5 Essential Tips for Buying A Used Truck
There are a lot of drivers in the Harrisonburg, VA area that want a solid, reliable truck to use for all kinds of reasons.
However, there’s a lot involved when it comes to buying a used truck that’s right for your lifestyle and budget. That’s why preparation is key.
It does take some research and time, but a little bit of effort now will mean you get the right truck at the right price. Check out our top 5 essential tips for picking the right next used truck.
Used Truck Buying Checklist
Know What You Want
More than anything, be honest about what kind of pickup you want to buy. Make a list of the features and benefits and stick to the list. It’s easy to get caught up in the thrill of the chase. Knowing ahead of time exactly what you’re looking to buy will keep you focused.
Price Range and Budget
Just as important as the requirements for your used truck is the price range. Getting pre-qualified is essential before you begin your search. You can easily do that on our website.
Take advantage of our Shop.Click.Buy program and create your own deal. Knowing exactly what you can afford and the terms that work for you will give you a clear picture of what you can buy.
Size and Type of Truck
There are lots of different types of pickups on the market. The question is which one is right for you?
The Chevrolet Colorado is an excellent choice for the small to mid-sized truck. This model is best for those who want a fuel-efficient truck to handle personal jobs or light commercial needs.
Think hauling furniture, small sized building supplies, and construction equipment.
If you need a heavy duty workhorse, turn to the Silverado. When big jobs are an everyday part of your job, this pickup can handle them, and yet it’s practical for smaller jobs.
Power
How much do you need? Pickups vary greatly in their capabilities as far as the types of jobs they can handle.
Consider the towing capability and payload of each model. Line it up with what you want out of a truck. Does it match?
Light duty trucks usually have a payload capacity that range from 1500-3000 pounds with a towing capacity of about 12,000 pounds.
Trucks like the Colorado are best used for around town and suburban areas. They’re easier to park and good to drive on narrow roads.
For heavy duty, trucks like the Silverado, have a payload capacity over 6500 pounds, you can haul just about anything.
Knowing the proper size of the truck is critical. If you skimp on power, your truck won’t perform the way you want it to. And, if you get more power than you need, you’ll be spending more time at the gas pump.
A good rule of thumb is to have 10% more capacity than you think you need. Check outChevrolet’s towing guide.
Financing
Once you’ve done your research, found the truck that fits what you need, the big question is financing. Here are three of the top questions we hear about financing a used truck.
How Long Can You Finance A Used Truck?
The typical length of a used car or truck loan is between 60-72 months. If at all possible, we recommend a shorter term loan so that you preserve some equity.
How Much is a Down Payment on a Truck?
For a used truck loan, generally 10% down is acceptable.
What is an Average Truck Payment Per Month?
Your monthly payment will depend on the amount of your down payment and the price tag of your truck. Roughly speaking, expect a monthly payment of around $500 or more.
Buying a used truck is a good investment. With proper care and maintenance, they will stick with you way beyond 100,000 miles.
At Joe Bowman Auto Plaza, you can rely on our experienced team to help you find the right truck for you within your budget. And, after the sale, turn to our certified Chevy technicians in our service department to keep your truck running smoothly for years to come!
