What To Look For When Buying A Used Semi Truck
Your budget. This is probably one of the more important factors in choosing a used semi-trailer. Obviously, certain types of trailers will be more expensive based on their size and function. But you also want to think about how the trailer is constructed.
what to look for when buying a used semi truck
Expect certain types of semi-trailers to be more expensive simply because of their function. For example, a used walking floor trailer will likely be more expensive than a basic used dry van. Walking floor trailers have hydraulic functions and the ability to carry heavier freight, making it a more costly trailer.
When choosing a used semi-trailer, consider whether or not these types of features are necessary. In some cases, they may not be needed, but may help streamline business operations, making them a worthwhile investment.
At the end of the day, choosing the best used semi-trailer requires a reputable dealer. Working with a knowledgeable representative will help you understand the differences between semi-trailer types and their features, and make sure your trailer investment aligns with your needs.
On top of offering new and used semi-trailers for sale, Hale has an experienced service department that can help you get the repairs and maintenance you need to keep your trailers running in tip-top shape. Contact us today to find out how we can help you get the best semi-trailer for your needs!
Truck engines are required to have diesel particulate filters (DPFs) to comply with California's fleet rules. If you are looking to purchase a truck that is advertised as "compliant," make sure that a filter is present and not broken. Filter cores cost several thousands of dollars and are required to meet the engine or verification approval to be legal to operate.
If your truck engine does not have a diesel particulate filter (2006 MY or older engine), you can only retrofit the engine with a device that has been verified to reduce emissions by CARB to comply with the in-use regulations (see Diesel Emission Control Strategy (DECS) below). Be aware that some companies are advertising and attempting to sell devices or used DPFs that may not qualify for credit toward compliance with CARB in-use diesel engine regulations. Used DPFs cannot be sold for re-installation on another vehicle.
In years past, buying a truck from an auction consisted of standing in a muddy field listening to an auctioneer bark out bids in rapid succession. If it happened to be raining that day, the more sophisticated auction sites provided a small pop-up tent for you to huddle underneath.
Many people choose truck driving as a career to see everything that the country has to offer while earning a competitive wage. After driving for a few years for large companies, you'll likely consider giving yourself a raise by becoming an owner operator. You're not alone. Small fleets and independent owner operators make up 90% of the industry. You have the drive, the know-how, and the time to become an owner operator. All that you need now is the truck.Buying a used semi-truck has some advantages over purchasing a brand new one. Follow these five guidelines for buying a used semi-truck to avoid mechanical problems, obtain the best financing for semi-truck, and get the most out of this long-term asset.
When looking for used semi-trucks that are for sale, the selection is huge. You'll find one that meets your needs at dealerships, with fleet operators, and with other owner operators. Each group has something to offer as well as some downsides. Dealerships usually have a wide selection of semi-trucks for sale, and those vehicles typically fall within a certain mileage and age range. A trusted dealership representative will share his or her in-depth knowledge about the truck brands and models that the company carries so that you can make a smart buying decision. Fleets value reliability above all when it comes to their trucks. That's why they sell and replace their vehicles on a regular schedule. If you decide to get a low-mileage, used semi-truck from a fleet, choose one that keeps meticulous repair records and is willing to share those records with you. Buying a used semi-truck from an owner operator can be the way to go if you know that the person has a good marketplace reputation. He or she will be honest about the truck's condition, performance features, and any shortcomings.
Once you've found a trusted insider, it's time to really do your homework. The dealership, fleet, or current owner has given you access to the vehicle's records. Don't let that valuable data go to waste. Check the vehicle's maintenance records against the manufacturer's recommended maintenance activities for the truck. A truck that has been inspected at regular intervals will more than likely be in better condition than one that has a haphazard maintenance log.Some vehicles change hands more than once before they land in the hands of an owner operator. That's why you'll want to locate the accident records for the truck. A truck that has been in a major highway pileup is one that you should pass on. In most cases, those major repairs rarely make the truck as good as new.As a future owner operator, you need to find out which truck parts tend to fail first and those that should last for the life of the truck. Reviewing the truck's repair history can alert you to any hidden problems that you'll face down the road. Going over the truck's repair history with your mechanic is ideal. A semi-truck mechanic can often tell which parts are about to fail next on the truck based on its recent repairs.
A critical mistake that many prospective truck owners make when buying a used semi-truck is failing to ask why the current owner is selling the vehicle. They make assumptions that could cost them a lot of time and money later. While you know that fleet operators get rid of used trucks on a regular schedule, trucks that belong to owner operators or that are parked at dealership lots may have a different story to tell. The dealership may be trying to unload the truck because of a defect that can't be fixed without it incurring a very expensive bill. The current owner may have been in an accident and wants to sell the truck before its exterior starts to look as bad as its internal structure looks. Asking direct questions about why a truck is for sale can uncover some surprising information about the markets that you serve. For instance, some states have adopted laws that prohibit older semi-trucks from operating due to emissions standards. An older truck that has clean maintenance, repair, and accident reports could be sitting on a dealership's lot simply because politics has deemed it obsolete. In these cases, you'll want to check for new and upcoming regulations in the states in which you operate to make sure that you can get your money's worth out of your used truck purchase.
While a semi-truck can look good on paper, a close inspection can uncover obscure flaws. Start your inspection with a test drive. Strange noises, mishandling, and flickering warning lights are some signs that you may be about to purchase a dud instead of a stud. Tires are major truck components that impact your safety and that of others. You want to closely check the truck's tires for cracks or other defects. These defects show up when semi-truck tires have been improperly mounted or repaired and when tires are just old. Also, don't drive the semi-truck if its tires are overinflated or under-inflated.Polished chrome can create a blind spot for nearly any used semi-truck shopper. However, it pays to do a thorough visual inspection of the truck to spot rust. Rust is a glaring sign that the truck isn't as reliable as it first appeared. Semi-trucks are designed to haul heavy cargo. If critical parts are rusted through, the truck will not be able to safely transport those heavy loads.
Ask if there is roadside assistance included with the vehicle purchase. This could be important in states such as Wyoming where help may not be across the road. Many manufacturers will offer complimentary roadside assistance for the duration of the powertrain warranty. Check to make sure this is still valid with a change of ownership. If no roadside cover is included from the manufacturer, check if there is coverage from the dealer. Fremont Motors offers 1 year of complimentary roadside assistance with every used car/truck purchase.
First you must choose between buying a new car and buying a used car. A new car may cost more but will come with a longer warranty and no history of abuse or neglect. However, new cars depreciate (lose value) almost immediately when they leave the new car lot, which means that if you can find a well-cared-for used car, it might be a good bargain.
Consider the price of the car. This sounds obvious, but car dealers, new or used, may tempt you with a low monthly payment. You should be sure to look at the total price of the car, including interest.
The law prohibits rolling back or changing the number of miles on an odometer. Texas law requires the seller of any used vehicle to state on the title assignment the total number of miles the vehicle has traveled. Make sure you get a copy of the odometer statement when you sign the contract.
The decision of whether to buy a used or new truck is mostly a matter of expense. Buying a new rig is obviously significantly more expensive than buying a used one. Besides the higher truck cost, you may be paying for warranty costs and interest costs built into your payment plan. The question you must answer is: Is that higher expense worth it?
If you decide to buy used, you should do your homework and research the truck extensively. This includes researching the model of truck online for potential issues as well as checking out the truck in person. In another article we wrote, we go into detail on some of the checks and tests you can do on used trucks to verify their quality. 041b061a72