When looking at used Ford trucks, there are some critical tips you need to keep in mind to make sure that you get full value for your money. It is necessary that you keep your eyes open as you inspect the truck before deciding on it. Below are ten top tips to make it much easier to ultimately decide to purchase the best possible Ford truck for your needs. You may want to consider a checklist  to help you make the best buying decision. Ken Grove’s Guide may save you thousands of dollars on your next purchase and includes a great checklist to keep you on track.

1. Mileage Check

A used truck or pickup will have been driven and will clearly have a bit of mileage on it. All in all, you should make a in debth assessment as to whether the mileage seems to be exceptionally high for the year of manufacture and the overall shape of the truck.

It doesn’t justify how great or enticing the deal is, it is best that you negate the deal if the mileage is outside of an average of 10,000 to 15,000 miles annually. This way you prevent buying a potential problem due to abnomally high mileage.

Your most intelligent choice will always be the truck with the lowest mileage in comparison to the year of manufacture. By purchasing a low mileage vehicle, you may have an extra bonus of the truck still being under the original manufacturers guarantee coverage.

2. Drivetrain Inspection

Do you have a personal mechanic? If not, then it would be wise to have a qualified and well-trained truck mechanic with you. They must thoroughly inspect the powertrain so as to be able to give an expert opinion after the review as to whether the drivetrain has a lot of life left or not.

Do not take this procedure lightly as this detailed look may be the ultimate factor as to whether you have invested in a great truck or a potential headache.

Alternatively if you are highly skilled when it comes to vans, then you really should consider perform the inspection yourself and save the additional payment.

3. Fluid Level Inspection

If you have the ability you can perform this easy yet critical test by yourself. What you do is rather easy. Open the hood and observe all the fluid holding containers. Remember to also remove the dipsticks so as to check the fluid levels.

Check if whether they are all full to where the indicator lines indicate they really should be. If not then the engine might have been running low on oil, coolant, brake fluid or some other necessary fluid. This may have internally damaged numerous engine parts, including the drivetrain, the engine and even the braking systems.

Extra suggestion. Remember that it is also necessary to inspect any possible fluid leaks underneath the entire length of the truck, especially in the engine, oil pan, and transmission line.

4. Truck Body

This is another area where you should take a lot of care. Observe the body in detail. You may be able to brush aside some minor scratches here and there because of a really good deal. Be warned mainly because an extensive paint and bodywork repair is really costly. Be absolutely honest and ask yourself if you really want to deal with this issue. If not, just move on to a truck that is in a far much greater shape; both internally and externally.

As a buyer you have the right to physically examine the bodywork by pressing on different regions with your hands to see how solid each area is. Particularly check whether any filler has been used underneath.

5. Price

The purchase price is where it all boils down. Obviously an F-150 used truck will have a different value than a used Ford F-550. However, whatever the model, this might be the ultimate factor as to whether or not you are going to purchase your truck. But it must not be your only one. Never accept quality over a price tag. Yes the truck may be sold cheaply and later on show to be a disappointment. Alternatively, others can be seemingly expensive but end up being totally worth it as it will present you with limitless years of safety, and a peace of mind. It is always advisable that you walk in with a ultimate limit of how much you are going to pay. Do not by any means let the salesman to sell you something much greater than you had planned for. Learn to operate within your set allowance.

6. Financing Options
Special finance and loan options can go a long way into assisting you when purchasing your truck. This can often be deal maker or breaker. Watch out for any extremely high interest rates common with some lenders. Alternatively, you also stand a better chance at acquiring more competitive fiscal rates at your local bank, union or credit union so shop around ahead of purchasing. Most car dealers provide some kind of financing options but make sure you understand the complete details of the loan.

7. Car Lot Reputation

The other thing to review is the overall reputation of a particular dealer. This will be paramount to the entire transaction. They really should display a great sense of caring and honest sincerity as a reputable dealer. Ken Grove talks about things to look for in his buying an auto guide. This is paramount because in any occasion you may have to take the truck back to them for upkeep and checkups. If you get any bad feelings about them, it is then time to move on to the next accessible dealer. If the dealer has been in business for a long period of time, then it is likely that they are genuine.

8. Extended Warranty

Ask if the dealer offers any type of extended warranty on their Ford trucks? This is a valuable benefit considering that a used truck may quit working anytime within the near long term. This warranty will cover you in any event. Remember to look for the best warranty, especially one which covers and offers absolutely free repairs on complete engine and drivetrain parts.

9. Road Test

The road test is key to determining if this is the optimal truck for you. There is no far better way to have a feel of the car than by actually personally driving it. Do not turn on the music as you want to listen any odd sounds or noises generated from the vehicle. Roll down the windows so you can better hear the outside noises. Question anything that seems to sound suspect. Have these items inspected in greater detail.

10. Repair Receipts

Most used trucks come with unique documentations including receipts from their prior owners. Armed with this facts you can effectively identify which parts of the vehicle have undergone major repairs. If you know when and what was repaired, it will help you in your collective buying decision.

By following these 10 tips, you will increase your odds of finding a used Ford truck that will be a pleasure to own for years to come!