When it comes to diesel trucks, drivers know that they’re able to get a powerful, efficient ride, which is why many truck enthusiasts choose to go the diesel route, but what about buying used? You may not be in the market for a new truck quite yet; however, knowing what you want and need is always recommended because you never know when it may be time for a new vehicle. Buying used is a popular choice for a lot of truck shoppers out there, simply due to all of the benefits that go along with it… you know, better price, more features, lower payments, saving money. Need we say more? If you’re wondering if used diesel trucks are worth it, then let us help you when the time comes to find your next tough truck.
Advantages of Used Diesel Trucks
Why do you think a lot of pickup truck drivers gravitate toward diesel? Well, it may be because diesel engines are high-performing, efficient, and capable of completing even the most challenging tasks. From towing heavy loads to increasing productivity on the job site, a diesel truck is one of the best choices if you’re looking for the ultimate truck for work and beyond. One of the main advantages of buying a used diesel truck, or a used vehicle in general for that matter, is the fact that you’re able to get a top-quality truck for much less than if you were to buy it brand new. You may not be able to make the steep price of a shiny new diesel truck work with your budget, which is where used trucks come in to save the day.
Diesel engines are more durable and usually perform better than their gasoline counterparts, making them top picks for those looking for power at a lower price. And if you choose a gently-used diesel truck, you won’t have to worry as much about encountering any problems right away. As with any vehicle, proper maintenance and occasional repairs can be expected; however, if you choose a more recent model year with lower mileage, the risk of having to address any immediate problems decreases significantly.
You’ll want to look for top performers that hold their value and are known in the industry as being tried and true favorites. We’ll get to that part momentarily. As with anything you purchase, there are bound to be limitations and drawbacks, so let’s delve into what you need to watch out for when buying a used diesel truck.
Limitations of Used Diesel Trucks
It may not be time for you to even think about adding a new vehicle to your family just yet, but it’s always a good time to know what to look out for when you’re ready to shop. Any used vehicle will have its risks, but you can substantially limit these risks by ensuring that you do your research and partner with the right dealership. Yes, when you’re buying used, the vehicles you’re looking at have had previous owners and don’t come with a clean slate as far as wear and tear and mileage are concerned.
You may come across used diesel trucks that are higher in mileage than non-diesel trucks, due in part to the fact that these trucks are popular in the workforce. Diesel trucks are stronger, more durable, and come with more capability than gasoline trucks, making them top choices to handle any job. Even if there’s a truck you have your eye on that has more miles on it than you would like, if it was properly maintained, then you shouldn’t have to worry about any problems popping up in the future. And with vehicle history reports available at reputable dealerships, you’ll know the story of a used truck in question before you even take it for a test drive.
What to Look for in a Used Diesel Truck
Let’s recap slightly here. Basically, if you find a diesel truck that has been properly maintained and ideally has less mileage on it than others, as well as a clean vehicle history report, chances are it’s a good choice. There are other factors to consider, however, to help make your choice even easier.
For the more technical folks out there, taking a look at the truck’s exhaust can be a good indicator of whether or not something is amiss. A lot of black soot buildup in the truck’s exhaust can signal that there may be a problem with its engine. If you notice that, in addition to thick, light white exhaust fumes, there may be some underlying issues that you may want to avoid. It’s also a good idea to take a close look at the truck’s service and repair history to see if there had regular maintenance performed and if it has seen its fair share of repairs. This can be a key indicator of what you’re getting into should you choose to buy a particular truck.
We mentioned “low mileage” before, but with a diesel truck, that means something different than with an average car. Trucks can have hundreds of thousands of miles on them and still work perfectly. So, if you see a diesel truck that you have to have and its mileage is up there, don’t get spooked just yet. It’s more important to take note of its service history and perform a visual inspection, especially under its hood, before you formulate an opinion.
It helps to have a bit of knowledge of what to look for in a diesel truck before stepping onto a lot, and if you keep these tips in mind, you should be able to find a quality used diesel truck without hassle. The important takeaway here is to do your research and don’t let your emotions dictate which truck to buy when it comes time to find a new truck. You may be the biggest Ford fan, which can cloud your judgment on whether or not that used F-150 Power Stroke sitting on your local lot is the right choice, even if there are some telltale signs it’s not. Staying objective will help you with this process.
The Best Used Diesel Trucks
Whether you’re a lifelong Ford buyer or you’re on the lookout for your next new favorite, there are some trusted makes and models available that have a history of being top-of-the-line. Any of the Ford Super Duty trucks can provide you with a solid ride and ample power to help you get through any task with ease. Known for their impressive reputation in the industry, there’s truth to the saying “Built Ford Tough,” and the Super Duty family proves it. If you’re looking at Ram, you are probably familiar with the legendary Cummins engine, and Ram offers many top features to enhance comfort and productivity. Chevy also impresses with its Silverado HD Duramax models, capable of offering up efficient, strong, and extremely capable workhorses designed for accomplishing more.
For many, once you choose the right pickup truck, there’s no turning back. With all the capabilities, performance features, and strength you get from one of these tough machines, there’s no reason to downgrade. If you’ve always wondered about used diesel trucks, now you know a little more. When the time comes to start shopping, you know exactly what to look for in one of these durable and efficient vehicles. When you want to perform better, do more, and experience maximum power, nothing can provide you with this exceptional experience quite like a diesel truck.
