If you are considering starting your own trucking service, and you do not yet have enough funds to purchase a new vehicle to do your hauling, you may want to consider starting off with a used semi truck. This can be a great solution so you can get your business up and running quickly. Here are some ideas to help you find the perfect vehicle for your business as well as some tips to help you get a great price.

Start The Search

Begin your search for a semi truck by asking others in your desired field of work if they know of any trucks for sale. You can frequent truck stops to talk with others on the roadways and ask over a citizen's band radio to see if there are any decent deals locally. Check with a commercial truck repair shop to see if they have any customers who may be looking to sell a vehicle. You may be able to place a flier indicating your desire to purchase a semi truck right in the establishment. 

Check For Auctions

A big-ticket item like a semi truck may make it necessary to search in areas further from home. Check for an auction for large trucks within driving distance of your locale. These often carry an array of vehicles in a spectrum of price ranges. Several have the vehicle photographs and specifications listed on their auction websites allowing you to do some research beforehand.

Consider A Dealer

Some used vehicle dealers also sell larger commercial vehicles. Make a few calls to local vehicle dealers and ask them if they have any contacts with semi or heavy truck sales. Check out dealer websites, such as http://www.arrowtruck.com/, to see what trucks are available. You may be able to track down a vehicle for sale and have the benefit of a warranty as well. 

Decide On Cost

Before going to look at a prospective buy, think about what price range you feel comfortable with and stick with it. Consider bringing only enough cash to cover your down payment limit, so you are not tempted to spend more than necessary. You may be able to get the truck for a cheaper price by offering a cash down payment as well.

Look For Wear

If you are checking out a vehicle through a private seller, strike up a conversation with the vehicle's owner to see how many miles they used to drive and what type of wares they used to haul. These can be indicators of the condition of the truck overall.

Bringing along a mechanic may be beneficial regardless if it is a private sale or auction. They will be able to look at the mechanics of the truck beforehand, noting if there are extensive areas of rust or if the drive shaft appears to be worn. Ask for service records. If the owner is able to provide them, it indicates they took care of the truck. A lack of records may be a warning sign the truck was not maintained as it should have been. Any sign of excessive wear can help you offer a lower price during a private sale. If bidding at an auction, keep any repair work you may need to do in mind and subtract the estimate from your high bid amount so you do not end up paying more than you desire.

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