Contact us
Receive
our newsletter
Download
The application
Be part
of the team
June 22 - 2023
0

How to choose a used heavy truck in 5 steps

If you’ve decided to buy a truck, used trucks can sometimes be a better option than new vehicles. While the risks are higher, there are also many advantages to buying a used heavy truck. There are a number of things you need to consider, such as checking the actual condition of the heavy truck and making sure you have all the necessary information and documents. Choosing the right heavy truck is not that easy. Here are the 6 steps to follow to make sure you’re making the right decision.

 

Step 1: Determine your budget and needs

 

Foremost, before taking any steps, you should have a clear idea of the type of vehicle you want to buy. Depending on the routes taken by the truck or the goods transported, the various models and types of vehicles offered can be further adjusted to your requirements.

 

Don’t forget to mention your overall budget before you start looking for a bid, which is crucial for the next step. Indeed, it is quite delicate to determine the cost of a truck, as its structure can represent twice its cost.

 

Step 2: Know the background of your future heavy truck

 

You will have to ask the seller directly, since, although the ad summarizes the vehicle’s features, you will not be able to identify the type of activity for which it was used.

 

However, you should know that the mileage displayed on the truck’s odometer at the time of sale does not necessarily determine its condition. For example, a truck that has been used mainly on the highway for several years may be in better condition than a newer truck that is frequently used on construction sites.

 

Ask the seller as many questions as possible about the vehicle’s past use.

 

Step 3: Inspect the truck to make sure it’s in good condition

 

First, make sure that the technical inspection of the used truck is clean, or at least that it does not require a second inspection, which could cost you extra.

 

In case the technical control is in order, there are still some points to check yourself to be sure not to have any problems later on :

 

  • The hydraulic system: Check for oil leaks at the steering box.
  • The chassis: Check for corrosion.
  • Head gasket: Start the truck and let the engine run for 10 minutes so that the thermostat opens and the fan starts.

 

Step 4: Conduct a test drive

 

When the checks are done, there are still a few steps to take to make sure the truck in question is in good condition. This can be done by getting behind the wheel of the vehicle or riding with the owner and taking a test drive.

 

  • For the clutch : Inspect the clutch to make sure there are no noises or problems when it starts or stops.
  • Also check the clutch disc when stopped by putting the truck in third gear and releasing the clutch (if the truck stalls, the disc is in good condition).
  • Concerning the braking: you only need 4 or 5 notches to apply the hand brake. Also check the braking of the truck while driving and by controlling its trajectory.
  • And driving: When you release the steering wheel, it should not shake and the truck should not change direction.

 

Step 5: The elements that must be provided by the seller

 

If the different steps mentioned above have been followed without any problem and the desired vehicle is in good condition, there is only one last step to take before you can become its happy owner. The seller will have to give you some papers :

 

  • The truck registration document : The seller must cross it out with two diagonal lines, with the mention “sold on… date and time” and sign it.
  • The certificate of sale/transfer: the certificate, in duplicate for both parties, states the transfer of ownership.
  • The certificate of non-pledge (RDPRM in Quebec) : this document attests to the fact that the vehicle in question is free of any pledge or opposition.
  • The maintenance booklet : if possible, finding the history and the interventions made on the truck (maintenance invoices of previous owner).
  • The technical inspection report (SAAQ certificate in Quebec) : as mentioned above, this report informs you about the condition of the vehicle.

 

Now you can continue the process of buying your used truck without worrying about any unpleasant surprises.

 

For more information on buying a used heavy-duty truck, you can consult our online inventory and contact our representatives.

Close ×

Subscribe to the GLOBOCAM newsletter