Sure, you may have bought a used car before, but buying a pickup truck is a bit different. There are many parts and features that a pickup truck has, that you might not have had to check when buying a used car or SUV. Buying a pickup means adding versatility and power to your daily drive, but that means that a used pickup may have taken on some big jobs before it found its way to you. We’ll give you some tips for buying a used pickup truck, so you can rest knowing you’ve got a good one before you take it home.

Five Easy Tips for Buying a Used Pickup Truck Racine WI

Examine the Truck In the Sun — This might seem obvious, but make sure that it is daytime when you are checking out your potential truck. You want to make sure that defects are visible, and you’ll want to be on ground level in order to accurately check the fluids.

Check for Rusty Edges — This goes for any vehicle, but especially for trucks that are going to be towing or hauling anything heavy. Run your hands along the edges and all the joints and body panels to check for rusty areas, or places where the panels are not original. (hint: use a magnet to detect plastic repair parts if you are questioning a body panel piece)

Start the Engine – Listen for knocks or other sounds of trouble. The engine should start easily and without hesitation. Let it idle for a moment or two to listen for any signs that the engine is struggling. If anything sounds iffy, have a mechanic take a look at it.

Check all Lights and Switches – This is a no-brainer, but don’t forget to check all the different lights and any extra features inside the truck. You want to make sure that you can turn on the air conditioning and heat when you need them!

Drive the Truck — You’ll want to give the vehicle at least 10 miles to really show any symptoms of trouble. Then let the engine cool for a bit, and start it again. If the engine struggles to turn over, have it checked out by a mechanic. Be sure to feel for any transmission issues when you accelerate!

Used Pickup Trucks for Sale Racine WI

If you are interested in taking a look at some of our quality used truck inventory, here at Palmen of Racine, stop by the dealership lot! You can also peruse our up-to-date inventory online, and schedule your test drive appointment without ever leaving the comfort of home.

Here at Palmen Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Racine, we want to make your car shopping process easy and comfortable. Feel free to call our sales team to ask questions about our inventory or the financing options available to you.