If you’re like me, you probably do too much Googling about new Ford trucks, especially after Ford’s recent announcement that the Ranger is back for 2019. Many of us like the idea of a new truck with all its bells and whistles, new car smell, and lack of other drivers’ history, but sometimes buying a new truck just isn’t realistic, and buying a used Ford truck is the right choice instead. There are myriad reasons that considering used Ford trucks can be the right choice, especially for a brand that is known for its reliability, and, dare I say, toughness? Some of these reasons are more common than others. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself before you decide to buy a used Ford truck to see if it’s the right choice for you. I think it probably will be!
You’re On A Budget
This is by far the top reason that most people site when deciding to buy a used Ford truck. New cars and trucks depreciate quickly the second you drive them off the lot. That’s because there is inherent value in owning a “new” truck that hasn’t been touched by another owner. If you’re on a budget, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a used Ford truck with a great driver history, however. Just because it’s been driven, doesn’t mean that it hasn’t been taken care of. Ask your dealer for the CarFax or other reputable vehicle history report provider to check out how the truck in question has been treated before buying. This can eliminate any shadow of a doubt you had about buying used over new. Once you have determined that it has a clean report, you can feel good about saving the extra money by buying a used truck.
You Have Work To Do
This is another great reason to buy a used Ford truck, or any truck for that matter. Getting a truck can be a status symbol for some, but besides its “cool” factor, you have to consider everything your car will allow you to do. Ask yourself about your lifestyle. Do you have equipment to haul for your job? Do you like to go adventuring in the great outdoors? Are you fixing up your home yourself? There are lots of reasons that owning a great used Ford truck can make sense for your lifestyle.
If you live somewhere rural like I do, you could haul your own pellets or logs instead of paying a company to deliver them for you. Or you could make that trip to Home Depot for a rental tool when you have some extra time on the weekend. You could even help your friends move, though that actually might be a reason not to get a truck!
You Want Some Variety
Something that many people don’t think about as a benefit of getting a used truck is the variety offered. You can find a truck that has exactly the number of miles on it that makes you comfortable that it runs well, but hasn’t been driven to death. You can also find a truck that’s available in a color that may have only been in production for a couple years. Or you can get a truck customized with the engine and drivetrain options you want, but without having to dish out the new car price. If you have something very specific in mind, a search for it will inevitably turn up a used version of your perfect truck.
You Don’t Want To Be Afraid To Damage That “New Car Smell”
Picture this. You’ve just signed on the dotted line, your financing is in order, and the friendly sales rep is handing you the keys to your brand new, just off the production-line new truck. You step into your new truck and drive it off the lot. Sounds great right? But how willing are you going to be to treat your truck… like a truck? Trucks are built for hauling, towing, and driving around on terrain you wouldn’t take your little sedan. You shouldn’t be afraid to jump in it with muddy boots or to put the power of your new engine to the test. If you decide to go with a used Ford truck, I bet you won’t have nearly so many misgivings. Instead, you can hop right in and get to work or off on an adventure. You don’t need to worry over every little scratch or ding and you can get back to enjoying your truck. If you don’t plan on being sentimental over your trucks pristine image, a used Ford truck might be exactly what you need.
You’re Interested In CPOs
There are loads of different offers and incentives that you can take advantage of when you buy a used vehicle. But some of these can still seem a bit scary at first, especially if you’ve never bought yourself a used car or truck before. If that’s the case for you, you might be interested in a Certified Pre-Owned.
Pre-Owned (CPO) Truck
A certified pre-owned truck is a vehicle that’s 100% backed by the brand or the dealership. It means that they are just as confident in its future performance as they would be with a brand new truck on the road. It can be tough to be sure about the condition of a used truck without driving it around for a while. With a CPO, you can rest assured that the truck is ready to hit the road and won’t cause you any unforeseen problems. To become a CPO truck, the vehicle needs to undergo a rigorous inspection and be vetted in a number of different ways. If this doesn’t give you confidence in a used Ford truck, nothing will!
CPO trucks are also a good middle ground if you’re willing to spend a bit more, but still don’t want to go all the way and buy a new truck. They are pricier than non-CPO trucks, but cheaper than new. If you want both the financial incentive of buying used without the potential worry associated with buying a traditional used vehicle, opt for a certified pre-owned truck.
You don’t require every bell and whistle
Many people who buy new products, whether they be trucks, cell phones, or houses are looking for the latest and greatest bells and whistles that accompany brand new things. Think about iPhones with better camera quality or houses that have the most modern solar technology installed. Many people will buy these things just because they want to have the latest and greatest trend. For trucks, this often means upgraded infotainment systems and integration capabilities. If you’re not as concerned about having the technological features available in more recent trucks, it’s probably well worth it to go with a used one. You might forgo some USB plugs, but there are ways around that. Weigh your priorities before you buy so that you know exactly what you’re buying and why.
Before You Buy
Make sure to think about all of the different factors before you decide to buy a used Ford truck. Make sure you’ve considered all the variables and made sure it fits into your budget without forgoing anything you think is essential. Consider the depreciation of the vehicle, how hard you’re likely to be on it, and whether you can get a clean driving history from the seller. If these reasons seem to apply to you, then getting a used Ford truck might be the perfect decision!
