Buying a used pickup truck is a great way to get the vehicle you need without breaking the bank. Thanks to depreciation, you'll be able to get the model for a fraction of the cost of its new counterpart. But purchasing a vehicle is a significant investment and looking at used trucks can complicate the process.

Here at DeBary Truck Sales, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created the following buying guide to help you know what to look for. When you are ready to look at used pickups, visit our dealership. We are in Sanford near Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, Florida as well as Atlanta, Georgia. We are also serving internationally including Costa Rica, Panama, and Puerto Rico.

Set a Budget

A great place to start is figuring out how much you can spend on your vehicle. This allows you to immediately eliminate used trucks outside of your price range and helps you avoid falling for a model you can't afford. As you set your maximum price, be sure to think long-term. Used pickup trucks can still have plenty of years left in them when they've been properly maintained. You'll want to invest in a quality option that will last you a long time rather than pick the cheapest option you find (that can result in high repair bills or replacement sooner than you would like).

Research

Once you know your budget, you can start to look at used pickup trucks within those levels. Spend some time researching different models that can meet your needs. Take into account how many passengers you hope to transport, how much weight you hope to haul, and other key aspects of a vehicle.

You'll also be able to harness a great power of shopping used: customer reviews! The models you will be considering have already been on the road for several years. See what their current owners have to say! Maybe you'll find that the model you were considering is constantly running into maintenance issues and you're better off finding something else. It can help you be alerted to red flags that come with owning that given model, which you won't get if you shopped new vehicles.

Vehicle History

When you found a model you are interested in, you'll want to learn as much as you can about it. Ask for the vehicle's history report to gain insight on its past maintenance and whether it's been in an accident. Get the VIN and check it in sites like CarFax to find out more. See if there have been any recalls for that model as well. The more you know about a vehicle's past, the better you can predict its performance and lifespan for the future.

Test Drive

Now comes the best part - take that used pickup truck for a test drive! Make sure it handles well for you. Can you picture yourself driving it? Is it the right size? Do you have enough room inside? Take about ten minutes to drive it around town and ensure it not only performs well but provides the riding experience you want.

Ready to look at used pickups for sale? Visit DeBary Truck Sales. We offer a wide range of used trucks for all budgets and needs. Simply bring a list of what you want out of your vehicle and our friendly staff can help you find the perfect fit. We are in Sanford near Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, Florida as well as Atlanta, Georgia. We are also serving internationally including Costa Rica, Panama, and Puerto Rico. Stop by today!