Whether you are a full-time truck driver or an owner of a trucking company, buying used semi trucks is the best way to get great deals.
Many times, you can find gently used and well-taken care of used semis that are just as good as buying new.
To find a great used semi, it is best to take your time and be prepared before you buy.
Many truckers and fleet owners feel that they need to only buy new trucks if they want something that is dependable.
This is not true.
There are many used trucks that are available that can be just as dependable as a new semi truck but at a much more affordable price.
No matter if you are buying new or used, you still need to be cautious during the buying process.
This, undoubtedly, is a little more true for used semis.
By following a few tips before beginning your search, you are sure to find a great used semi for your trucking needs.
Plan Your Purchase Ahead Of Time Because buying a semi truck is a big business decision, there should be much thought about the process before even heading to a dealer.
Creating yourself a business plan can help you in many ways.
You will first need to know what your budget is.
It is not wise to buy a used semi truck without even knowing how much you can afford.
You are in the business of making money, not wasting it.
Also, having a plan showing exactly how you expect to make money using the truck is a great idea.
This can be used when you are trying to get financing for the truck from a lender.
Get Your Credit Report Checked Whether you are buying a used semi truck yourself or through a company, a lender is going to use your credit report when evaluating whether or not to offer you a loan.
A credit report will show lenders how much they can trust you to repay their loan.
If there are any discrepancies on your report, they should be dealt with and fixed prior to trying to get a loan for a semi truck.
Find A Dealer Truck dealers are a dime a dozen.
No matter where you live, there are many truck dealers that you can visit.
Visiting each one in person can be a waste of time and money.
To narrow down your list before setting foot on any dealer lots, you should do a search through the Internet.
Online, you will be able to find all of the dealers that are in and around your area.
Many will also have websites to look through with some of their stock to view ahead of time.
This is a great way to narrow down your choices before you go to look at any trucks in person.
Evaluating The Trucks Once you have narrowed down the dealers, then it is time to visit the lots and thoroughly inspect the trucks.
When buying a used semi truck, it is imperative to ask the dealer for the inspection and maintenance records.
The maintenance records will be a great indication of how well the truck was taken care of by its past owner.
The inspection records are also very important in making sure that the truck is up-to-date on inspections and is still legal to drive.
After you are done with your initial evaluation, you should have a certified truck mechanic look over the truck.
Make sure that the mechanic is someone that you can trust to tell you honestly whether or not the truck is worth buying.
Find A Lender Once you are done finding the perfect used semi truck for your trucking needs, it is now time to secure financing.
You have a few choices when it comes to securing a loan.
A loan can be obtain through either a traditional lending institution such as a bank, through one of the countless lending institutions that can be found online or through the dealer if they offer it.
Because loans for semi trucks are going to be used to make money and they are worth more in collateral, it can be easier to secure a loan for them compared to personal vehicles.
Before accepting any loans, be sure to get a few quotes to compare so that you can find a great loan that offers you the best rates.