When buying any type of pre-owned vehicle, you have to
thoroughly inspect it before signing the document that would close the deal.
Inspection reveals a lot of important, and sometimes scary, information about
vehicles, which usually affect a buyer’s final decision. For example, you may
find a hidden damage that seems trivial but actually suggests a serious issue
that requires a major, expensive overhaul. This is particularly helpful when
purchasing a highly in-demand vehicle like a pickup truck.
Pickups do more than just take people to places they want.
They can also be used for towing and carrying heavy load. If you are planning
to utilize the used pickup trucks you are buying in Portland for transporting cargo, you should be
more adamant in inspecting them from inside and out. Here are five of the most
important aspects of a pickup truck that you need to inspect before purchase.
Fluids
and Greases
A pickup truck functions pretty much like the human body. The
fluids serve as its blood. When the blood doesn’t look and feel right, it means
there’s something wrong with it, and it goes downhill from there. There are
many types of fluid that circulate within a pickup truck—radiator fluid, motor
oil, transmission fluid, AC coolant, among others. Check each one and take note
of the color.
If there seems to be rust mixed in the coolant, for instance,
chances are the engine will easily overheat. Also, watch out for too much thick
oil and grease deposited in the system, as they may indicate that the car isn’t
properly cared for. Meaning, there’s a likelihood that you’ll find other more
serious problems as you move along with the inspection.
Rust
Everywhere
Rust indicates aging and exposure to moisture. Once you find
rust in various surfaces of the truck, it doesn’t take a genius to know that
the car is crumbling. Some sellers think they can conceal rust with coat but
the truth is that rusty areas reveal themselves in the form of raised spots, much
like blisters on a wall that was coated without thoroughly cleaning the surface
first. When you see rust, it means the truck needs further inspection.
Mileage
Tampering
Most old car models have odometers that can easily be
tampered with. Some car sellers, particularly the private ones, adjust their
car’s odometer to lure and deceive buyers. If you think the mileage showing up
on the device is too good to be true, check the parts of the vehicle that are
greatly involved in driving and maneuvering, such as the brake pedal, armrest
and upholstery, and the windshield. If you find excessive wear, then the car
must have traveled for much longer than the odometer shows.
Start
Again
One of the most important things you need to know while
inspecting a vehicle is its ability to start again after being abruptly shut
off. Test-drive the truck for at least 10 miles and try to halt quickly and
keep it dead for about 10 minutes. If the engine suddenly hesitates to run upon
restart, then there must be a serious issue with it that needs the attention of
a professional technician.
Duramax
Engine
Of course, there are certain dead giveaways that a pickup
truck is the right one to buy. For instance, if it has the Duramax Engine, it
will most likely perform well on the road and last long without the need for
major repairs in the long run. The reason for this is that the Duramax Engine
is arguably to most powerful diesel engine in the world. It is also a recent
development in diesel engines so you are most likely buying a car that is only
a few years old.
To be absolutely sure that you will be buying the perfect
used pickup trucks, go to a reputable dealership like McLoughlin Chevrolet.
Unlike private sellers, a dealership offers guaranteed high-quality pre-owned
vehicles. Also, because they have a reputation to protect, they don’t
immediately resell or accept consigned units without carefully inspecting them
by themselves first.
Sources:
Impress
Your Mechanic: 6 Types of Fluid, Esurance.com
Buy a Used Truck With the 12 Point Truck
Inspection Checklist, MotherEarthNews.com
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