Choosing the right truck

At first glance, buying a truck might seem easy, but once you consider all the uses for trucks and the growing number of options, you can quickly get lost in a maze of choices. How to solve the dilemma which truck or trailer will suits you the best? Especially when your business success existence depends on that choice. Modern trucks are still big, bold, and highly capable. They’re also being equipped with more safety, convenience, and comfort features than ever before. There are seemingly endless combinations of choices, bed sizes, engine options, exterior and interior color palettes. Keep in mind that when you start configuring your truck it’s easy to wind up buying more way machine than you’ll use. Planning a truck purchase can be tricky, so it’s best to be honest about how you’re going to use it. For example, if you have no plans to carry large loads or pull a very heavy trailer, there probably is no need for a heavy truck trailer.

Types of trucks

How you plan to use the truck will steer you through many of the ensuing choices. The market offers an abundance of models with a variety of designs and equipment. Also, consider if you want to buy a new or used truck and whether truck leasing might make sense. Depending on the load, the vehicles differ not only in weight and size, but also in category. For example, combination between curtinsider truck of refrigerated body with trailer, or tractor truck with semitrailer. According to the total weight, trucks can be separated into two main categories, which are up to 7,5 tones, and over 7,5 tones.  Think about the trailers too. Once you know what you'll tow, find out how much it weighs and be sure to include the weight of the trailer, too. There are plenty of types, depending on what they will be used, such as cement mixer, tank, tractor trailer, forklift, dump truck, flatbed truck, van, garbage truck and many other.

Details: what to look for when buying a truck

If you are looking to buy a used truck there are one or two basic checks you need to do.

Making a list of your trucking requirements or packages is smart. With so many possible truck configurations, the best way to find the one you want is to give the list of your top features to the salesperson at the truck dealership. Explain your preferred equipment. That will greatly improve your odds. For some buyers, choosing the right engine size will be a balancing act between having enough power and getting good fuel economy. There are not many engines that beat the relative power of a diesel engine, though. Make sure the cruise control and any electrical equipment for mirrors, windows and air conditioning works. Keep in mind that the cab size may affect the bed length, which is the next choice you'll make. Check the tyre walls for damage and the tread depth. Check for oil leaks. Remove the oil cap and see if its smoking, could be a blocked breather, could be piston liners or rings. Look for body rust.

And finally, be prepared for test drive. Try a mixture of roads and speeds. Work your way up and down the box, always put the clutch to the floor when changing gear. Check the steering doesn't pull to one side.

Advice: Always ask your truck driver for opinion. Their experience is priceless.

Buying a new truck

Buying a new truck can be a very rewarding and cash saving experience. In this step you need also to carefully consider what your requirements and criteria are. When you plan buying a new truck, don’t forget to include fuel consumption. The vehicle must be good combination between fuel efficiency, technical equipment and extras to optimize its working capacity.  Once you have found a particular truck that you're interested in, visit the manufacturer's website to find links to dealers. Visit several of the dealer links on the manufacturer website and request quotes from the dealership websites for the truck you want to purchase with any needed accessories and options. Make sure to inform the Internet sales manager that you're requesting quotes from several dealerships, so they will give you their best price.    

Buying an used truck

If the truck is for work, talk with your company's financial adviser and set the budget for the truck based on growth projections for the business. That way, the truck will still meet your company's needs in the years to come. Also, consider if you want to buy used truck and whether truck leasing might make sense. Once the price is established, stick to the budget, and don't forget VAT.

When you find a truck that you're interested in, ask specific questions about it. Make sure you have someone experienced in diagnostics take a look at the used truck you love before you buy it.

As you go through the process of purchasing used truck, follow the below checklist as a used truck buyer guide:

·       Investigate and assess the truck’s history;

·       mileage;

·       maintenance and oil change records;

·       engine and source replacement parts;

·       accident history and hidden body damages;

Get all the information you need before buying your new or used truck. Once you have that, you can move forward.

Find a Reputable Used Truck Dealer

If you've walked through these steps, you should know exactly what truck you need. Now it's time to switch from the research and shopping phase to the buying process.

With so many things to consider such as vehicle history, quality and operating status, parts replacement and upgrades, as well as how to finance and insure the truck, purchasing a used truck can be a major undertaking. It becomes vital to select the right vehicle from a reputable seller.

At Donau Trucks we provide a wide range of inventory to choose from. Check out our offers to find the right truck for you. As a senior consumer consultant, Donau Trucks will guide you trought the process and answer all your questions. Our team has plenty of firtshand knowledge since they sell wide range of trucks and machinery worldwide. Do not hesitate to contact our qualified specialist.