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-   -   Any advice on buying a used trick would be appreciated (https://www.classadrivers.com/forum/owner-operators-forums/25007-any-advice-buying-used-trick-would-appreciated.html)

pepe4158 02-21-2007 07:40 AM

Any advice on buying a used trick would be appreciated
 
Sa I am going over to the largest freightliner dealer in LA I could find, with buying on my mind. Well I am not too bad a car mechanic myself (at one time took classes and hoped to do that buiz but never got the experience :p) but deisel engnes are very different and a new ball game. Still a few things translate over in buying any type of vehicale, how to look it over for leaks, and where in the suspension looks worn.
Say tho....what % do I try to talk them down on price....hmmm quessing 2-5% sounds right?

PackRatTDI 02-21-2007 09:48 AM

The only used "trick" I know uses an Ace of Spades. :wink:

devildice 02-21-2007 10:36 AM


Originally Posted by PackRatTDI
The only used "trick" I know uses an Ace of Spades. :wink:

Or a Lot Lizard that has been in the biz for a while.... :lol: :lol:

pepe4158 02-21-2007 01:44 PM

Hmmm I need to petition here for the authority to delete some responses to my posts lol.....but anyway, went over looking at some trucks, a 2001 Freightliner-w/600,000 mi-Detroit-for 32k, a 2002 Freightliner-w/600,000mi, Detroit for 36k, a 2002 Freightliner-w/500,000 mi-Detroit-for 41k

Hmmm thinking about the furst....say anyone here thats bought some trucks b/4 if I offer 30k for the truck they want 32k for....ummm would that be in the pallbark, would they seriously consider my offer?....quessing they will?

mike3fan 02-21-2007 02:25 PM

dealers usually add 10k to the trade in price,don't expect to get that off but keep that in mind when making an offer,as far as those prices,,,,seems a bit high for Freightliners.

Bigmon 02-21-2007 02:33 PM

They buy them for about 10k less than asking at the auctions. There is plenty of room to negotiate.

Slowpoke98908 02-21-2007 02:42 PM

I would want to see a down load of the trucks ecm to see how hard it was run, also how much idle time it has. Some guys never turn off truck.

GMAN 02-21-2007 02:44 PM

My guess is that a lot of dealers are willing to cut a deal to move some product. With freight being so slow, they must be sitting on a lot of inventory. I believe getting the best deal I can. Don't be afraid to low ball the price and to walk away if you don't get the deal you want. I think they can do much better than 2-5%.

mike3fan 02-21-2007 03:02 PM


Originally Posted by Slowpoke98908
I would want to see a down load of the trucks ecm to see how hard it was run, also how much idle time it has. Some guys never turn off truck.

This is a very good suggestion one truck I bought had 100,000 more miles on the ecm than was on the odometer(yes,I won the lawsuit).

BanditsCousin 02-21-2007 03:12 PM

By LA, do you mean Louisianna?

2-5% isn't a good negotiation. 5% off a 35,000$$ truck is not even $2000. Figure out what the % is after you talk $1000's off the truck.

Try to get freebies out of the deal- jackets, PM service discounts, etc. Little things add up.

Don't act anxious about the truck either. Make up stuff, tell them about what you see/saw elsewhere (true or not). As with anything used, they aren't going to be honest with you. If they tell you they can't take an offer because they will lose money or that something isn't "doable" (everything is doable).

I'm not attacking your demeanor by implying you are a punk. They would easily rip me off too! Their goal is to make the maximum profit off the vehicle. Think in your head what they would buy a truck for (wholesale or on trade) and go from there 8) And don't buy the truck the first day. If they say they have another buyer wanting it, don't be concerned...they probably don't :)


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