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5 Simple Tips for Buying a Used Semi Truck

Buying a used semi truck can be an overwhelming process. It requires a lot of patience and research. To avoid ending up with a bad investment, you will likely spend hours searching for trucks that are available to purchase. You will have to compare prices, features and see if the truck meets your overall needs. Although buying a used semi truck can be a time consuming process it can save truck drivers a lot of money. If you are considering purchasing a used semi truck, here are 5 simple tips for buying a used semi truck.


Create a Checklist

Sitting down and creating a checklist of all the things you want out of a used semi truck will help you when it comes time to look for a truck. There are many options out there, so knowing exactly what you want and do not want in a truck will help narrow the options. Here is a list of some things to consider.

  • Develop a budget
  • Determine financing options
  • Know what you want from your truck
  • Know what you will be hauling

After you have created a checklist, it’s time to start looking.


Ask Your Friends

It can be a bit sketchy to buy a used truck from someone you do not know or trust. Although not everyone selling a used truck is dishonest, there are some people who might not give you the full history of the truck and might leave out important details. Buying from someone you trust will put your mind at ease. You will also have a better idea of what you are buying.


Know Why It’s For Sale

One of the first things you should ask the truck owner is, “why it’s for sale”. Knowing the reason why it is being sold can help determine if the truck is worth buying. If the truck owner is selling because of mechanical issues, you will have an idea of what to expect from the truck. If the truck owner is selling the truck because he is leaving the trucking industry or just simply upgrading then it might not raise any red flags.


Do a Maintenance Check

It is extremely important to do a full maintenance check on the truck before making any final decisions. Not doing a maintenance check can cost you a lot of money and can lead to a bad purchase. It is your responsibility to know what you are buying. Do not expect the seller to inform you on all the truck’s problems. Here some things to consider for your maintenance checklist

  • Check for rust
  • Check the tires
  • Make sure the doors and windows are working.
  • Ask for accident history
  • Check the papers
  • Check for leaks
  • Look for body damage
  • Check the oil

Determine What Needs to Be Replaced


After doing a full maintenance check, you will need to determine what needs to be replaced. Consider the cost of everything that needs to be replaced and the price of the truck. This will give you a better idea if the truck is worth your money.

Share with us your tips for buying a used semi truck in the comments below.

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About the Author

Maranda Heaverin

Maranda Heaverin

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One Response

  1. I agree with you that it is important to look into the accident history of a used semi-truck before you buy it. I think that it would also be important to do background research on the company you are buying it from to make sure they are trustworthy. Thank you so much for all of your tips on how to buy a reliable used semi-truck.

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