Buying a Used Truck

Buying a used truck can save you a lot of money, but can also prove a risky business. Thousands of trucks and heavy goods vehicles are stolen each year and sold on to innocent road haulage vehicle drivers like you. If your truck is proven to be a stolen vehicle, you will have no legal right to the own it, and as such will loose the truck and the money you paid for it!

Apart from the problem of stolen trucks, many vehicles may have serious mechanical issues, which some shady vendors will disguise in order to make a sale. Before buying a used truck read our advice on how to get the best truck at the best price and how to avoid stolen vehicles.

Take the time to decide which make and model you are looking for. Think about the size, weight and use of the truck and make sure it meets your haulage needs. Be sure to check the horsepower, rear end ratios, and transmission models, as these will have a big impact on the truck’s performance and fuel consumption.

Make sure any potential vendors are reputable. Before you visit any vendors ensure they have a business address and land line number. Always insist on meeting the vendor at their place of business.

When meeting with a potential vendor always make sure you ask to see the truck’s documentation. If the vendor cannot provide documentation it is likely the vehicle is stolen. Check for:
- The Registration Document (V5). Check to see if the vendor is the registered keeper.
- Check if the Registration Document (V5) has a watermark when held up to the light.
- Check if there are any mistakes or corrections on the documentation. As DVLA do not issue Registration Documents with corrections, this would almost certainly mean it is a forgery.
- Check the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) matches the Registration Document (V5).
- Check the 17 digit stamped in Vehicle Identification Number matches the Registration Document (V5).
- Check the engine number matches the Registration Document (V5).
Check the VIN hasn’t be damaged, interfered with or removed. Be sure to also check the rivets. If there appears to be any problems ask the vendor for an explanation.
Similarly, always check if the engine number has been interfered with in any way.
Check for security marking on the windows. Don’t be fooled by window stickers, which a dodgy dealer may use to obscure the markings from view.

Check for any potential wreck damage. Look out for non-factory rivets, frame straightness and any other body shop repairs.
Check for any damage or repairs around the door and lock areas. This may indicate that the vehicle has been stolen. Always ask the vendor to explain any such damage.
Ask if the truck has any warranty cover.
Take a test drive. Reputable companies will always be happy for you to try before you buy. When test-driving the truck think about all aspects of the driving experience: How does the engine sound? What does the exhaust smoke look like? How does the transmission and clutch feel?

Ask the vendor if you can have the truck inspected before committing to the purchase. It is also a good idea to consider other checks such as HPI before making a decision.
If you do decide to go ahead with the purchase be sure to haggle with the vendor in order to secure the best possible price.

Never let a vendor pressure you into buying a truck. If you feel under pressure simply ask for some time to think it over. Buying a used truck is an important decision; never rush into it.

Protect yourself by never paying in cash. Walk away from any vendor who will only accept cash payment.
Before you commit to purchasing your used truck, be sure to get a Haulage Insurance quote from a specialiased broker. The value, weight and age of the truck can affect your premium so it is always advisable to be aware of this before you make a final decision. Click here for a Haulage Insurance quote.

Remember if you are not satisfied with the vendor’s explanations, are concerned over the reputability of the vendor or the truck, or simply have a doubt in your mind – always walk away. There are plenty more trucks out there and plenty of trustworthy dealers. Don’t take the risk!

Click here for a HGV insurance quote

Posted by Holly on 07/01/2008