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Top factors to consider when buying a used pickup truck

24th September 2017 Print

If you have been thinking about buying a used pickup truck, one of the main things to know is that it can often be a lot more difficult than purchasing a used car, with several further important factors to take into consideration before making your final decision. 

Since used pickup trucks have often had a harder lifespan with more work, there is more to think about compared to buying a new family car, caravan, or minivan. 

So, what exactly should you be looking for when searching for the perfect used pickup truck? We’ve put together a list of some of the main factors to take into consideration before you buy. 

#1. Towing and Hauling

One of the most important things that you will need to be aware of when you plan to purchase a used pickup truck is how much hauling and towing it has done. Whilst this may not be a factor that will even cross your mind when buying a used hatchback car or even a sedan, it’s important to note that trucks are in many ways very different. 

For example, if a truck has spent several thousand miles hooked up to and towing a heavy trailer, then this could have had an effect on its mechanical components, which will have suffered more wear and tear as a result. 

#2. Past Usage

Along with determining whether the truck has been used for towing and hauling in the past, there are various other aspects of past usage that you should become informed about before making the decision to buy. 

For example, you should ask whether the truck has been used for off-road driving – although many used Ford Ranger pickup trucks and similar today have led in-town lives, many are used for the purposes that they were first designed for, such as on farms and even in the construction industry. However, it’s important to be aware of any such usage in the past, as it causes more of a risk of wear to the truck’s suspension, chassis, and various other components. It’s also good to know if a truck has been used for commercial purposes in the past; this can also cause extra wear so it’s a wise idea to have it checked over by an experienced mechanic before making the decision to buy. 

#3. Test Drive

Lastly, as with buying any other used vehicle, one of the most important parts of the purchasing process is the test drive. It’s important to ensure that you take every potential truck that you look at for a test drive since getting behind the wheel can help you to discover any hidden issues that may not be obvious to the eye alone. 

When test driving, it’s important to keep a sharp ear out for any unusual signs, such as knocks when the engine is running or screeching sounds when braking. Before you move off, let the engine run for a while and listen out for any signs that the engine could be struggling. 

Would you like to add any tips of your own? Let us know in the comments.