10 Steps to Take Before Buying Your Next Used Truck

Are you on the hunt for a reliable used commercial truck that can handle the demands of your job? Of course, you want a vehicle in top-notch condition to tackle the day-to-day challenges of life on the road.

Many buyers often inquire about the previous owner's maintenance records, and we totally get it! Having access to these records can give you valuable insights into the truck's history, upkeep, and any potential issues. However, due to seller confidentiality and other factors, getting hold of this information might not always be possible.

Now, the big question is: How do you make sure you're not getting yourself into a potential headache without those maintenance records? Don't worry—we've got you covered! Check out these ten steps that can help safeguard your purchase and increase the likelihood of a fantastic ownership experience.

The 10 Steps to Purchasing a Used Commercial Truck:

1. Opt for a trustworthy truck dealership when making your purchase. Buying from an unknown individual or, even riskier, from an online source or auction, can be dicey. In such cases, you might find yourself with limited or no recourse if the truck encounters unexpected issues post-sale. Choosing to work with a well-established, reputable dealership provides a safety net in case any problems crop up after you drive the truck home. Additionally, a dealership can guide you through your options and assist in finding the perfect truck that meets your specific needs.
2. Make sure to get your hands on the shop's condition report for any truck you're thinking about bringing into your business. This step is crucial for understanding the truck's current state. If the dealer is unable or unwilling to provide a condition report that you can hold onto, it's a red flag—think twice before sealing the deal. Take the time to go through the condition report with a reliable expert who can address any concerns and guide you in making an informed decision. This expert could be a skilled technician, a seasoned fleet owner, or even the service manager at the dealership. Their insights can be invaluable in ensuring you make the right choice.
3. Make sure to thoroughly examine the comprehensive engine control module (ECM) report for any truck you're interested in. It's highly advisable to go through the ECM report with a knowledgeable expert, preferably a certified engine technician. They have the expertise to not only decode any engine-related issues but can also provide valuable insights into what to keep an eye on when contemplating a truck powered by a particular engine. Their guidance can be instrumental in making an informed decision about your prospective truck purchase.
4. Find out the origin of the truck's fleet. Nowadays, fleets are no longer providing past maintenance records due to the increased liability. However, most reputable fleets, especially the larger ones, have established shops and maintenance protocols. Knowing the previous owner of the truck can give you valuable insights into its maintenance history.
5. Find out if the truck or any of its parts have a manufacturer's warranty. It's important to know if there's a warranty that will transfer to you when you buy the truck, especially since replacing heavy-duty engines can be really expensive, up to $50,000. If there's no existing warranty, but you still want to buy the truck, you should consider getting aftermarket coverage for major components. These coverage packages have specific dollar limits and an overall limit. While it won't cover everything, an aftermarket warranty can help decrease costs by partially or fully covering the cost of a component if it fails during the coverage period.
6. Take the truck for a test drive before you commit. Looks can be deceiving, so it's important to see how the truck performs. You won't know what you're getting until you put it through its paces. A thorough test drive, including reaching top speed, is the best way to ensure it meets your needs. Stop guessing and start driving to make an informed decision.
7. Request the complete list of reconditioning work the dealership conducted on the truck. It's crucial to know what maintenance and inspections were done before it was put up for sale. A trustworthy dealer will ensure preventive maintenance services are performed and provide evidence of a passed DOT inspection prior to delivery. Additionally, it's wise to have the aftertreatment assembly (including sensors and filters) inspected and cleaned if needed, so you won't have any unexpected expenses right after purchasing. 
8. Ensure the emissions system is in top shape by performing a forced regeneration and keeping an eye out for fault codes. This is a crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed by truck buyers, only becoming apparent when it's too late. Even if the ECM report appears clean and there are no active lights or codes on the dashboard, performing a forced regen can reveal any hidden issues. Don't overlook this step- it's a valuable way to determine whether you're investing in a reliable truck or one that will give you constant headaches.
9. Get an engine oil analysis and uncover potential engine issues before they become costly problems. While we can't predict the future, an engine oil analysis is the ultimate tool to ensure your engine's health. Don't leave it to chance - have an expert review the analysis with you and be confident in your purchase decision.
10. Request a truck history report. A clean bill of health isn’t complete without knowing where the truck has been. A history report, can be generated by a third party such as RigDig, will tell you if a specific vehicle has been put out of service for maintenance issues or has been involved in any collisions and helps you avoid equipment damaged by flood, fire, hail, and other undesirable issues.

Looking for a quality, used truck that you can trust? Look no further than Cal Pacific Truck Center. We have a wide selection of pre-owned trucks from all the top brands. Plus, every truck in our inventory has undergone a thorough inspection process, so you can buy with confidence.

Our team of used truck sales specialists is here to help you find the perfect truck to meet your needs. Take a look at our inventory online or get in touch with us today to learn more. Don't miss out on the truck of your dreams!