Things You MUST DO When Buying a Used Truck

What are the things you must do when buying a used truck? There are a lot of dangers and pitfalls to purchasing a vehicle that has previously been owned by other drivers. However, this is the most common option for owner-operators as it is the most budget-friendly way of acquiring a truck.
In this video, Brian discusses the many steps you must take to ensure that your truck is free of unforeseen issues and damages, and minimize risk.
Subscribe to our channel for entertaining and informational content on trucking, and hit the 🔔 icon to get notified when we release a new video!
▶Facebook: / ettransportsolutions
▶Instagram: / ettransport
For all sponsorship inquiries:
[e-mail]
Soundtrack:
Sun Dog - Tiger Gang
Pop Filter - Alternate Endings
The Explorer - Tide Electric
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction- Things to do when buying a used truck
00:14 Corner a salesman
00:29 Ask as many questions as you can
00:52 #1: Look at the mileage
02:04 #2: Look at the service history
03:50 #3: Have the truck inspected
05:11 #4: Check out the tires
06:32 #5: Check out the engines
08:34 #6: Make sure to test drive the truck you want to buy

[@berniesands6201]

You also want the lowest engine hours possible too. I made the mistake of not even checking the engine hours on my truck until after I already bought it.

[@michaelwright1602]

This is all well and good, for an old school non emission truck. You need to see what the ECM says, regenerative history, you want to be there and have them run a forced regen and see what the actual numbers are. Many times these dealers will clear any codes and you will drive it and nothing will pop up, but they are there waiting to rear their ugly head. Another place to look is at the cam shaft, now this is a bit tricky as it involves removing the valve cover. You want to see the camshaft(s). You are looking for pitting of the cam(s) and lobes, which will indicate abuse and lack of maintenance. Odds are the motor is already carbon packed and will soon be in need of an in frame, even on a low mileage truck. And I would say in most cases, the valve cover has never been off the truck, which means no overhead, or valve adjustment. The EPA sensors, if they are still painted the factory colors, odds are they have never been changed. I have seen more owners than I can recall go into a dealership with a check engine light, and I would say 99% of the time they drive out with a new turbo or EGR Cooler when all they needed to do was to install a new Intake Manifold Pressure sensor and the Exhaust Back Pressure sensor, along with a good EGR Valve cleanup, or EGR Tuneup. Those two sensors, around $200 vs $6000+ for a new turbo or $4000 for that new EGR Cooler... They leave thinking all is fixed, as the dealer simply resets the engine codes and clears them out, only to have that light pop back on 50 miles down the road... Then they get to double dip you! Gearing, very important, especially with these automatics. They gear them so high that the motor is in a continual state of lugging. This contributes to carbon packing, tore up cams, fretted liners and face plugged DPF/DOC filters. And that is another thing, you want to have the cans removed and at least inspected, if not baked and cleaned. The SCR system also needs to be inspected, is there any crystallization anywhere around the system, again requires a mechanic... Another item I would take with me is a "Block Test Kit" which is a noninvasive way to check for a blown head gasket, you would be surprised at how many low mileage trucks are already in need of an in frame. Then we have the fuel pumps, this is a particular issue with Cummins. They need to be rebuilt or the entire pump replaced every 400,000 miles. And it does not matter which plungers it has, ceramic or steel they still fail. Some guys will periodically inspect the pump internals as part of their regular maintenance program. When they cut loose, there is normally only a low fuel pressure code that is popped, miss that, and you risk destroying the motor. So, if you take delivery of a Cummins CM-2250 or newer motor, have the dealer rebuild the fuel pump or replace it. Don't be a victim. Bottom line, an emission truck will easily pass your tests, as they are all superficial, like lipstick on a pig. The real story is on the ECM, under the valve cover and inside the cans. Owners do not simply get rid of trucks for no good reason, and with these new EPA trucks, there are many reasons to get rid of them the second an emission issue rears its ugly head. And here is another sad truth, these new EPA motors are only designed to operate up until 500,000 miles, and then it is time to replace. These big fleets know this, and routinely dump these EPA trucks between 300,000 and 500,000 miles, and they do so for good reason, as the warranties run out and the costs of ownership sky rocket as these poorly maintained trucks and motors reach their end of life cycle. I was leased to LandStar not long ago, and when talking to one of the nice ladies in the corporate office up in Rockford, she told me the number one cause of owners, or BCOs failing, was their inability to fix, much less reliably repair their emission trucks. The number was a staggering 90+ percent, her words, not mine. Sadly, most folks have no clue what they are walking into, I learned the hard way and am still out here with a very healthy truck. Sadly it was at great cost and hours and hours of time learning all I could about the emission systems on my particular truck and motor. Also two in frames, the second one I did myself in my buddies driveway, who happened to have all of the correct tooling to do the job properly, unlike the licensed Cummins shop that botched the first in frame by not following the simple procedures outlined in Cummins Quickserve. Yes, I rebuilt my ISX with an iPhone and a bag of tools. I used to laugh when I would hear this old saying, "If you want to make one million dollars in trucking, start with two". It is no longer funny, but very true.

[@mohammedsiraj2496]

The most informative comment ever

[@dbish2049]

Damn. That’s some sobering but on point advise. You should have a KZbin channel. Thanks for taking the time to make that comment.

[@sunnypronto]

🙏🏽

[@gomensnana9169]

Solid videos. I’ve watched a lot of truck channels and I like how these videos aren’t clickbait, trying to sell me something, or beating around the bush for watch time only to state the obvious. It’s just information with context presented in a casual fashion. I appreciate that.

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

That's the goal! Thanks Gomen!

[@geraldbraxton8709]

I like you. Your advice is second to none. Problem is each and every truck known has a problem. Used trucks depends who drove and took care of them. Miles do matter, but is not the end of the world when their high. New isnt better either. It only means more recently made, not better..!

[@derrickblair7885]

Thanks much

[@sundeepsingh246]

This is an honest advice possible any trucker can give you. Much appreciated.. thank you so much and have a good life.

[@shelbell1822]

Looking to buy a truck and I definitely took a lot of notes for things to look for and questions to as. Thank you for the vid

[@sharrelson3344]

Excellent video and I will use the advice that you've given and I hope for the best

[@sergneo]

Direct and informative as always.. love the background music..!!

[@jhonmarin2388]

Thank you for the information, thas was very interesting..

[@brianhowell988]

Enjoy all of your videos... great information

[@hayktermargaryan1291]

Wow! man. What a great video. Thank you very much. The information you provided is awesome. I've been wanting to buy my first truck, a used one and I've watched so many videos on (what to look for when buying a used truck) now I've seen some OK videos but as you can see I was still searching for more videos on the topic and that's how I saw your video. I can say for sure that yours will be the last one I watch because I feel so much more confident now to go and get my truck, and it's all thanks to your video the information you provide is so helpful and right on the spot. I just wanted to say thank you

[@laurajohnson8489]

I have just recovered your show. Love it! You don't talk a lot of bull! I have been out here on the road . I'm wondering about the kingpin issue? Can you do a show on the kingpins what problems dose it have with your trailer????? Looking to buy so I'm getting lots of questions ready. I enjoy the way you speak, and just laying out on the table. I have not had the problems on the road you have. But man just having the knowledge is great. keep up the good work!

[@paulchapasr]

This is so on point for the new driver.

[@tanveer19811]

Very informative Thank you for making this helpful video

[@steveschwer2894]

Well done,thanks!

[@rj.8.8.u]

i also want to say in the manner in which you speak, you're very direct. you give solid advice. That makes you credible and trustworthy.

[@glennevitt5250]

Thank you for this information

[@connerstephen8334]

Notes taken! Much appreciated

[@alekisua1995]

Great content👌

[@Alifreesoul]

That was a great great great video Appreciate it

[@mattmatt2096]

I was a trans supervisor for a large corporation years ago. We received 2 brand new trucks... they were 4 years old and never driven. Lot Rot ain't the word I used... the corporate guys that bought them bragged on the great savings they got the company. Those trucks spent more time in the shop and cost a fortune to get right... they only got right when we got rid of them. Great video Brian!

[@michaelf.2449]

Yep.. quickest way to kill anything with an engine is to let it sit

[@hilarynmeri]

You just explain everything and thanks a lot

[@kevinbugner3346]

I would also ask about the total engine hours, hours driven and hours idled as well.

[@Mikasconstitution]

Yea , perfect Honestly & clearly

[@shunnat5626]

Yassss great advice. Lol I wish you could come with me when it’s time to buy my 1st truck 🛻

[@andrewbarnett4621]

Thank you 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kiwabro2009]

Always remember. No one sells a money-making truck.

[@dfrmotorsports4591]

Unless the business gets a bigger tax break on a newer truck

[@pjnelson8971]

I have learned this the hard way. I have dumped so much money into 'good' trucks. It makes me want to cry..

[@MarkoShannon1933]

Very informative ✊🏿

[@Truckingmadebrandon]

Great Video!

[@bigjuvbankroll246]

Great information 👍🏿 👌🏾

[@dawitabate9291]

I like the way you explain 🙏🙏🙏

[@sunnypronto]

This is gold I love you guys

[@miles2burn]

I can’t tell you how many people i shared this video to!! Great and solid advice man thank you!!!

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@maricelavalladolid9226]

Thanks really good advice

[@Chris.christiansen.84]

Its also important to find our what it was used for. I'm looking for a day cab there's a bunch in Texas with low miles. The trucks were used in the oil fields so those 300k miles is more like 900k

[@redpromediat.o.tstrongteam1679]

How?

[@SuprSecrtClub]

Basically do a really good pre trip inspection and then some.

[@Poppingtags167]

Thank you!

[@HarwinderSingh-bf8jk]

Thnks great information

[@shasoto]

Great video. 👍

[@kabayizabenjamin5335]

Thank you sir

[@tarikutulu3585]

Thank you so much 🙏🙏

[@luckyphothirath7901]

Im about to start I small business. Great advise

[@lifesjourney7219]

Thank you very much, sir

[@negsai8974]

you a good man , i hope best wish in your life

[@felicia1ofakind]

Great video, my question is, what type of oil is better fleet maintained or carrier maintained?

[@robertovillalon2841]

Thanks!!!

[@mography4563]

Very well explained video!!! I really appreciate for this informative video. I will look at those key points that are mentioned in this video when I go to buy my first truck.

[@orvillebryan1950]

Thank you very much

[@user-ix8ki9lc2q]

What if the driver is looking to buy a pre-emissions engine? It would be essential to add the cost of re-man / rebuild of the engine / trans into consideration instead of avoiding it altogether right?

[@daoodsheikh7607]

Hi do you have any ideas on the paccar mx13 engine ? Are they good

[@ajack226]

What models do you like best for used and a new owner operator

[@TacticalTrucker]

Purchasing a used truck Im going to wait a couple more years to purchase trucks and engines 2018 and up, trucks and engines have improved after 2018. But i would not purchase a truck right now; fuel prices are going up, there’s been a delay in manufacturing parts coming to America so prices on parts is going up as well, [you know about the EVERGREEN container ship 🚢 that got stuck in the bay?]. I would go for a used truck that recently had its overhaul: an in-chassis engine overhaul may cost $10,000 in basic parts and $3,000 to $4,000 in labor, Plus the value of the dollar drops 2 to 4% every year; every time they keep printing money so the cost of labor would go up as well. Purchasing a recently overhauled semi-truck could end up saving you tens of thousands of dollars while giving you several years of reliable service.

[@dchawk81]

Being Canadian, why don't you call it kilometrage? 🤔😒😃

[@albydigiammarco3373]

Thanks for this clip, you pointed out a few things which I never thought of. The problem is at times we buy with our eyes and not logic, which at the end of the day, as you say will cost us money. Once again, thankyou.

[@abdaosalem1194]

You are the best

[@chadmcelhaney4006]

Do you have an team sleepers available that you’d recommend?

[@zelalemmekuria4349]

Correct

[@chosenone101]

The truck from the 1989 movie Pet Sematary at 1:19 ...lol.

[@jonathanhonea629]

How much down payment needed with 630 score on 2020 truck ?

[@g41thomas]

I started with 1997 freightliner with 1.5 millions for 7900 and now 3 years owner operator using the same truck and I love it more and more. So wh at I said here I just a cookie 🍪 cutting stuff!

[@thomasochoa9434]

Engine analysis?

[@alinmatti786]

Would be nice to get service history. Most dealers don't know much .lots a fleet trucks for sale.

[@kmg501]

This sounds good but I don't think that it matches reality in this market. If you don't buy on the spot in this market, you don't get the truck. You don't get any truck. This is 100% a sellers market like it or not.

[@futurelink5967]

👌 wow

[@nunyabuziness8421]

Cranking 4 times b4 it fires isn't a problem 😆 fuel pressure drops when it sits

[@genaroroman9013]

Rust bucket, pin holes in head gasket, money pit.

[@oscar.gandara]

Great video!

[@charlieboy501]

Just think if you did this to 5 trucks a week

[@rj.8.8.u]

thank you for teaching me how to negotiate for a truck. maybe I can get my CDL and take this seriously.

[@waheeddawodu9892]

1 Love brethren.

[@samuelseverino3196]

In other words do a good pre trip 😂

[@JayDUB213512]

💯👌

[@FocusSE2009]

I'm still torn... If I can afford the down payment.. even if this is my first attempt at doing this myself wouldn't it be better to just try to go for a new truck where you have a warranty to help with some of these minor or even major issues you might have in your fist few year....?

[@saladbowltrucker2586]

You wanna look at the hours too brother

[@NorthAmerican-Trucking-News]

True that

[@heneyguide1]

Why don’t people buy new truck to avoid such kind of hustle ???

[@RedRedred-ld4pb]

The best thing is take a mechanic with you.

[@herrapingviini2024]

1mil is not lot of miles for truck

[@PeteMirnyi]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@sarmenjanvartan]

❤️🙋🏻‍♂️

[@danielsemmens6640]

Salesman may not know anymore than you know about the truck in this market your going in blind you have to take what you get doesn’t apply in todays market

[@1707hyper]

Is this dislikes from dealers?

[@seekpeaceread6798]

2016 pro star with 500k miles automatic for 90k. 🤔 any comment on this ?

[@arunevaiciulyte7805]

First thing to do is to not buy a Mac truck the next thing is to not get a paccar engine the third at about 20,000 engine hours you will need a engine rebuild or at 600k miles and 4 don't buy a international either they are pure junk

[@Yondaily]

😂😂😂

[@enigmaak8049]

Truck is home for trucker. Right? Home must have flash able toilet. Or prefer garbage bag to poop in??? Trucker eat drink and he she need to poop Interesting ?