How to Secure the Best Deal on a Chevy Truck

We’d always suggest pursuing a used Chevy truck from an actual certified dealership. They offer the best deals, and you know you’ll be getting a vehicle that actually works. Plus, if you run into any issues, many dealerships will attach a warranty to their used vehicles, assuring that you’ll have some protection when you run into an issue.

However, there may be a situation where you’re buying from a private dealer. In these cases, you’ll want to be prepared. You never know what these sellers may be trying to get away with, and you’ll want to assure that you’re getting a well-maintained pickup that can actually operate.

We’ve compiled a checklist that you can refer to as you’re seeking a used Chevy truck. This way, you can feel confident that you won’t be getting a bad deal…

Check The Vehicle’s Records

You should always acquire a vehicle history report whenever you’ve targeted in on a specific used car. This will alert you of any previous accidents or issues, and you’ll also be able to determine whether the seller is being truthful about the car’s condition. If the car has been in several crashes or has had a drastic makeover, you’ll probably want to stay away.

Consumer Reports also suggests checking out the reliability ratings of your targeted vehicle. When opting for a used car, you want some assurance that the car is still going to last several years. While each individual car’s performance is based on a variety of factors, these reports can still clue you in as to whether the vehicle has a predisposition to retiring early.

Of course, if the vehicle has been repaired, a vehicle that has previously been in an accident shouldn’t be ignored completely. You can still find some great deals, and some owners may have put some effort into restoring their vehicle for the road. However, if the owner hasn’t been completely honest about the vehicle’s past, you’re going to want to stay away.

Inspect the Exterior

The vehicle’s body can alert you as to whether the car has seen considerable wear and tear. A simple walk around the vehicle will at least help you identify any glaring blemishes, like dents, chips, or even rust. Of course, some of these car sellers are particularly skilled at hiding any of these imperfections, so you’ll want to dive in a bit deeper.

Mismatching body panels are certainly a warning sign of damage, as the owner clearly replaced parts of his body to hide any issues. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine whether parts were added, so make sure you’re also checking for consistencies around the exterior. Even a slight, barely-distinguishable difference in colors may indicate some sort of replacement parts. These closer looks could also reveal “paint overspray,” which is when the owner will cover any scratches with a new coat of paint. Check in the corners or harder-to-reach areas for any discrepancies. While these revisions could be harmless, they’re truly significant if they’re hiding damage from an undisclosed accident.

Samarins.com even suggests taking a look at the vehicle’s reflection. A properly maintained car should display a clear picture of the world around you, and a lack of a reflection can indicate either an improper paint job or a lack of care.

Now, you’re not only inspecting the vehicle’s body and paint. You want to check the entire outside of that car, including the mechanics. Joe Wiesenfelder of Cars.com suggests starting from the bottom of the vehicle and working your way up. When looking under the vehicle, you should be eying any rust or inconsistencies in the part’s conditions. You should also be checking the wheel wells for any damage, while also assuring that the tires are in good condition. If the tires are lacking tread (or, even worse, if those tires haven’t worn evenly), that could be a clue of some sort of mechanic problem.

Understandably, you’re always going to want to take a look around the interior. Any mismatches in the upholstery could be an indication of water damage. It’s hard to recognize water problems when you take a simple look at the vehicle’s mechanics (assuming there’s no rust), but you can get several telling signs from the vehicle’s interior. Besides inconsistent materials, a musty sound could also point to water damage. You’ll want to avoid these vehicles, as the mechanics are often compromised.

Take a Look Under the Hood

The vehicle’s engine is obviously one of the most essential aspects of your car, so you’ll want to make sure that all of the applicable parts are working properly.

You’ll also want to assure that the engine parts don’t look dirty or close-to-death. Any leaks are a clear indication of an issue, as is any rust throughout the system. Make sure the fan belt doesn’t have any cracks or damage, as these issues could compromise how your engine operates. You should also assure that the oil is at its proper level, and any water droplets on that dipstick could be a sign that the head gasket is broken.

Assuming the radiator has cooled, you’ll want to remove the radiator cap and see if there’s any “oily film” floating around. This would indicate a head gasket issue, while a green or rust color would prove that the vehicle has been ignored.

Finally, give the vehicle a test drive. This will be your best opportunity to determine whether the engine and the mechanics are working properly. Any awkward operations or odd sounds are a clear sign that something isn’t working to its full potential. Furthermore, a seller’s unwillingness to let you drive the targeted vehicle should be a huge red flag.

Many private sellers are dependable, and not everyone is trying to pull a fast one on you. However, purchasing a used vehicle is still a sizable investment, and you’ll want to guarantee that you’re not simply throwing your money away. Follow our steps above, and you’ll be confident that you’re either purchasing a competent and dependable Chevy truck… or a complete dud.