Buying a commercial truck can be a big investment. One way to soften the blow is to look into purchasing pre-owned commercial vehicles. The inventory of trucks at Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth in NJ has both new and used vehicles. The used lineup includes everything from daycabs and box trucks to dump, refuse, tanker and sleeper trucks. Before you buy any used truck, you should take into account the benefits and cautions of buying pre-owned commercial vehicles. It’s important to take a good hard look at your potential purchase.

Benefits of Buying a Used Commercial Truck

The primary benefit of buying a pre-owned commercial truck is the cost savings. In addition, you may be able to afford a top brand you wouldn’t be able to if it were new. Another perk is the lower rate of depreciation. Like cars, once you drive a new truck off the lot, you instantly lose about 20% of its value.  Depending upon the age of the vehicle, you may still be able to get the benefits of newer technology and better fuel economy as well.

Cautions of Buying a Used Commercial Truck

You can easily limit the downside of purchasing a pre-owned truck, but you have to know what the cautions are beforehand. One of the biggest issues is that commercial trucks are work trucks, which means it isn’t always easy to find one in excellent condition. Luckily, with a good visual and mechanical inspection, you can quickly learn whether a used commercial truck has been taken care of or not. Also, remember that the older the vehicle, it is less likely to come with the latest technology and highest fuel efficiency.

Information You’ll Need Before Buying a Used Truck

When debating the benefits & cautions of buying pre-owned commercial vehicles, the best weapon at your disposal is information. Before you purchase a used truck, gather every piece of information you can. Ask for a detailed history, including accidents, maintenance and repairs. Find out what the truck was used for and if it was altered or converted in any way. You should know the mileage and how it was accumulated; freeway miles are less damaging than constant stop-and-go.  Inspect any truck you’re interested in carefully, paying close attention to frames, springs and suspension. Look for cracks and rust as well. Ask for a demonstration of all the systems to see if they are working properly, and if there’s an electronic control unit, use it to get a wealth of helpful information. The electronic control units are typically on the newer models. You’ll need to drive the vehicle before making a final decision. When you drive, listen and feel for any issues, and see if the truck is comfortable for you.

You’ll also need to keep in mind what your intended use for this truck is. Based upon that, ask yourself if does it need to be pristine, or if looks secondary to performance? List out must-have features like horsepower, axle ratio and whether you prefer manual or automatic transmission. The more you can provide the salesperson, the better chance you have at finding the right used commercial truck for you.

The Coopersburg & Liberty Difference

Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth in New Jersey is dedicated to customer satisfaction. The goal is outstanding and reliable service, whether you’re buying a new or used truck. The dealership is full-service, and invites clients back for regular maintenance and other services. The dealer’s long-term commitment is evident. If you’re looking for a used Kenworth T880, T680, T800, T660, W900 or another type of used commercial truck, contact Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth today.