Buying a used car is one thing, but going all-in on a used semi truck is another beast altogether, especially if you are a new owner operator looking to purchase an affordable rig. There are so many things to look out for that it is hard to know where to begin, but a good place to start is by checking out the four things below before you actually hit the road in search of a new truck.

Age

Perhaps the one thing you will want to take into account above all else is the age of the truck. Newer trucks, of course, will cost more, but that doesn't necessarily mean that they will be any more reliable than older ones. In fact, older trucks with relatively low mileage may be the best bargain of all. All other things being equal, age can be an advantage rather than a detriment.

Warranty

Don't get so caught up in examining the ins and outs of the truck itself that you forget one of the most important parts of any used truck purchase -- the warranty. Ask as many questions as you can about the existing warranty; if the truck doesn't have one, then ask about other warranty options you can purchase. Truckers know perhaps better than anybody that things don't always go as planned and that when they don't, a warranty can bring peace of mind like nothing else. 

Maintenance Records

If a warranty gives you peace of mind about the future, then maintenance records do much the same for the past. It is, of course, impossible to know the exact history of a vehicle, but an accurate set of maintenance records will get you pretty close. That's why one of the first things you should do when looking at a used truck is ask the dealer for the appropriate documentation. If they don't have it, or it is incomplete, you'll want to be cautious going forward and, as always, ask more questions.

Tires

The famous expression recommends that buyers of pretty much anything "kick the tires" before they buy. In the case of buying of semi trucks, you'll want to do much more than that. First, inspect the tires for cracks or underinflation. Double check that the tires are all from the same manufacturer. Finally, ensure that they have all been put on at the same time. These tips will help put you at ease with regard to your tires. 

For more information, contact a business such as Arrow Truck Sales.

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