Buy a Used Truck With the 12 Point Truck Inspection Checklist

By Mother Earth News Editors
Published on February 9, 2011

If the maze of financing (seemingly laid out specifically to confound new truck buyers) doesn’t interest you, then you’ll probably be considering a used pickup truck. It’s absolutely necessary to be armed with some good advice before you stride onto the used-car lot. Don’t let anything rush you. Know what your exact price range is, and don’t deviate from that original plan. Find out if the seller has maintenance records available. Not all will, but most conscientious owners keep good records of their maintenance. And don’t ever allow yourself to be rushed. Tell the seller that you’re going to need 45 minutes to an hour with the truck. If he can’t spare the time, you can’t spare the money.

We talked to two retired mechanics, Kenny Meade and Donald Ringuette,and here is the advice he felt all used-truck buyers need to know before spending their money.

12 Point Truck Inspection Checklist:

  1. Examine the truck only in daylight; even a well-lit lot will conceal defects and hamper a good inspection. You should also be on level ground in order to check the fluids correctly.
  2. Check each opening and body-panel joint for fit. Run your hand along the bottom of the doors and check for hard, rusty edges. Check the panels along the body from back to front; if they seem wavy or uneven, check them with a magnet (plastic body repairs won’t attract a magnet).
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