There is a lot of thought and planning that goes into buying your first truck – this is going to be a major part of your business so making sure you have the right truck to do the job is critical.

We recently reached out to several of our RoadPro Pro Council members and asked them what tips they could provide to someone who is buying their very first truck. Here is what they had to say:

Financing
Make sure your personal finances are in order. If you can’t walk into a local lender and finance your truck – your failure percentages will go up.   It doesn’t matter how you finance it you will need to be ready to pay for it. Find the right bank to finance your truck and have a good down payment. Make sure that you are happy with the truck you chose and that it is within your price range because you will have this investment for a long time.

The Right Fit
Whether you are buying a new or used truck – remember to get a truck that fits your needs. Leave the ‘driver’ at home and go as a business person.  Pick a truck that will be well suited for what you are going to use it for and don’t get more truck then you need. Although you will be tempted by additional features, styles or options - leave your emotions behind, and remember that this truck is the tool you will need to do your job. Knowing your operation and how you intend to use your truck will help you to determine the best fit.

If you are just starting out, you will need to find the truck that handles the best for your abilities. If you are uncomfortable about doing this on your own take a fellow driver with you that has already had the experience of buying a truck and that can provide some solid advice.

What to Look For
Check out the engine and make sure it is in good shape. You can ask for an oil sample from any reputable seller which will give you a good view into the functionality of the engine. Also check out the tires and brakes and determine if the truck is road ready, meaning will it pass the Department of Transportation guidelines for a truck. Look for the downtime reports that should be available on the truck you are considering. You want to be able to find the right mix between what will do the job and the one that spends a lot of time in the shop. Having an efficient truck will keep your cost of ownership down.

History and Maintenance
Make sure that you ask for the records on the truck you are buying. You should be able to get information on any truck that you are considering.  Also make sure that you obtain the preventative maintenance records on the truck if it was used. This will give you a good snap shot on whether the truck was well maintained and cared for. You can also view the downtime reports on various trucks. You want to find the right mix between what will do the job and how much time the truck has spent in the shop.

Warranty
DO NOT underestimate the value of a good warranty program. If buying a new truck, look at the warranty and read the fine print. Make sure you understand what the warranty will cover and ask questions if something is unclear. If buying a used truck, there might still be a remaining warranty, again take a close look at what is covered. If the truck you are considering does not have a warranty you might be able to purchase one and it will be well worth the added cost.

Buying your first truck is a big decision and one to be carefully considered. Whether you are buying new or used, do your homework, investigate your options and be comfortable with the truck that you purchase.