It could be the because of the upcoming new restrictions of emissions by 2007, or the simple passing of time for the truck, but there will be the moment to consider a change of truck. The market of the truck sales is increasing, especially for the past two years. According to the analysis of the columnist of Forbes Magazine, Jerry Flint, truck manufacturing companies have seen a an average of 40% or more increase in their sales on the first quarter of 2005, compared with the same time in 2004.
The first place in sales is taken by Freightliner with 21,422 trucks sold. With almost 12,000 trucks follows Paccar and the third one is Volvo with about 11,800 trucks. Curiously, in the field of the new trucks, the European companies are the strongest in the American market.
The German-American DaimlerChrysler owns Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star and the company Mack is owned by the French Renault. There remains the American companies such as International and Paccar; the owner of Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks.
There are also engine issues. Most of the American truck manufacturers do not make the engines for their trucks. The engines most used are the Caterpillar, Cummins or the Detroit Diesel. This is contrary to the European system where the truck matrix makes its own engines.
However, to buy a new truck poses a high cost for the small truck owner. A truck could cost between $85,000 to $125,000, depending on the model and the brand. Therefore, buying a used truck is the most common and convenient way to renew the fleet or to change an old truck for a better option. This process to acquire a used truck can be complicated.
It is natural for the buyer to look for lower prices and even for bargains, but the great price may not always mean that the truck is in its optimal condition. It could be a trick. To avoid this, it is good to follow two main courses of action: walk and compare (like at the supermarket). Since you have many options on the used trucks market, you are allowed and almost obligated to look for more than two places, more than two offers. Study the options and look twice at the numbers to make a decision with a cooler mind.
The other course of action is to check the truck. But the checking does not stay only in the appearance of the truck. You must be sure that the truck has never been crashed or not properly maintained. Driving it would be the best way to check for these.
On the ride, you must check the sounds of the engine and the entire machine as well as the indicators and the function of the necessary accessories such as the cruise control, the Jake brake, air conditioner, the wipers, the mirror, etc. It is also very useful to look at the engine compartment and under the truck. The truck could have cracks or serious leaks. A glance over the tires should be deeper, it is important to remember that tires are very expensive. These are some of the things to look out for, because as it is clear, buying a new or a used truck is more delicate than buying a simple car.