Your Used Truck Buying Guide

There was a time when a truck was used for work, and that was about it. That’s because there were much more comfortable options in SUVs or sedans. Not only that, but the rear seat of a truck left a lot to be desired, so sedans and SUVs had a lot more room. Today’s trucks offer a different story, however. With improvements across the truck industry, you can find comfortable, smooth-riding, and powerful trucks that can tackle both work and play with ease.

At Roanoke Ford, we have a large inventory of used cars for sale, including full-size trucks that can check every wish on your list. We also have a friendly and knowledgeable team to help you narrow down our inventory to find the best match for your needs. If you’re interested in upgrading your current truck to something that can accommodate the whole family or want to add a truck to your personal lineup, check out the tips and options below, then stop by and talk with a member of our team.

Used Truck Checklist

Buying a used truck can be a great investment, whether you plan on it being your daily driver or only using it on occasion for big projects. That’s because trucks are typically made to last, and they hold their value, which means you’ll get your money’s worth. Still, you want to make sure you’re choosing the one that’s best for your needs. To do that, you need to consider the following factors:

Determine Your Needs: Before shopping, evaluate what you need the truck for. Are you seeking a workhorse to move large loads, or do you want something to go off-roading with your friends? What you’ll use the truck for will determine the type of truck, its size, and the engine power you’ll need.

Determine Your Budget: Create a budget that includes additional expenses like insurance, taxes, and preventive maintenance. Taking care of those maintenance tasks is what will help your new-to-you truck last longer, so you don’t want to ignore them.

Do Your Research: Some truck brands and types are noted for their dependability and toughness. Pay attention to reviews and reliability ratings for the models you’re interested in, as well as what issues certain trucks might have. More on this is provided below.

Bed and Cabin Type: Along with knowing what you’ll use your truck for, you also need to decide who might be riding with you. This knowledge helps you determine the cabin size. Also, bed size is important to consider. If you know what you’ll be hauling, you can not only choose the right bed for those needs, but you can also determine what accessories you might need. For instance, you might find used trucks with a bed cap or bed liner already installed.

Towing and Payload: Finally, you’ll want to understand how much the truck can tow as well as the payload capacity. Remember, payload capacity includes all the weight in the cabin. In other words, if you have a 2,000-pound payload capacity and you’re hauling 1800 pounds of material, you might have a problem if you’re bringing along more than one adult. Our team can explore this with you further to ensure the truck you choose meets your needs.

Now that you know a few things to look for when shopping for a used truck, let’s review a few great pre-owned options to consider.

Used Trucks to Consider

There are a lot of trucks in production today, which can make it challenging to find the right one for you. However, our team is well-versed in the trucks we have in our inventory, both inside and out, so you can trust that we’ll do what we can to minimize the challenges and ensure the shopping process is stress- and hassle-free.

The Impressive Ford F-150

You could say we’re biased, and you might be right, but the fact is that the Ford F-Series has been the best-selling truck for decades—almost five decades, to be exact. Also, the F-Series offers you a choice of regular or heavy duty, depending on your needs, and the choices don’t stop there. You also have a wide range of engine, bed, and cabin options, as well as the option of choosing two-wheel or four-wheel drive. And if off-roading is on your bucket list, the Ford Raptor or Tremor are strong contenders to consider. When traveling with friends or family, you’ll also appreciate the multiple storage solutions found throughout the F-150. In addition, you can find used models with a fold-flat shifter to create a large workspace or simply a flat space to eat your lunch or dinner. Last but not least, if you need electricity on the job site or when hanging out with friends, you can find used options with the optional onboard generator as well, giving you up to 7.2 kW of power.

The Capable Chevrolet Silverado

Whenever truck enthusiasts mention the Ford F-Series, there’s typically someone in the group who brings up the Chevrolet Silverado. That’s because these two trucks have been battling each other for years. Like the F-Series, you can also find regular—the 1500—and heavy-duty options. They’re also considered highly durable, with a long list of driver assist and safety features, responsive handling, and premium performance. The interior of the Silverado is also thoughtfully considered and has an easy-to-use infotainment system that gives you everything you need right at your fingertips. You can also find Super Cruise capability on certain used 2022 models and newer. Plus, Chevrolet is the only truck with hands-free capability even when towing. Last but not least, if you’re in and out of your truck bed frequently, you might want to look for a Silverado equipped with the Multi-Flex Tailgate. This tailgate has six functions to help with loading, unloading, and more.

The Iconic Ram 1500

When it comes to trucks, Ram is singularly focused. Their half-ton HEMI engines can also manage whatever towing tasks you have lined up. But it’s the interior that might surprise you, especially when you find a used, top-tier model. Ram trucks are equipped with a suspension system that makes it seem like you’re gliding down the road, even when that road is made of dirt, which means your ride is smooth from the first mile to the last. The interior of the top-tiered models is also equipped with nods to luxury, like premium cushioned seating, heated and ventilated seats, and even a sunroof, depending on the year and model you choose. You’ll also find that Ram didn’t skimp on the infotainment system either, ensuring you and your passengers stay connected throughout the whole drive.

Find the Right Used Truck for You Today

Each of the trucks listed above has a long list of advantages to consider. Plus, each brand has its own dynamic history in the American automotive industry. This just goes to show their dependability, longevity, and commitment to drivers. The key is finding the one that feels right when you slide into the driver’s seat that also checks the boxes for what you need.

You can search our inventory of used trucks online or stop by and talk with a member of our team. Either way, our team at Roanoke Ford can help you sort through your options and provide you with the details you need to make an informed choice. From there, we can assist you with financing and continue our support after the sale, thanks to your factory-trained technicians who are ready and willing to help you keep your new-to-you truck on the road for years to come.

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