If you’re thinking about buying a Ford F-150, RAM 2500, or Chevy Silverado, you can get a great used truck at a better price than a new one at Upper Marlboro Ford. Even though used trucks are more reliable than ever, thanks to better build quality standards, vehicle history reports, and Certified Pre-Owned programs, you’ll still want to give a used truck a once-over before you sign the check.
While you could hem and haw about the details on your new-to-you truck for ages, here are the big-ticket items to look out for when searching for a quality used truck.
Lingering Warranties
If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to find a pre-owned truck that’s still covered by some of the original owner’s factory warranty. If that’s true, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a new car warranty without paying the full new car price.
However, you need to make sure that you have the complete service history of the truck when you bring it in for a repair, or your warranty service request might be denied. So when shopping for a pre-owned truck, or any used vehicle, make sure you get the entire maintenance history.
Speaking of maintenance, be sure to follow your truck’s suggested maintenance schedule¸ especially with a used truck. It’s an easy way to keep your truck running well for years longer than if you didn’t. You should be able to find a comprehensive maintenance schedule in your truck’s owner’s manual.
Pre-Purchase Inspection
To make sure the truck you buy isn’t hiding some expensive issues under the hood, you can order a Pre-Purchase Inspection, or PPI, done by a dealer technician before buying. These inspections generally cost $150 to $200 and require some planning to coordinate with the dealer and the seller, but in the long run, we think it’s well worth the peace of mind you’ll get, especially when buying a pre-owned truck from a private seller.
Transmission and Steering Issues
Whenever you’re driving, and especially when hauling a load, pay attention to the quality of each gear shift. If you hear or feel clunking, banging, slipping, or other unrefined operations, you’ll want to further investigate before buying the truck. Sometimes, a simple software update is a solution, but in other situations, the truck might need an overhaul.
Pay attention to throttle issues on the Ford F-150 in particular – F-150 owners have documented several instances of its transmission slipping.
You’ll also want to check the steering column, especially on trucks like the used Toyota Tundra. With the car running but parked, jerk the wheel fast from one side to the other, listening to snapping or clunking sounds. If you hear them, get a technician to investigate the steering rack, front end, and front suspension.
Vibrations and Safety Recalls
Of course, as you test-drive the used truck you’re thinking about buying, feel for any strange vibrations, pulsations, or “wobbling” feelings under the vehicle. If you feel something, try slipping the truck into neutral; if the vibrating disappears, that might be an issue with the transmission, which should be easy to fix. If it doesn’t, that’s the sign to move on to another pre-owned truck.
Also, be sure to check recall lists for the vehicle you’re looking to buy. The GM Silverado and Sierra models were subject to a large recall to correct a potentially dangerous power steering issue. Make sure to ask if the proper repairs were made to the used truck you’re considering before you drive it.
Interior Issues
Of course, you’ll want to make sure your new truck is comfortable to drive in! Make sure to sit and test every seat in the cabin, not only the driver’s seat, and open and close all the doors in and around the truck. If the truck is equipped with heated or chilled seats, make sure they all work, and adjust everything that can be adjusted to make sure it moves around as intended. Of course, you’ll also want to give the stereo system a full run-down.
Related to the interior, check for water leaks into the cabin, especially on a Dodge RAM truck. There have been reports of faulty seals and draining systems that cause leaking water to get into the cabin, musting up the carpeting, seats, and more.
Find a Quality Pre-Owned Truck in Upper Marlboro
In order to get the best deals on quality pre-owned trucks, cars, and SUVs, look no further than the vast inventory at Upper Marlboro Ford. Our wide selection is sure to have something for everyone, and our sales staff are here to help you find your next truck. Our financial team will make sure you get a great deal, and our service center is always here to help you perform necessary maintenance and repairs. Come see us at Upper Malboro Ford today or schedule an appointment online today!
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