Top Tips When Buying Commercial Trucks

Automotive Blog

Commercial trucks can be highly beneficial to your business operations and expansion prospects. However, purchasing a truck is a significant financial decision that requires careful consideration. If you are weighing the options of investing in a commercial truck, consider the following factors when making the decision. 

Engine and Fuel Efficiency 

The engine is a primary consideration when purchasing a commercial truck. Usually, the engine size determines the truck's maximum load. Also, keep in mind that the engine size affects the horsepower and speed of the truck. Research the track record of the engine model. You may find out that some engine models have a history of rapid wear and tear or chronic functional problems. 

Cab Design 

The materials and design of a cab play a significant role in commercial truck selection. Most cabs either use steel or aluminum. Usually, aluminum is weight efficient and corrosion-resistant but more expensive. In contrast, steel is stronger and less costly. Then, go for an easy-to-repair cab design, considering that commercial trucks may get damaged at some point. Also, think through the cab functionality. For instance, are the seats comfortable, and does the layout enhance visibility? Besides, you have to choose either a regular cab, crew cab, or extended cab depending on the passenger space and business operations. 

Safety Features 

Even though you may hire very qualified drivers, safety begins with the truck features. Thus, you must evaluate the safety features of the commercial truck before the purchase. Start by checking the standard compliance requirements like airbags, safety belts, and side-curtain airbags. Then, check for modern safety features such as blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, air disc brakes, smart cruise control, electronic stability control, and automatic emergency braking system. Having such safety features reduces the risk of accidents and the cost of commercial trucks insurance. 

Maintenance Costs 

A huge chunk of expenses after vehicle purchase goes towards maintenance. Nevertheless, many vehicle buyers fail to factor in the cost of maintenance when budgeting for the vehicle. New heavy-duty trucks for sale come with minimal maintenance costs compared to used trucks. However, you need to weigh the cost of preventive maintenance, including regular servicing, repairs, and replacements. Essentially, consult a car dealer or your mechanic to get estimates for commercial truck maintenance. Do not forget that the truck brand and availability of spare parts will affect the maintenance costs. 

Vehicle Financing

How will you finance the commercial truck purchase? The easiest method is to pay cash upfront for the truck. As such, you will need to have saved enough money well in advance. If you do not have enough cash, you can explore the loan financing option to purchase heavy-duty trucks for sale. Remember that your lender may need proof of a good cash flow and a positive credit score history to lend you money. Some dealers accept a trade-in option where you hand in an older vehicle and pay the value difference in cash. Yet, other dealers have a lease-to-own payment option. The key is to work with a car dealership that is open to different truck financing options.

There are more factors to figure out when purchasing commercial trucks other than size and purchase price. Use the tips above to enhance your checklist and avoid buying a heavy-duty truck that cannot serve your long-term business needs. 

For more information on commercial trucks, contact a company like Arrow Truck Sales.

7 December 2021