Buying a used pickup truck
Tips for buying a used pickup truck
So you have decided that you want or need a pickup truck. Now what! You will need to do a little homework.
The first thing is start looking on line, a great place to start, but know that you will have to invest some time and physically go look and test drive some before making a decision. Ask around, ask the people you work with or friends and family. Be realistic though, they may have had trouble with a particular brand and may try to steer you away, that doesn't mean that brand won't work for you it just means they may not have purchased the right truck for them.
Make a realistic assesement of your needs and wants. Ask yourself the following:
- What am I planning on hauling? (sometimes the answer will be nothing) and what are the legal rules and regulations for that?
- Am I planning on towing a trailer or boat? What is the weight of what I am hauling? If you are planning on a travel trailer, make sure you use the weight loaded including propane, water, food, supplies, etc.
- Will the primary use be personal transportation taking the kids to soccer or hockey...or will it be my work vehicle? In most cases, the answer will be ...double duty vehicle.
- Extended cab, crew cab or regular cab...how many people do I need to carry?
- Box size...regular 8' box....6 3/4' box....or 5 1/2' box...?
Budget! This is a big one.
- How much are you comfortable spending, without changing your lifestyle.
- Do you need to borrow money, how is your credit? How much can you put down?
- You should really try to pay off a vehicle within 5 - 6 years and should put down the taxes...it doesn't make sense for you to finance the tax.
Insurance...if this is for business use, do you need commercial insurance?
If you are buying a super duty pickup for heavy work do you need a CVOR (Commercial Vehicle Operators Registration)? If you need to register the truck or van for more than 4500 KG then you will need a CVOR.
Lots of questions and lots of work, but purchasing a vehicle is a huge investment so its best to take your time and make sure you get the right fit for you. There is nothing more frustrating than making a purchase and finding out it was the wrong one...we hear it all the time, the sales person pressured me or I was in a hurry.
Bottom line, deal with a reputable dealer, look at the history report, take a few out for a test drive, driving one to make sure you feel comfortable, you will know when the right one fits you.
