Interested in buying used trucks

Things to keep in mind while buying a Second Hand Commercial Vehicle: Truck

You are considering purchasing a Used Commercial Vehicle so that it aids you in your business plan to perform as per your expectation and earn you for every hour that you put it to use. In other words, it is your earning machine and thus while selecting your choice of vehicle you must find one that lives up to your expectations and for the years you are expecting it to perform.

There are many points listed here to educate you to assess your best bet for the budget you are willing to spend. Maintaining a positive checklist on all the below points may not be fully possible and you may have to draw a bargain up for some things. Nevertheless, we listed whatever we felt matters,

Understand your budget of down payment for the tonnage and application of the vehicle you need, the finance amount and the EMI’s. Thereafter, work out the number of trips along with scheduled approximate maintenance, fuel costs and driver costs and you should have a fair understanding of your operating cost economics i.e. when you can finish paying back the loan and start earning profits in the business.

1) Ask for the maintenance log or records of the vehicle servicing. It will show all scheduled maintenance, oil change records, accident repairs if any, etc. and you will be able to gauge the quality of the vehicle and the past ownership / ownerships.

2)Not all owners of commercial vehicles may have a scheduled history with the OEM recognized service station, since the past owner could’ve utilized any other service workshop. Thus, try to understand why the past owner wants to sell the vehicle. Some good questions to ask are:

• a) For what purpose / application have you used the vehicle? How many years?
• b) How many drivers have driven it during its running tenure?
• c) Have you always serviced it at OEM recognized service stations?
• d) Have you always used original spare parts, oil etc. for replacements?
• e) Are you the first owner?
• f) How many kilometers has it clocked till date?
• g) Have there been any special engine issues, any chassis changes, any suspension changes during this time?
• h) How many accidents / collisions has the vehicle been through? Specific details on vehicle damage? What parts were replaced?
• i) When were the tires last changed? When was the last service? Details?
• j) What is the current fuel average?
• k) What is the yearly maintenance cost? Breakup?
• l) Has the vehicle been refurbished?
• m) Is there any pending loan / finance on the vehicle?
• n) What is the reason for selling the vehicle?

3) Examine the vehicle in broad daylight

4) Make a thorough examination by viewing the chassis, suspension, electric wiring, body quality, sealants, oil filters, air filter, transmission and finally of the engine. Look specially for signs of rusting or broken joints and welds. An under the vehicle inspection is best.

5) Check the cargo bed for rust, broken joints, weak plates etc. Assess rigidity and quality.

6) Check fluids viz. engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, power steering fluids and transmission fluids.

7) Check all the tire treads and understand whether the tires on the vehicle have been the relevant ones for the application used till now and will be the relevant ones for the application you would be using the vehicle for. Assess after how many more kilometers of use the tires would need replacement.

8) With the above in mind, start the vehicle, let it idle and then accelerate and listen carefully to the engine sound for any issues.

9) Now drive the vehicle around on road, off-road to assess power, smoothness of transmission, chassis noise, engine heat, vehicle vibration and finally the suspension and engine quality.

10) Consider the vehicle axle layouts and configuration whether it suits your application for either short hauls or long hauls.

11) You will obviously be testing the vehicle without any load, thus you would have to work out the performance, payload capacity and gradeability of the vehicle viz. engine power, torque, fuel average, body strength and braking ability considering an almost full or 110% load.

12 Know whether the vehicle you are considering for purchase has all parts availability in original and whether the vehicle is a popular model in the market. This will tell you for how many more years you can expect to get original spares easily available. Sometimes, you may want to consider buying some parts immediately and stocking them in anticipation of need.

13) Understand whether the vehicle has always been insured over all its life? Check whether it is currently also insured.

14) Understand who is taking the responsibility of selling the vehicle? Is it an independent owner, agent, bank partner, recognized dealer or OEM channel?

15) Find out whether the vehicle is still under warranty? If not, whether you can acquire an extended / additional warranty?

16) Post your own analysis, you may want an experience mechanic’s opinion on the vehicle too. Taking one to inspect the vehicle will be a smart choice.

17) Make a check on the remaining life of the vehicle in kilometers first, then years and if any scrappage policies or additional taxes will affect your ownership.

18) Compare the financing, insurance, and warranty options once you are satisfied with the quality of the vehicle.

19) Finally ensure all documentation is intact before making a down payment. Work out the timelines for transfer of vehicle and delivery of the vehicle.