Purchasing a used GMC truck is a task that should be exciting and joyful, but that can only happen if you approach it with a clear and educated mind. It may be all too common when driving into a reputable used car lot, that one specific vehicle may catch all the attention, creating a situation where the buyer’s emotions get in the way of the purchase. You can easily end up with a truck that is nothing but a huge problem. There are definitely some GMC trucks that should be avoided, while others will be the best choices.
Before going to the local used car lot, several things will need to be reviewed, such as the budget you have, the needs of the particular truck, and how much room is needed in the cab for passengers or animals. Let’s take a deeper look into some of the things you need to do to answer the question of “how to purchase a GMC truck.”
- Set A Budget – If you do not have a budget set up already, now is a great time to get it done. It is actually a simple process if you download a free template and fill it in. Then, follow the budget to keep yourself from getting into a bad position. It is very important to do this step so you know how much extra cash there is every month that can go towards a truck payment. If you are paying cash up front for the truck, it is still imperative to budget for the cost of owning it, such as fuel and insurance.
- Do Your Research – When buying used GMC trucks, some research needs to be completed to ensure that you are getting the truck that you need (not the truck you want emotionally.) for example, if you are looking for a truck to tow a fifth wheel camper, a heavy-duty pickup may be more suiting than a smaller half-ton truck. Once you know what you need, go to a site like Consumer Reports and go through the year, trim levels, and models and see what has the best reviews for your needs.
- Get Pre-Approved – Unless you have been saving up some money to buy a used truck, getting pre-approved for a loan is essential. This will go along with the budget you completed above because it gives an idea of the amount of money you have to work with. Of course, this amount must be added to the amount set aside for the down payment. Remember, the more money you have saved for the down payment, the less you will owe in the end, and the lower your monthly payments will be.
- Test Drive And Inspection – Now that you know how much money is available to work with, what type of truck is needed, and have a list of some of the best options, it is time to head down to a reputable car lot and start browsing. Follow the list you made while doing research and stick to it, even if the dealership has your dream vehicle. Stick to yourneeds, stay within the range of used trucks on the list, and visually inspect every pickup before you test drive it.
- Take It To A Mechanic – Before deciding on a purchase, you want to take the used GMC truck down to a local mechanic you trust. Have them inspect it to see if anything major is wrong with it. Keep in mind that a used truck may have some issues depending on how old it is and what the asking price of the pickup is; it can be expected. If the mechanic gives you a list of things that need to be addressed beyond what you want to deal with, park the truck back at the lot and move on to your next option.
You never want to simply rush into buying a used truck because when you do, more than likely, the decision will be made without completing the proper steps. Used trucks will not always be in tip-top shape, so make sure to check it out while on the lot before taking it for a spin.
Do not just stick with the city streets when on the test drive. You need to take it out onto the highway and get it up to cruising speeds to ensure it drives well at all speeds. Once you have gone through the steps and picked out the truck, you want to fill out the papers, sign the loan, and enjoy!
