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Top Tips To Consider Before Buying A Used Truck


When buying a used truck there are a few tips that can quickly help you find one that is worth taking to your mechanic for a full checkup Never allow yourself to be pushed into a deal, you need about an hour in daylight on a flat area to do a proper inspection. If the seller says he can’t spare you the time or won’t allow a mechanic to check it, tell them you can’t spare the money. Go to your local Gold Coast rental truck company and hire the same model (tell them the reason and they will give you a good deal). This way you can see just how a well maintained truck should behave.

When you have found a truck you’re interested in do these checks:


  • Ask to see the maintenance records, this shows the oil was changed at the correct times and other maintenance carried out.
  • Check all the body panels to see if they are straight and not wavy or uneven and the edges are smooth especially underneath. Check the doors and openings, you can usually tell if it’s been re-sprayed in these areas. Plastic body filler is non-magnetic so it’s easy to find with a fridge magnet. Look for raised spots on the paintwork which indicates rust or re-spraying with incompatible paints.

  • Hold the doors at the top and bottom and see if there is any hinge movement. Check the foot pedals for rubber wear, especially on the edges. Check the wear on the  steering wheel and indicator switches and inside door handles, these are indications of high wear. 
  •  Check the coolant fluid, it should be green, if it looks wrong it could be overheating. Examine the air filter for dirt and dust. Look at the engine is it very clean, then it has been steam cleaned, if not are there oil, grease and dirt deposits around, this shows it has not been well cared for.
  •  See if there are signs that the gaskets have been replaced (this should be recorded in the maintenance logbook).
  •  If Automatic, check the automatic transmission fluid on the dipstick. Smell it, if it smells a bit burnt it means probable transmission trouble.
  •  Start the engine and allow it to idle and listen for thuds or knocks. Pull on the hand brake or leave in “park”and increase the idle and notice any changes in the sound. Put in “drive” or first gear, with the brake on, give a little rev and see if it responds well or there is slippage.
  •  Check all the switches and lights, radio, air-con and wipers including washer.
  •  Take it for a test ride and check the breaks and suspension on a rough stretch of road to see if the shocks are OK.

  • After about 20km stop for a few minutes and allow the engine to cool then start again. If it does not start properly, have it checked.


Buying a used truck can be a big decision so do not be rushed into it, try asking your friendly local Gold Coast rental truck company if their mechanics will look it over for you, they will not charge too much but will give an experienced and honest appraisal so you know its condition.
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