Hitting the open road in a big semi-truck and seeing new sights every day can be a wonderful job if you're not the cubicle type and want more autonomy over your day-to-day work life. If you feel as if a career change is in order, driving semi-trucks for a living can be rewarding. You'll need to get your commercial driver's license (CDL) and purchase a truck that'll survive plenty of miles. Starting with a used truck is a great way to get started with less of an overhead investment. For tips on buying a used semi-truck, read on and follow these four crucial words of advice.
Tip #1: Get The Important Parts Inspected
When you want to be sure that they used semi truck is worth your hard-earned cash, don't put any money down without getting an inspection first. Bring in a third-party mechanic who knows their semi trucks to have them focus on the most important components. Have them check the oil, as this is the lifeblood of the semi truck and will tell a lot about its condition. Make sure that there is no structural rust, which can be debilitating to the vehicle frame. Have the mechanic ensure that the suspension is in place, because this indicates your ability to maneuver the truck seamlessly.
Tip #2: Research The Safety Record And Value
Since you will be taking this vehicle on the road for many miles, safety is paramount. Request an accident report and check what safety rating the manufacturer received when the vehicle was released. You should also look into the value of the vehicle to be sure you are not overpaying. Check both Kelly Blue Book and an NADA guide to be for sure.
Tip #3: Seek Financing For The Truck
The best thing you can do when purchasing a used truck is focus on the quality of financing that you receive. The best way to get reasonable prices is to have a sizable down payment ready. A good down payment between 10% and 25% can be an excellent start in most situations. Some risk factors may play a role in the financing you are able to receive, including paltry cash reserves, bad credit and starting fresh with your truck driving business. There are plenty of financing opportunities available, so shop around and to get the rates that you deserve.
Tip #4: Buy A Preventative Maintenance Plan
Finally, you can give yourself a great head start when purchasing a used truck by also buying a preventative maintenance plan to go with it. This will let you keep your truck in great condition by getting frequent repairs from a semi-truck shop near you. It is a wise protection into your investment and will save you a lot of money over time, while keeping you safe on the road.
Follow these four tips so that you get all that you can out of your used semi-truck purchase. To learn more, contact a company like Arrow Truck Sales.
Share14 June 2016
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