Why A Used Box Truck Is Right For You
Whether you’re an independent contractor or running a fleet of trucks, box trucks have an incredible variety of uses. They can transport large quantities of packages or materials, be used as utility vehicles, and more—but even with all their uses, they can be a hefty investment. If you think you need one but aren’t sure if it will fit in your budget, consider buying a box truck that’s pre-owned. These models will be far cheaper and still offer an impressive performance.
Buying used presents some unique challenges, though, so we here at Tri-County Truck & Equipment have put together a guide for giving you a leg up in the process! If you have more questions, or you want to see our selection of used box trucks on sale, contact our store in Pompano Beach, Florida. Our friendly and experienced staff will work with you to find what you need at the prices you want.
Examine The Vehicle
With any used vehicle, it’s vital that you do a thorough inspection before you finalize your purchase. Look for any signs of damage or deterioration that might lead to maintenance issues later on. Inside the vehicle, look for signs of wear-and-tear that might make driving the vehicle uncomfortable or unsafe for the driver, including torn or broken seating and sticky buttons or other moving controls. On the exterior of the vehicle itself, look for signs of built-up grime or corrosion that might need serious cleaning or might indicate a more serious issue. Ensure there are no holes, cracks, or leaks.
Next, inspect the vehicle’s tires. Give them a soft kick to see if they’re filled properly and examine the tread to ensure the tires aren’t too worn-down. If the tires’ treads aren’t evenly-worn, there may be an alignment problem. Look for cracks or gouges in the side walls of the tires and for any patch-jobs that might be temporary fixes.
If you feel it’s necessary, consider hiring a professional inspector to see if there’s anything you missed. Any serious issues you do find could mean you need to look for other trucks, or at the least haggle with the seller to compensate for the future expenses the maintenance will require.
Consider All Necessary Features
Think carefully about how you’re going to be using your box truck and what features those uses might require or benefit from. If you’re going to be transporting foods and liquids, for instance, you should avoid uncovered hardwood floors, since moisture can damage wood.
The rear door will be another major factor. If you’re delivering to a shipping dock, a rollup cargo door will make parking closer easier—and you’ll want large enough tires to make sure the truck is as level with the dock as possible. Additional modifications can be made to lift the cargo bay higher, but they can be expensive.
Consider The Seller
Where you buy a pre-owned vehicle from is always an important decision. Private sellers might be able to offer one heck of a deal, sure, but you can never be sure the truck is everything you’ve been promised. Hidden issues and broken or temporary parts can cost you a fortune down the line, which pretty much balances out your initial savings. We recommend working with a reputable dealership. Since a dealership relies on customer satisfaction and reviews for future sales, they have more at stake than most one-time and private sellers.
Dealerships will also do their best to make sure the truck is in the best condition possible, and will provide you with proof of that. They’ll have maintenance and service records, a clear title history, and proof of ownership. A dealership can often even provide a VIN to run through a private, third-party service to verify these facts.
More than that, at a dealership you’ll be able to examine a wide selection of used box trucks all at once. Private sellers might have one or two, and those remain mysteries in all the ways that count. To examine a range of box trucks from private sellers, you’d need to drive all over town or farther.
For a one-stop-shop used box truck buying experience, contact Tri-County Truck & Equipment! We have a wide selection of used box trucks for sale just waiting for the right owner to come along. We proudly serve the people of the Tri-County area and Fort Lauderdale, Florida—let us serve you today!