Getting ready for a buy semi truck auction, hearts racing, palms a little moist, head racing faster than a truck down a bump-free highway. Be smart; do your homework in advance, researching the values of these big machines before taking a leap literal into an auction.
Let’s be real; research can be very much akin to untangling a web made of steel cables. Well, here’s the deal: take those online resources for a spin. Websites like Truck Paper and Commercial Truck Trader are treasuries of information replete with listings, prices, and specifications galore. It’s like turning a kid loose in a candy store, only the candy is all about horsepower and torque specs.
Talk to the trucking community for candid opinions, and this may even help you avoid the maze of information overload. More often than not, online forums, Facebook groups, and even the uncle who knows more about diesel engines can serve as an excellent source of firsthand experiences and price comparisons. Let their practical wisdom be your guiding star in this wild ride.
Now, consider the year, make, and model of this truck. Some flavors have more sprinkles on top than others, while some hold value longer because they can be more reliable or popular. If possible, check the maintenance records. It’s like adopting a pet-you want to know if the animal has been sick or has behavioral quirks; it matters.
You would not purchase an automobile without going to kbb.com, right? Well, some banners wave at you to check the rate of depreciation the semi-trucks take. This drop in value is as real as a flat tire, mainly in the older models. You shall get some nifty charts on some websites which show how the certain models depreciate over the time period. It is like checking the weather forecast before road trip.