Why Inspect A Used Truck?

While the benefits of a thorough used truck inspection performed by a diesel technician may seem obvious, there are trucking professionals who question the need for this service. Some say that the inspection will slow down their transaction and others may claim that an inspection does not add enough value to justify its cost. These arguments may be true in some instances, but usually a thorough inspection done in a timely manner, will add much more value than it costs and give peace of mind to whoever is taking possession of the vehicle.

This article will address three questions related to the used truck inspection process:

1. Who should employ independent 3rd parties to inspect used trucks?
2. Why inspect a used truck?
3. What is included in a good used truck inspection?

Who should employ independent 3rd parties to inspect trucks?

Truck Manufacturers - When manufacturers take back used trade trucks when selling new trucks, it is important that the trucks that they get back meet trade terms. Sometimes a fleet will recondition a unit so that it would pass a DOT inspection but it still does not meet trade terms. A good inspection will identify this and large manufacturers can save millions of dollars in claims from eventual buyers by making sure that every unit they take back meets trade terms.

Finance and Leasing Companies or Banks - Any company that finances used equipment should strongly consider inspections on certain deals. The fact that used equipment is the collateral makes this type of financing more risky. Also, used inventory is usually sold to smaller fleets and owner-operators which adds even more risk since many of these companies are surviving on razor thin margins. It is not hard to imagine one of these companies defaulting on their loan because they went through tires much more quickly that they anticipated. However the reason they went through the tires so rapidly is because they bought a truck with a worn out front end. A good inspection would have detected this problem and many other mechanical issues. All of the parties in this scenario would have had a much better chance for a successful outcome had a thorough inspection been performed.

Used Truck Dealers - Most used truck dealers have their buyers or salesmen inspect used truck inventory before they purchase it and sometimes they buy it sight unseen. However, more and more used truck dealers are using independent third parties to inspect the used trucks they are considering. Many times an inspection company can review the inventory for a lower cost than the dealer's employees and give the dealer more information than if a buyer or salesman inspected the unit themselves. In addition, this lets the buyers and salesmen focus on their primary functions, buying and selling trucks.

Owner-Operators and Fleets - A small fleet or owner-operator should have any unit inspected by a reputable inspection company before purchasing it. Because these companies operate on such small margins they cannot afford to have a major mechanical problem. Even if the owner-operator or an employee of a small fleet have a mechanical background, it is still advisable to have a trained inspector review the unit. This is because the professional inspector reviews hundreds of units a year and he follows a comprehensive checklist to help him review all the major components of the unit in question. Simply put, this is too big an investment for the owner-operator and small fleet not to take every precaution within reason.

Why inspect a used truck?

There are many reasons to inspect a used truck. Probably the biggest reason to have a truck inspected is if an entity is about to take possession of a vehicle. Whether it is a company taking back an off lease or trade unit or an individual buying his first truck, it is extremely important for these parties to know what they are getting. Many trucks have been detailed and look great on the outside but a thorough inspection will reveal many mechanical problems. Often times the party taking possession of the truck could have had these problems corrected or paid less for the vehicle had they been aware of them.

Another reason to inspect a used truck is if you are selling a truck. A buyer will be much more inclined to buy a unit that includes a condition report from a reliable, independent third party inspection company. Buyers need to avoid being surprised by mechanical problems that often go undetected unless a thorough inspection is performed.

What is included in a good used truck inspection?

Many ingredients go into a good used truck inspection and here are some of the most important items:

1. Diesel Technicians - If you really want to know the condition of the truck, it is critical that a well trained diesel technician perform the inspection. Many salesmen and buyers inspect trucks but if they do not have a mechanical background they are probably going to miss some major reconditioning items.
2. Mileage Verification - The mileage on the odometer can be verified by reading the mileage off the computers in today's engines. This requires special equipment and software and should be part of any inspection.
3. Front Ends - The front end of the truck should be raised on every inspection to check for kingpin, bearing or other front end wear. Defective front ends will cause premature wear on a vehicle's tires but not all inspection companies include this step.
4. Check Operations - All the major and minor operations of the truck that can be checked should be reviewed, from the engine and clutch to the wipers and fog lights. This is the only way to know the true condition of the vehicle.

Even an inspection by a reputable company will not detect every potential problem that may arise after buying a used truck. However, a comprehensive used truck inspection performed by a specially trained diesel mechanic will provide much greater assurance that the used vehicle in question is in sound working condition.