid has rust in it for sure. It may also signify the fact that the engine has a tendency to overheat over time.

Net up comes the air filter. Do you think it has excessive dust collected on it? If you think it does, the maintenance of the truck has never been kept up to the mark in its entire life; a big downside from the customer’s point of view for sure.

Lastly, don’t forget to look for recent engine work and transmission troubles. Check the transmission dipstick. If you get a burnt smell, BACK OFF without further ado! The entire thing’s screaming transmission troubles. Advice: Avoid going for the truck at all possible costs.

6. The engine start check

Start the engine of the truck.

Ensure there are no thuds or knocks. Such sounds may very easily indicate a poor crankshaft. Now that’s a red flag that needs to be addressed ASAP.

Ask the dealer to get the engine checked by a professional mechanic ASAP, preferably in front of you. If s/he says a “no,” dump the choice without further ado.

So, the next time, you see an advertisement saying “used trucks for sale Edmonton,” make sure you apply all the tips mentioned above in your inspection procedures before the final closure of the deal. Hope they come in handy for you. Bye!