Buying a used pickup truck can be a minefield, especially if you aren’t purchasing directly from a dealership. Often a good indicator of the health of the vehicle is the mileage it has covered as well as its age.
When purchasing a used truck, the only truly reliable method of discovering its wear and tear is the amount of usage it has had, which is reflected in the odometer. So what is good mileage for a used truck?
You can easily research the vehicle’s make and model to get a rough guess of any important expenses that may be coming in the not-so-distant future.
As an example, many places suggest that you change the brake pads on a truck every 10-20,000 miles and the rotors every 50-70,000 miles so knowing the right information is key to making sure you don’t end up splashing out for repairs after paying for your truck.
As a general rule, the lower the mileage the better when purchasing a used truck. For diesel and gas engines, the overall longevity differs meaning the answer can vary in each. When purchasing a gas engine, aim for one under 100,000 miles, and for diesel engines under 200,000 is just as good.
If you do opt for a used truck above the parameters then you should pay attention to the overall condition of the truck beforehand and ask to see receipts and proof of any major work that has been carried out to make sure the vehicle is in good health.
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to the best mileage for a used truck. There is a big variety of components that contribute towards the overall health of all trucks and this may not be reflected in the vehicle’s mileage.
We all know that under normal conditions diesel engines last longer in comparison to gas which is another important factor. This is because diesel engines are designed to have higher compression ratios and higher cylinder pressures than gas engines.
Another key design element in diesel engines lies in their crankshaft and camshaft. They are larger, meaning they require larger bearings and sturdier bolts which gives increased clearance and allows for better oil flow. This promotes better lubrication on the engine to reduce wear and tear and improve the lifespan of your diesel engine.
All of this means that a diesel engine can last up to 30 years or 1,000,000 miles before needing any major work.
Gasoline engines are not gear-driven and rely on the use of timing belts, chains, and pumps which can fail and possibly even damage your engine. They also struggle with oil and fuel temperature regulation in comparison to a diesel engine.
More modern gasoline engines are slowly catching up with the achievable mileage on diesel engines, most gasoline engines can last well over the 200,000 mark. All of these factors contribute to the overall wear on an engine, meaning mileage isn’t the only thing you should be looking out for when you pick up your next used truck.
Getting the longest life from your truck doesn’t mean a long complicated and time-consuming maintenance schedule, it is often easily achieved with regular small tasks and maintenance to ensure you get thousands of miles and years of use from your trusty truck.
You get out what you put into your truck, so if you drive your truck on a regular/ daily basis then it is important you treat it well and don’t cause unnecessary strain on the engine and other aspects of the vehicle.
Many truck owners don’t know the suggested interval between oil changes and put it off as another annoying task that will just cost them money. However, the oil in your truck’s engine is vitally important in keeping everything moving smoothly for years to come, and the type of oil you use is just as important too.
When purchasing a used truck, always ask for proof (receipts, paperwork, etc) of any work that has been carried out to make sure that what the seller tells you matches up!
Several varieties advertise claims of increasing the longevity of your truck’s engine but make sure you consult your owner’s manual or ask a qualified mechanic as this may not be the case for all vehicles, especially those with older trucks.
Don’t just change the oil either! Whilst you’re changing the oil, you should always check and re-align your wheels. Misalignment can cause higher levels of wear and tear on your vehicle and cause uneven load bearing which can lead to a whole range of issues in the future.
The most obvious issues that come with uneven wear and tear on the tires are poor fuel economy and bad vehicle handling which can cause major safety issues for you and other road users.
Not only is the engine oil level important, but you should also look at the engine coolant, windshield washer fluid, and of course your gas levels. Leaving one or all of these aspects to run low can cause a variety of safety, handling, and performance issues that can all lead to unnecessary and premature damage to your vehicle.
Finally, a highly overlooked trick when it comes to purchasing a used truck is research. Many vehicles will have their common faults, problems, and sometimes even recalls, and knowing these can be a key advantage in saving yourself money in the long run with a used truck.
Research the model and look into the common faults and problems, then check the vehicle for signs of damage in these parts. You should also read your owner’s manual as this will answer the majority of questions you may have about the function of your truck and give you tips on essential maintenance.
Trucks with 100k miles are still worth purchasing as long as the rest of the vehicle is in good shape and overall condition. However, the resale value of a truck drops dramatically after hitting 100k mileage and many people stay away from purchasing used trucks at this stage.
Typically when purchasing used vehicles, the price will drop dramatically, but used trucks often remain higher in price due to their reliability throughout the years. They are more reliable than cars which gives them a longer lifespan and leads to a higher price.
Buying a used truck can be a better idea than purchasing a new one sometimes. As long as the engine has been well looked after and has had all regular maintenance and car then the engine can last longer than you may imagine due to the good lubrication within the engine and burnt carbon build-up.
Diesel trucks get better fuel economy up to 30% than gasoline trucks making them a cheaper option, in the long run, hence the higher price when purchasing.
With no simple answer, it can be hard to know that you are making the right choice when purchasing a used truck. However, using our handy guide we hope you have learned how to spot a good used truck from an overly expensive investment that may leave you with less money than if you were to purchase new!
Remember that mileage isn’t always the main indicator of the remaining life a used truck may have.
