What to Know When Buying Used Box Trucks

Purchasing a used commercial box truck can be a smart economic move. Yet getting an excellent deal on a truck goes far beyond scoring a great price. You also have to know what you’re paying for. Every system and component, including its liftgate, should be in good operating order. But how can you find this important information? This guide to buying a used box truck helps you understand what’s involved — how to evaluate its benefits, learn about the truck’s history, and more.

Benefits of Purchasing a Used Commercial Box Truck

A used commercial box truck offers many years of faithful service when kept in good to excellent condition. Many deliver solid performance past the 100,000-mile mark, the 200,000-mile point for trucks with diesel engines. With a high-quality used truck, you can enjoy several key benefits.

Budget-Friendly

Used box trucks can provide significant cost savings when compared to brand-new models. These savings depend on the truck’s condition. A pre-owned vehicle that’s in good shape with a solid maintenance history delivers more bang for the buck than a used model that’s not been maintained well. Doing your homework is vital when assessing a vehicle’s true value.

Less Depreciation

You’ve heard that new vehicles begin to depreciate in value the moment you drive them off the sales lot. Depending on the make and model, depreciation can fall between 20% and 30% during the first year of ownership. With a used truck, you don’t take that first-year hit to its value.

Instant Advertising

The enclosed cab on a box truck is usually blank, with no print or graphics. You can imprint your own visuals there — your company’s logo, slogan, and phone number, for instance. For a modest price, a box truck can serve as a billboard on wheels for your services.

What To Look Out for When Buying a Used Commercial Box Truck

Not all used commercial box trucks are alike. That’s why you need to investigate each truck’s condition before you sign any contracts or put money down. The previous owner’s care, wear, and tear will manifest in both its appearance and some key maintenance indicators.

Condition of Its Tires

If the previous owner hasn’t replaced the truck’s tires, you can learn some valuable information by inspecting them. Tread depth and condition can tell you how the vehicle was (or was not) cared for. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check the insides of each tire for the presence of grease or leaking brake fluid.

Engine Coolant Levels

Proper maintenance includes maintaining engine coolant levels and flushing the coolant when needed. Take a look under the hood and inspect the truck’s coolant. Brown or rusted fluid points to possible rust and other deposits inside the radiator, heater core, or engine.

Air Filter and Engine Surface

Air filters should be changed every 12,000 to 15,000 miles, but each truck’s maintenance needs can vary. With that said, excess dirt in the air filter is not a good sign. If you also notice lots of grease or oil on the engine’s surface, that points to a lack of regular maintenance.

Engine Oil Cleanliness

Clean engine oil ranges in color from pale yellow to golden amber. Anything darker means that the oil must be changed. If the oil’s both dark and sticky, that can point to neglect in regular oil changes. There may also be sludge or other debris in the engine that can eventually cause major damage. You should ask to see the truck’s oil change records to get an idea of how well it’s been cared for.

Truck Body Condition

With a used commercial box truck, you should judge the proverbial book by its cover. You’ll already look for the obvious, like dings and dents, but don’t forget to check for rust. That includes key areas such as the wheel wells and its roof.

Door and Window Seals

A used truck’s door and window seals should be in good shape. If the doors and windows or their seals aren’t properly working, they pose a serious security risk. Moisture can also leak in and lead to mold and mildew, plus damage to upholstery and electronics.

Lighting Functionality

All lights on a used truck should be in good working order. You should check the obvious ones like headlights, taillights, turn signals, and backup lights. Make sure you also confirm that interior cabin lighting, dash lights, and brake lights work. Lighting problems may point to underlying electrical issues.

Mileage Compared to Condition

Mileage is another important factor when evaluating a used box truck. While its age and condition are important considerations, it’s also wise to check the odometer. A low-mileage truck with lots of wear results from either careless ownership or an altered odometer. Proceed carefully.

Additional Information You’ll Need When Buying a Used Commercial Truck

We’ve covered some of the basics to consider when purchasing a used commercial box truck. But there are just a few more details you should investigate before closing the deal. These additional points can guide you as you make your decision.

Detailed Vehicle History

Before you buy any vehicle, you need its thorough history. You should find out what it was previously used for, plus any modifications and repairs performed. This information should also include records for regular and preventative maintenance.

Reason for Selling

Owners wish to sell their used box trucks for a wide range of reasons. Maybe the business needs to downsize or wants to upgrade. But what else is lurking under the surface? You want to know why the owner plans to sell before you decide.

Evaluation by a Mechanic

Before you purchase a box truck, get a certified mechanic’s inspection. Your professional mechanic can determine the overall condition of the truck plus whether preventative maintenance has been performed. Checks on the engine, cooling, transmission and other systems should be done. Even if other components and assemblies work, a malfunctioning hydraulic liftgate can cause some big headaches. That’s why used box truck liftgate maintenance is also vital to getting the most value out of your vehicle.

Traffic Record and Accident History

Accidents happen, even with commercial box trucks. Just like consumers get info on any used passenger vehicles they buy, you need to do the same with any truck you’re considering for purchase. This includes its accident history. Along with its service records, you can learn more details on how any damage occurred. This includes the body and structural issues sustained during collisions. You should also inquire if the vehicle has ever sustained flooding, vandalism, or other types of non-collision damage.

Your Trusted Hydraulic Liftgate Specialists

You depend on your equipment to deliver first-class service to your clients. Let Texas Hydraulic & Equipment help keep your operations running smoothly. We provide high-quality, efficient liftgate service and preventative maintenance for businesses, schools, and nonprofit organizations throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth region. We also proudly serve Desoto, Mesquite, and other surrounding communities. Get a liftgate service quote online now! Got questions? Fill out our online contact form or call our offices at (214) 748-7551.

Image Source: Comdas / Shutterstock