Considering purchasing a second-hand lorry? These are the points you really need to pay attention to.

Second-hand vehicles can sometimes cost half as much

A truck that is a few years old and has just over a tonne on the clock often costs only half as much as a new one! But what should you look out for when buying a used commercial vehicle? Anyone who researches used trucks will quickly come across experienced dealers such as Kleyn Trucks, where the selection is large and the vehicle information is clear. They know better than anyone what to look for and are happy to explain it to you.

Mileage

It's so obvious: naturally, mileage is the first thing you look at when you have your eye on a used lorry. But this figure doesn't tell the whole story. With a lorry with a PTO, you can often add a number of operating hours to the mileage. It's also important to know what kind of work the lorry has been used for, where, and by whom.

With a motor vehicle, it is often clear, but with a separate tractor, it can sometimes be a matter of guesswork. Nevertheless, it is good to know what kind of work the lorry was used for. And even with a similar superstructure, there can be a big difference. A lorry that transports skips with garden waste from private individuals has had a very different life than a lorry that transports exactly the same skips, but filled to the brim with scrap metal.

It is also useful to know in which region the lorry was used. Was it stuck in city traffic all day, did it battle muddy tracks every day, or did it only ever see the motorway? And was it a mountain goat in its previous life, or has it never left the polder?

Finally, who drove it? When you look at a used lorry, you can immediately see whether it was driven by a regular driver who loved his job, or whether fifteen different temporary workers were allowed to have a go at it in a week.

Technical condition

A second-hand vehicle will always show signs of wear and tear. It is important to know the condition of a vehicle. Therefore, always ask for an inspection report so that you know exactly what work has been done and what you can expect in the (near) future. On a good inspection report will not only focus on the drivetrain, but also on the tyres, for example. A good inspection report can often be recognised by the TÜV Nord quality mark.

You can also check the truck's MOT. The MOT is a legally required inspection in Europe to promote road safety and protect the environment. This General Periodic Inspection is a snapshot. It does not guarantee that your vehicle will remain safe for the rest of the year and that you will not need to perform any maintenance for a year. Regular inspection and maintenance of the vehicle remain important at all times.

Documentation

Of course, the paperwork must be in order when you buy a used truck. Check it! Check the chassis number: every vehicle has its own unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can use the VIN number to find out the history of the vehicle. With this number, you can check whether the lorry has been reported stolen or involved in an accident, but you can also find out 'lighter' things, such as the number of owners. Also check whether the VIN number on the vehicle matches the VIN number in the registration certificate. No one wants to be a victim of fraud.

In addition to the registration certificate, you will naturally want to see other documents before proceeding with the purchase. What does the latest MOT inspection report say? Is the service logbook available and are there invoices to support it? Therefore, always ask your dealer for the truck's complete documentation.

Warranty

A warranty is not something that only applies to new vehicles. A young used vehicle may still have a manufacturer's warranty, but even a used commercial vehicle often comes with a basic warranty. If that is not enough, it is usually possible to purchase an additional warranty. This offers extra security in the unlikely event that something happens to your second-hand lorry.

Buy from a reliable party

Perhaps the most important advice for anyone looking to purchase a second-hand lorry is to buy from a reliable source. Do your research, ask colleagues about their experiences, and check reviews on sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. Also consider how long a company has been in business, as this says a lot about its reliability. Want to be sure you are buying a reliable second-hand truck? Then it is wise to look at experienced dealers who inspect their vehicles and provide full documentation, such as Kleyn Trucks.