Millions of Canadians know that a dependable pickup truck is a handy piece of machinery to have around. Whether employed for plowing, hauling, home renovations, landscaping or exploring new places, a well-maintained used Silverado, F-150, Tundra, Ram, Ranger, Canyon or Titan can provide years of reliable service.
A poorly maintained model, on the other hand, can provide expensive repair bills, random failure of certain parts and other frustrating issues.
If you’re shopping for a used pickup, bring our checklist along with you to help ensure you don’t wind up with a headache and a bad buy.
Computer Scan
A sophisticated network of sensors constantly sends tremendous amounts of data to the computer “brain” in modern trucks every second that it’s running. If any of that data is problematic or worrisome, a “trouble code” is generated which is stored in the computer brain and may cause the check-engine light to illuminate. More importantly, it may not cause the light to illuminate. The solution? Have a mechanic scan the computer in the used truck you’re considering to see if any stored trouble codes reveal a problem you should be aware of.
Recalls
Visit your favourite online search engine to find out what recalls have affected the truck you’re considering. Then, take the truck’s VIN number to your dealer and see what, if any, recall work is outstanding. Recalls address a safety defect and are free of cost to the owner.
Listen to the diff
Rear differentials are known to be a potential issue on some truck models and can be a problem on any truck that’s been abused or neglected. Rear differentials often start making a metallic grinding sound before eventually failing altogether.
A rear differential rebuild isn’t a cheap repair, so be sure to note any unusual noises, chattering or “binding” sensations from the rear end of the truck you’re considering. Coax these sensations out of a worn-out differential by driving in slow, tight circle, and be sure to “listen” to the rear end on the highway, too.
Tires and Brakes
Don’t forget to inspect the condition of the tires and brakes which take an extra beating if the used pickup truck you’re considering had frequently been used to tow, plow or haul. Before agreeing to buy, ensure the seller isn’t trying to pass off an expensive tire replacement or brake job onto you.
A poorly maintained model, on the other hand, can provide expensive repair bills, random failure of certain parts and other frustrating issues.
If you’re shopping for a used pickup, bring our checklist along with you to help ensure you don’t wind up with a headache and a bad buy.
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| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour |
Computer Scan
A sophisticated network of sensors constantly sends tremendous amounts of data to the computer “brain” in modern trucks every second that it’s running. If any of that data is problematic or worrisome, a “trouble code” is generated which is stored in the computer brain and may cause the check-engine light to illuminate. More importantly, it may not cause the light to illuminate. The solution? Have a mechanic scan the computer in the used truck you’re considering to see if any stored trouble codes reveal a problem you should be aware of.
Recalls
Visit your favourite online search engine to find out what recalls have affected the truck you’re considering. Then, take the truck’s VIN number to your dealer and see what, if any, recall work is outstanding. Recalls address a safety defect and are free of cost to the owner.
Listen to the diff
Rear differentials are known to be a potential issue on some truck models and can be a problem on any truck that’s been abused or neglected. Rear differentials often start making a metallic grinding sound before eventually failing altogether.
A rear differential rebuild isn’t a cheap repair, so be sure to note any unusual noises, chattering or “binding” sensations from the rear end of the truck you’re considering. Coax these sensations out of a worn-out differential by driving in slow, tight circle, and be sure to “listen” to the rear end on the highway, too.
Tires and Brakes
Don’t forget to inspect the condition of the tires and brakes which take an extra beating if the used pickup truck you’re considering had frequently been used to tow, plow or haul. Before agreeing to buy, ensure the seller isn’t trying to pass off an expensive tire replacement or brake job onto you.
 |
| Photo: Sébastien D'Amour |