If you’re in the market for a used 4WD Truck (and by 4WD truck, we mean any 4×4, SUV, or pick-up with four wheel drive, body on frame, and an engine) there are a few things you need to look out for.
Buying a used 4WD truck is a little different than buying a used car. There are 4WD drive-line components that need to be inspected, a higher chance of damage from off road use, and the possibility of rust in hard to get at places.
For those who can find their way around a vehicle and don’t mind getting dirty, doing your own inspection and buying a used 4WD truck can save you thousands. It also might be the only way to get the 4WD truck of your dreams as they’re not making the classics anymore.
While every used 4wd truck is different, we’ve put together a list of a few main areas that you should pay careful attention to before shelling out your hard-earned dough for a new-to-you 4WD truck.
1 – Download a Vehicle Inspection Form
Download a vehicle inspection form (here’s one example), print it out, and inspect everything it tells you to inspect. You’ll need a few tools and some skill, but this is a great way to get to know the 4WD truck you’re thinking of purchasing.
2 – Get on the ground
Since you’re inspecting a 4WD truck, you need to spend some extra time on the ground, under the vehicle, looking for signs of off road damage, rust, excessive mud/sand, holes in the frame, oil leaks or grease spray, and play in the drive-line components. Every five minutes you spend inspecting the underside of a 4WD truck could save you $500.
3 – Lock it, load it, step on it
This is a four wheel drive truck, so why would you even think of buying it without fully testing the 4WD components? You wouldn’t. Instead, you’d lock the hubs, lock the differentials, lock the centre diff, engage 4-Low and 4-High, and drive around in tight circles, up over small hills, in forward and reverse, slowly and fast, to test for clunks, grinding, drive-line slop, and anything else that tells you there might be trouble down the road.
4 – Drive it long and hard
Even though this is a 4WD truck, odds are you’ll be spending plenty of time on paved roads. So take the 4WD truck you’re interested in out for a good long 1 hour drive and test the operation of all regular stuff, like heaters, wipers, defrosters, brakes, cup holders…whatever. Then get on the highway and step on it and make sure the engine and cooling system won’t fail on your first road trip. This is the time to test it thoroughly: don’t thrash it, stress test it (there is a difference).
5 – Other Prudent Steps
These aren’t 4WD truck specific, but it’s always a good idea to run a vehicle history report (such as Carfax) to make sure the 4WD truck you’re interested in hasn’t been rebuilt, leased, or sustained excessive damage. You can also check the Black Book price, which is generally lower than the asking price, to negotiate a better deal.
Buying a good used 4WD truck can be challenging, but deals are out there and plenty of 4WD trucks, SUVs, and pick-ups have only been used on city streets and are in great condition overall. Other 4WD trucks have been lovingly maintained and built up with plenty of options and accessories, making them bargains for the used price you pay.
Whatever 4WD truck you’re interested in be sure to seek professional advice and assistance if you’re not confident in your own abilities to assess the overall condition and value of a used 4WD truck. Often, buying the right 4×4 is a matter of gut instinct: the vehicle just feels right or feels wrong. Our advice: listen to your gut, but inspect the vehicle just the same.
