Whether you need a truck for work or for hauling leisure toys on your weekend adventures, is it best to buy a new vehicle or look for a high-quality used truck? At Huffines Chevrolet Plano, we understand that not all buyers can afford a new truck, while many appreciate the benefits of buying a pre-owned vehicle.
That's why we always have a selection of used trucks for sale in Plano, Texas. Our used truck inventory includes certified pre-owned vehicles that must pass strict criteria to qualify and are covered by a generous warranty. With most of our used trucks, you get the CARFAX vehicle history report, so you can buy with confidence.
Benefits of Buying a Used Truck
For many truck buyers, it's hard to resist the attraction of a new vehicle. Hardly any miles on the odometer, that new car aroma, and knowing you're the first owner. However, savvy buyers and those with a smaller budget realize that a used truck offers much better value for their money and has several benefits.
Cost
The most obvious benefit of buying a used truck is the purchase price. A three- or four-year-old truck will cost you thousands of dollars less than the comparable new model. State vehicle ownership taxes typically decrease with the vehicle's age, so you'll save even more on the purchase of a used truck.
Often, vehicle manufacturers won't update a truck for several model years, meaning a well-cared-for pre-owned vehicle is difficult to tell apart from a new one. When buying used, your budget will allow you to get a higher-spec truck with more of the features on your wish list.
Depreciation
A new truck can lose up to 20% of its value in the first year, and the value will typically continue to drop by around 15% per year for the next four or five years. With a used truck, the depreciation is much slower, and when it's time to trade it, you'll get more of your money back.
Lower Ownership Costs
When buying a used truck, you may pay less for your auto insurance. When calculating your premium, insurers take into account the cost to replace the vehicle if it's stolen or totaled. As a used truck costs much less to replace than a new car, your insurance premium should be lower.
What To Look for in a Used Truck
One drawback of buying a pre-owned truck is that you don't know how it's been cared for and driven. Before parting with your hard-earned money, it's important to check the truck thoroughly.
Inspect the Truck Inside and Out
Walk around the truck and inspect the exterior for scratches, dings, and rust. You don't need to worry about small dents and scratches, but bigger damage could be a red flag. Look for mismatched paintwork or poorly aligned panels that could be a sign of shoddy repairs. Open and close the doors, tailgate, and hood to ensure they work smoothly. Check the condition of the cargo bed and any rear storage compartments.
Inside, sit in all the seats and look for excessive wear on the upholstery. Make sure all the seatbelts work correctly. If there's a damp or musty smell, check the mats, carpets, and any under-seat storage areas for signs of water damage. Check that the spare tire and tool kit are present.
Take a Test-Drive
Test-driving a truck is essential before you buy. Turn on the ignition and make sure all the dashboard lights illuminate and then go out when you start the truck. With the engine running, listen for any unusual noises like knocking, tapping, or clicking.
While driving, take the truck on varying road surfaces and drive at different speeds to feel how it handles. Check that the transmission shifts smoothly and the brakes stop the truck in a straight line. After driving, look under the truck's engine and transmission for leaks.
Check the Vehicle History Report
A CARFAX vehicle history report tells you how many owners the truck has had, if it was commercially or privately owned, and if it's been in any accidents. The service records give you an indication of how it's been cared for.
Why Buy a Used Truck at Huffines Chevrolet Plano?
Buying a used truck privately can be a time-consuming and costly experience. To avoid getting stuck with a lemon, you should arrange an independent mechanical inspection and pay for a vehicle history report. If you're looking at several trucks, your traveling time and costs can soon mount up. When you decide to buy, you'll need to complete the paperwork.
When you buy a used truck from Huffines Chevrolet Plano, you get all the benefits of using a trusted and well-established dealership. We offer a great range of used trucks in one convenient location where you can inspect and test-drive them. Most of our trucks come with a free CARFAX report for your peace of mind. Our experts can find you the best financing deal and we take care of all the paperwork for you.
GM Certified Pre-Owned Trucks
The closest thing to purchasing a new truck is to buy a GM Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. Not just any truck qualifies for GM CPO status. Each truck must have a clean title, be less than 6 years old, have fewer than 75,000 miles on the odometer, and pass a detailed 172-point inspection.
We back up our CPO trucks with a 6-year or 100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, 12-month or 12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, roadside assistance, and courtesy transportation. And, for even more flexibility, if you don't love your truck, you can exchange it within 3 days or 150 miles.
Schedule a Test-Drive Today
Browse our truck inventory online or come visit us at Huffines Chevrolet Plano to see our range of pre-owned trucks for yourself. Don't forget to check out our featured used car specials, which include hand-picked models at competitive prices. When you find the truck you want, whether it's from our used inventory, our featured vehicles, or one of our Certified Pre-Owned trucks, contact us today to schedule a test-drive.