How Old Should Your Truck Be?

A used truck is a great option to consider when you want a new large vehicle for a better price than the new models. Used trucks for sale are perfect choices for a value purchase since they have a higher level of reliability compared to other used cars and SUVs. In fact, most people who buy used prefer Chevy trucks because of how long they actually last. No matter what the truck may face, Chevy trucks can handle extended use and abuse better than the competition.

But how old can you really look back before any used truck starts to show its age? This is the question that many people struggle with since there is never a perfect answer. It comes down to the individual trucks, the makes and models, and their exact condition. Still, you can get a good sense of how well a truck may be depending on its age.

If you are looking for a used truck for sale, here is a quick little guide on commonages you should pay attention to for narrowing down your list of candidates.

Newer Is Better

This may sound too obvious, but people often forget just how reliable new trucks are these days. When searching for a used truck, it can be tempting to go for the oldest, cheapest thing you can find. After all, aren’t older trucks the most reliable? Do they not build them like they used to?

Not quite. Modern trucks have many features that older vehicles simply lack. The good news is you do not have to look very far to find used trucks with the same modern amenities. A used option that is a few years old, for example, will be on par with anything new rolling off of the assembly line today.

The best thing about newer used trucks is the comfort and convenience they offer. Older trucks were all about the utility: add a steering wheel, bench seating, and a bed and you were ready to go. Thankfully, things have changed to the point where modern trucks rival smaller family cars in terms of comfort. Now it is easy to find a used option with better handling, a more comfortable interior, and an advanced infotainment system.

Going Back A Few Decades

The main downside with newer used trucks is the price tag. Many trucks, particularly Chevy models, retain their value much better than other types of vehicles. This is because of their overall build quality and reliability. As a result, you have to go further back in time if you want to really save some money on a used truck. Sometimes, this means even going a decade or two back to see what is available. For people looking for cars and SUVs, this would be a nightmare scenario. For used trucks, on the other hand, this is actually perfectly fine.

It is not uncommon to find many used trucks over ten years of age that still have plenty of life left in them. If you are extremely lucky, you may even find a used truck with less than 100,000 miles on the odometer in this age range. If not, however, all is not lost. It is easy to find a used truck with 100,000 to 200,000 miles on it. The good news is a truck with this kind of mileage on it will still run perfectly if it has been well maintained.

The trick is to research a potential used truck as much as possible before buying it. Get a sense of its history and current condition. If possible, take it out for a test drive and do a visual inspection. You may even consider having a professional mechanic inspect the truck to find issues you may not discover initially. History reports like a Carfax report also come in handy to see any reported accidents, issues, maintenance, etc.

The more you know about the truck beforehand, the better. If everything checks out, you should expect a used truck in this age range to be a reliable contender for your next used purchase.

Looking For Old Options

If you want to save the most amount of money, you have to go back even further in time. A used truck that is over 30 years old will give you the lowest initial price tag possible in the used market. At first, this may seem like the best route. After all, if you only need a truck for hauling things around, isn’t it better to go cheap and old?

If you find the right truck, this logic is perfectly sound. Unfortunately, many older trucks will require some major attention and maintenance before being roadworthy again. Over time, parts begin to wear out, steel chassis can rust over, and major restoration work will be required. This will require more money in the long run.

This isn’t to say that an older used truck isn’t a great option. If you have experience with restoration and mechanical work, this could be the perfect project to tackle over a few month’s time. Depending on the condition of the truck you are looking at, the necessary work may not even be all that much. Just be prepared to spend some time and money getting the truck back into working order. It is important to have a vehicle that is just as reliable today as it was the day it was built. That way, you can expect years of use out of the truck.

Finding A Used Truck Today

Knowing how old a used truck should be to get the best value out of the purchase is difficult enough. If you are alone in your search, scouring the countless number of online and local ads, this can be a frustrating experience. The better way to find your perfect used truck is through a dealership. McCluskey Chevy is one of the premier new and used automotive dealerships around. We have a large inventory of new and used options, particularly Chevy trucks that have a lot to offer you.

All it takes is a visit to our dealership to see what we have available. If you don’t have the time, check out the rest of our website to see an updated list of our current inventory. Whatever you need, our sales staff will be on hand to help you out in any way, shape, or form.

There is no reason finding a used truck should be a difficult, frustrating experience. Contact us today or visit our dealership to get the best service possible