Buying a used Dodge truck can be one of the most exciting things you do this year, but only if it is approached correctly. It is not a task that should be entered into lightly because you have most assuredly heard some of the horror stories people tell about their own personal experiences with buying a vehicle.
One of the most important things to keep in mind is that even though public review sites are a great place to do some research, many of them are privately run websites that may not give an impartial view of a car dealership or the trucks that they have on the lot. For example, many drivers say a Dodge truck is excellent for road trips but not so good off the beaten path.
That is simply a matter of opinion, which they have the right to, but this author can expertly tell you that each truck is different, regardless of the brand or model, which is why it is imperative to understand what you should know before buying a used Dodge pickup. Let's jump right in and get to it so you can get to the lot and drive home in the perfect used truck.
Update Your Budget – First and foremost, you must sit down and update the budget. If you do not have one made up, now is the perfect time to get it down because it is important to know how much extra money you have every month that can go to a truck payment, plus cover the cost of insurance and registration. Download a free template if you need to, and take the time to fill it out before moving on to the next step.
Do Some Research – Next, go to an online site that is impartial and reputable, such as Consumer Reports, and go through some of the Dodge trucks that fit your need. This means that if you are looking for a pickup to go offroad in, a three-quarter ton may not be the best choice. On the other hand, if you need a work truck that can haul the entire crew, it may be a good idea to go with a Quad-cab that is a three-quarter or full-ton truck. Make a list of all the trim levels and model years that will work for your needs within the budget you completed earlier, and then move on down the list.
Go To The Chosen Used Car Lot– The next step on your journey of buying a used Dodge truck is the most enjoyable. Go down to the reputable dealership you have picked out with your list in hand, or check out all the used pickups on the lot that are within your budget and that match your needs. Never drive onto the used car lot until you are focused on the task at hand because nine out of ten times, you will find the truck of your dreams sitting on the front row. The bottom line is that if the truck does not fit your needs, do not let your emotions take over because it may lead to a beautiful truck in the driveway that is worthless when it comes to your needs.
Inspect And Test Drive – Once you have a few options to choose from, it is time to check them out. Ensure there are no visible signs of damage and no fluid leaks are coming from underneath. Take the truck for a drive on the city streets and the highway to ensure it runs well, and then take it down to a local mechanic you trust. Have them do an inspection on the truck so you know what is wrong with it if anything. Keep in mind that a used truck will never be perfect, so if the issues found are not major problems, it is safe to go ahead with the purchase.
That is all that there is to buy a used Dodge pickup truck. The most important thing when completing this task is to make sure you buy the truck you need, not the one you want. Your emotions need to be set aside. Even if the truck for the job is your dream truck, never let it show. If you do, there is no point in trying to haggle with the price because the salespeople will already know you will buy the truck, no matter what. Stay calm, pick out the perfect truck, sign the loan, and enjoy!