Buying a used Class 8 truck or other commercial rig is a smart way for owner-operators to save a lot of money in the early days of their business. While newer models are great for mileage and compliance, they often carry the unfortunate downside of a six-figure price tag. Your truck is the most important investment you'll make in your business, so it's wise to talk to us with key considerations in mind. We advise to call our main office and our experts will be able to help you.
Some things to consider why looking for the used semi truck:
Transmission
Most operators learned to drive on a truck with a manual transmission. A manual transmission is more convenient for the driver, but there are automatic transmission semi trucks available. If you're in the small category of people who have learned on an automatic, you will want to stick with that kind of transmission.
If you opt for a manual transmission, there are more variables to consider. Find out how many speeds the transmission offers. The higher the speed, the more versatility you'll have when driving. If you're new to driving a semi truck, you may not want to choose a higher number of gears. The options afforded by the higher speed count is nice, but it can be difficult to operate if you're not used to a lower-speed transmission already. Also, unless you're hauling very heavy loads through the mountains, you probably won't need the higher speeds.
If you buy a used semi-truck Operating Costs Are Lower. Consider doing so!
Operating costs are simply the fees you need to run the truck, such as gas, insurance, registration, etc. Typically, with used semi trucks, operating costs are lower. One main reason for this is because the truck is worth less than a newer model. For example, if the truck is totaled in a car accident, the insurance company will pay less to cover the cost of the truck if it is used vs. if it is new. Therefore, your insurance premiums are usually lower with used trucks.
One operating cost you may struggle with is gasoline. Gasoline is an operating cost, but in this case, newer vehicles may actually be better thanks to all the advancements in technology and fuel efficiency. That doesn't mean you can't find a used truck that does have excellent gas mileage. You'll simply need to stop by at our location is South Holland to find your perfect used semi-truck. New doesn't always mean better. By buying used, you can find the exact truck you need for less. Plus, you own the truck, so you get all the benefits.
Everything Is Road-Ready
You know all that greasing, oiling, filling, and checking you would have to do with a new truck? You do not have to do that with a used truck. During the truck's intake inspection, the used truck mechanic makes sure everything is oiled, flushed, filled, greased, inflated, and cleaned to make sure it passes inspection. As soon as you pay for it, you can drive it.
We have financing options available
If you cannot afford to buy the used truck outright, you can lease to buy. In fact, we will allow you to put money down as though you are going to buy the truck. Then you lease it, putting monthly payments toward the possibility of buying the truck.
Truck History That Helps You Determine Sources of Future Problems
Every used truck has a history. As long as the other drivers and owners of a truck have accurately reported accidents, it will be on a truck history form that the dealer can access and print off for you. Even though all used trucks MUST pass inspection, you cannot find tiny imperfections that were caused by an accident until they break or need repair.