Used Trucks for Sale in Rochester, MN

Pre-Owned Trucks for Sale at Tom Kadlec Kia in Rochester, MN

Many people prefer buying a used truck over a new truck. It's less expensive than a brand new truck and maintains its value longer. In some cases, warranties transfer over as well, offering additional protection. Industry experts estimate the used pickup truck market to be three times the market of new pickup trucks. Considering the industry sold over 3 million new trucks in America last year, that's a sizable number.

Some people worry about buying used. Will it last? Was it well cared for by the previous owner? Has it been in an accident? These are all valid concerns, but if you take the proper precautions before buying, you can take the worry out of the buying process. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of buying a used truck and how to be sure you've picked a good used truck. When you're ready, explore our inventory and then buy here. Questions? Call us or contact us online.

Used Truck Mileage or Age, Which Is More Important?

The answer to this question is both, but with conditions. Mileage indicates how far the truck has traveled. High mileage might mean certain parts will wear out sooner than a low mileage vehicle. Low mileage generally indicates a more prolonged life remains for the truck in question. 

A vehicle's age tells a finite story of how long the vehicle has been around, but not how someone used it. An old truck with low miles will inherently have more value than an old truck with high miles. Therefore, a new truck with high miles will have a lower value than a new truck with low miles.

You should always consider how a truck was driven when considering good mileage. A truck that spent most of its high mileage commuting on the highway may be in better condition than a truck that spent most of its high mileage working and towing. Low mileage on an old car usually means less wear and tear, but sometimes this lack of use can get worn down, too. Rubber hoses, gaskets, and plastic parts can dry out over time, even in a garage. Metal parts that sit can gather water in parts and rust. 

The average person drives around 12,000 to 15,000 miles every year. So a five-year-old truck with 50,000 miles will have an accurate value based on both age and miles. A truck with the same mileage but only three years old has been driven far more and will have a value less than its age might suggest. Ideally, you want to find a used truck with something between 5,000 and 12,000 miles driven per year. 

Run a Vehicle History Report

Most car dealerships are happy to do this for you. If a dealership doesn't provide one or tries to talk you out of needing one, there may be cause for concern. A vehicle history report will detail any reported accidents, and you can compare those to any service records to see precisely how a mechanic repaired the truck. Accidents aren't deal-breakers, but the truck needs a proper inspection before you purchase it. You'll want to be sure the previous owner used OEM parts and that all bodywork was done to OEM specifications.

Examine Maintenance History

When buying a used truck, you should always ask to see the service records. You should feel better about buying a used truck with high mileage if the regular oil changes, tire rotations, brake checks, etc., were done on schedule over the years. It shows how the truck was cared for and likely means that the owner took pride in the vehicle.

Inspect the Truck

Take a good look at the truck you are considering buying. Walk around the outside and look for dings, scratches, or other signs of wear. Cosmetic flaws may be just cosmetic, or they may be a sign of underlying issues. At the very least, you can use these cosmetic flaws as a bargaining tool to lower the price. At best, you'll avoid buying a truck that has serious problems. 

Do the same with the truck's interior. Take a close look around and look for broken knobs, door handles, locks, or windows that don't work. You'd be surprised to know how often this can happen because, in most cases, fixing these minor issues doesn't offer a return on the investment for the seller. But they do offer you the opportunity to negotiate the price down because of them.

Make sure everything works, from power locks to air conditioning systems. A blower motor for your air conditioner often fails in steps, meaning the low setting doesn't work, but the higher settings do. The blower motor will fail, likely soon. Heated and ventilated seats are another feature you find fault with after testing. 

You should make a list of features you want or need. This list will help you identify only the trucks you should look at and avoid wasting your time on other trucks a dealer might try to push on you.

Test Drive the Pre-Owned Truck

After inspecting the truck, you should always take it for a test drive. You want to know how it drives. Does the truck have the acceleration and power you desire? Pay attention to how it handles. Loose steering or a pull to either side when driving straight could be a sign of alignment issues. An alignment alone only costs around $150. It might be a symptom of bad bearings or hubs, which often occur with off-road-equipped trucks. That jacked-up suspension and oversized mud tires look great but do a number on wheels and steering systems.

Have a Mechanic Inspect the Used Truck

Whether it's your uncle who tinkers with trucks or you have a trusted family mechanic, it's a good idea to have someone look the truck over. A good mechanic will take an hour or two to inspect the truck and give you a detailed account of its condition and value. 

At Tom Kadlec Kia, we have an expansive selection of gently used trucks. All of our used trucks go through a process similar to that of our 164-point inspection for certified pre-owned Kia vehicles to ensure quality. We also provide a CARFAX vehicle history report so you can feel confident the used truck you purchase has been cared for properly. Manufacturer warranties and roadside assistance packages are transferred to you whenever applicable.

Whether you're looking for a Ford F-150, a Chevrolet Silverado, or a GMC Sierra, we probably have what you want. We invite you to browse our inventory online or visit our dealership. One of our friendly, knowledgeable staff will happily show you around and let you test drive your favorite. Questions? Call us today!