What To Look For When Buying A Used Freightliner
A freightliner, often referred to as a semi truck, is a heavy-duty vehicle designed for long hauling and heavy material transportation. Whether you own a company where you transport goods for other companies and you need a new freightliner or you have a trucking license and wish to go into business for yourself to create a career, buying a freightliner is an expensive purchase when you buy the vehicle new.
Like all other vehicles, semi trucks lose value as soon as they are driven, known as depreciated value. It makes sense to buy a used freightliner, both to save money and to make a wiser investment with your funds. When you buy a used freightliner, you can shop smartly by using this guide to help you select the right used vehicle for your hauling needs.
Gas Mileage
Freightliners use a lot of energy, so seek a model that has some energy efficiency so you save money on fuel costs when driving long distances. This allows you to report a more favorable bill to your clients and allows you to have a greater impact on the environment as well. Research several models of freightliners — different models and styles will have varying gas mileages — to aide in your purchasing decision.
Overall Condition
Ideally, you want to buy a used freightliner truck that was cared for by its previous owner. Buy a used freightliner that has never been in a serious accident as both body and engine damage can cause problems with the unit down the road. Get a vehicle servicing report from the previous owners of any used semi you are interested in before you buy; you want to make sure the unit had oil changes and other mechanical issues addressed on a regular basis to ensure future reliability.
Price
Some used freightliners cost nearly as much as their newer counterparts, so you want to find out why. Actual engine mileage can affect a freightliner's current price, as can any modifications made to the rig to make it more comfortable or modern for driving. If you have the budget to buy a used freightliner with aftermarket add-ons that a newer model doesn't have, then buying a used model that is more expensive may be right for you. If not, move on to a unit that better meets your needs, even if you sacrifice some perks in doing so. The right freightliner will meet your needs whether you buy new or used; see a dealer to help you make your financial decision.