Used Trucks for Sale by Owner Near Me - Autotrader (2024)

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We’ve outlined the 10 key questions you should ask when it comes to buying a used truck from a private owner.

1. Why is the truck for sale? This is the most obvious but most important question. You may find out new information that wasn’t initially revealed in the vehicle’s description or photos.
2. How long have they owned the truck? If they’re selling a truck they just purchased, this may be a red flag.
3. Where did they buy the truck? You want to understand the truck’s history and life, which may shed key light on issues if they exist.
4. Is a vehicle history report available? All private seller vehicles sold on Autotrader automatically include a free vehicle history report.
5. Has the truck been in an accident? The vehicle history report should indicate if the pickup truck was in an (major or minor) accident.
6. Does the truck have a rebuilt title? If so, why? Be aware that many flooded vehicles often get retitled with a salvage title and sold to unsuspecting buyers.
7. Does the seller have service and maintenance records? Not everyone keeps their maintenance records. Good records suggest an owner who has taken care of their truck.
8. Have they modified the truck? Maybe there is an upgraded bed-liner, suspension or even lift kit that might increase the truck's value.
9. Can you test drive the truck? Any private owner who isn’t willing to let you test drive the truck, better have a very good reason.
10. Can you have your mechanic inspect the truck? Having an independent, pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic you trust could reveal issues not initially revealed by a test drive.