TGR Staff - 03/14/2023
There are relatively few feelings like being behind the wheels of a truck, traveling down the highway. Once you’ve been there, you wouldn’t want any other type of vehicle. At some point, you’ll consider either getting your first truck or upgrading your current one.
While the first thing would be to buy new one, it could be worth buying a used truck. They can be much more practical and cost-effective than you’d think, making them great for anyone on a budget. Coupled with how high-quality they can be, there’s no reason not to consider them.
That being said, there are multiple factors to consider when you’re doing this. The price and condition will be relatively obvious, but there are several others you’ll need to focus on. Five of these are notable, and more than worth your attention when you’re considering a used truck.
Benefits Of Buying A Used Truck
Before diving into what you should consider buying a used truck, it’s worth looking at why you should buy a used one. The relatively low cost is obvious, but there are multiple other reasons why you should do so. They’ll be just as effective at hauling and towing as their new counterparts and shouldn’t need too much maintenance.
There’s also the fact their resale value shouldn’t be as low as you’d think. Since trucks are designed to take years of abuse, they’d put up with a lot of wear and tear. If you ever decide to resell it, you’ll get most of your purchase price back. You shouldn’t be out much money during this process.
Then there are the countless benefits trucks have compared to smaller cars. Being able to haul and tow much more can be an appealing proposition to most people. By choosing a second-hand or used option, you’ll have greater towing power for the same price - if not less - than a new car. You’ll get more bang for your buck.
With that in mind, you could be considering a used truck. You’ll need to focus on multiple factors with this. From whether you’ll need a truck accident lawyer in the future to what the condition of the vehicle is, some of these are obvious. Some aren’t, however, with five top factors being worth focusing on.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Used Truck: 5 Top Picks
1. Towing & Payload Capacity
When you’re considering buying a truck, it’s likely because you plan on towing quite a few things in the future. You’ll need to know a truck’s towing and payload capacity when you’re deciding on what to get. Some trucks will just be able to carry more than others. Make sure you know this before buying.
It’s also worth remembering that a truck’s towing capacity refers to everything in the truck. If it has a capacity of 2,000 pounds, it doesn’t mean you can load 2,000 pounds worth of gear into it. The occupants of the truck also factor into this capacity, so you can tow 2,000 minus your weight and the weight of any other occupants.
2. Cabin Type
Cabin types play a significant role when you’re buying a used truck, so it’s worth knowing what’s what. There are three main cabin types you can choose from:
Standard Cab - A two-door, two-seat cabin.
Extended Cab - A two-door, four-seat cabin.
Crew Cab - A four-door option with extra seating in the back.
Once you know what these are, you can figure out which one you like best and narrow down your options appropriately.
3. Bed
The bed refers to the area in the back of a truck where you can place belongings or anything you’re hauling. Different models have different bed lengths, with manufacturers offering both short- and long-bed options. Know which one’s right for you.
If you plan on regularly hauling furniture and other belongings, for example, then a long-bed truck is better recommended. Use this to narrow down your options and figure out if a specific option is worth buying.
There are always bed extenders available on the market, so it is still worth considering a short-bed option if you love everything else about it.
4. Fuel Economy
One of the only drawbacks of owning a truck is they don’t usually have the same fuel economy as a car. You’ll need a lot more gas to go the same distance. Different trucks have different fuel economies, though. These will be estimated by the manufacturer when they’re first released, but they might be slightly different for used trucks, depending on their condition.
Keep the fuel economy in mind when you’re buying a used truck. It’ll directly affect how much you end up spending to drive your truck, making it vital you’re aware of it. Stick to the ones within your overall budget so you don’t end up not being able to afford to drive it regularly.
5. Drivetrain
Manufacturers offer a wide range of drivetrains on the market, with these eventually making their way to the secondary market. The drivetrain refers to the engine type, powertrain, transmissions, and other things that power the truck. Some will be relatively heavy-duty, while others will be much more lightweight.
You can use this to narrow down your options and decide whether or not you want a specific used truck. If something’s a bit too powerful - or not powerful enough - for your liking, then it’s worth passing on. Start off by knowing your drivetrains and figure out which ones you prefer.
Keep what you’ll be doing with the truck in mind to help decide on this.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Used Truck: Wrapping Up
From fuel economy to cabin type, there are multiple factors to consider when buying a used truck. Pay specific attention to all of them to make sure you pick the right option for you. While this means spending more time thinking through the purchase, there’s no reason not to take this time. You’ll be on the road in a truck you love before you know it.
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