Buying a used tow truck isn’t just about checking the price. It’s about knowing what you’re really getting for your money. A truck might look like a good deal, but if it breaks down often or needs expensive repairs, it might cost more in the long run. That’s why it’s important to look at all the details before you buy.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you should think about before buying a used tow truck. We’ll help you check the truck's condition, history, and cost so you can feel confident about your purchase.
Let's get started.
In this article...
- Why Buying a Used Tow Truck Might Be a Smart Choice
- How to Spot a Good Deal on a Used Truck
- Know the Operating Costs and Reputation
- Understand Timing and Demand
- Key Considerations
Why Buying a Used Tow Truck Might Be a Smart Choice
There are some really good reasons to choose a used tow truck instead of a brand-new one.
- Lower cost: Used trucks cost much less than new ones. This is great for small towing companies or businesses that are just starting. You can save money and still get a reliable truck.
- More features for less: Because used trucks are cheaper, you might be able to afford a model with more advanced features or stronger towing power. You can get a better truck for the same amount of money compared to buying new.
- More options: There are many different used trucks on the market. You’ll have more choices when it comes to size, style, and features.
- Lower insurance rates: Insurance is usually cheaper for used vehicles. This helps lower your business expenses even more.
In short, buying used is a good way to get quality equipment without spending a lot of money.
How to Spot a Good Deal on a Used Tow Truck
Buying a tow truck doesn’t have to be confusing. Just follow a few simple steps, and you’ll know whether the deal is good or not. These tips will help you avoid future problems and make sure you’re spending your money wisely.
Look at Price History and Trends
Prices for tow trucks can vary a lot. That’s why it’s important to do your research first.
Here’s how you can check:
- Use the Internet: Websites like Truckpaper.com and Facebook groups like Tow Trucks to Buy & Sale are great places to look. They show many listings and help you understand what different trucks cost.
- Compare prices: Don’t just look at one truck. Look at several trucks that are similar. This helps you understand what a fair price is.
- Be careful with asking prices: Just because a truck is listed at a certain price doesn’t mean that’s what it will sell for. Sometimes sellers ask for more than the truck is really worth. That’s why your research is so important.
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When you understand the market, you’ll be ready to spot a good deal when you see one.
Check the Truck’s History
It’s important to know what the truck has been through. Use a site like CarFax to get a report. This tells you where the truck has been, how many owners it had, and whether it’s been in any accidents.
Look closely at the following:
- Rust or corrosion – Trucks used in snowy or coastal areas may have rust.
- Accidents – Past damage could mean future problems.
- Mileage – Make sure the mileage matches what’s shown in service records.
- Title issues – If it has a “salvage” or “rebuilt” title, that means it was once totaled. Be extra careful with those trucks.
This will help you decide if the truck is still reliable.
Check the Truck’s Condition
When you see the truck in person, look it over carefully. Start by asking yourself: Does it look clean and cared for, or worn out and damaged?
Then do a full walk-around:
- Look for oil leaks, rust, or dents.
- Check the tires. Are they even, or do they show weird wear?
- Look inside the cab. Are the seats and controls in good shape?
Next, take it for a test drive. During the drive test the following:
- The steering and brakes
- The lights and signals
- The bed, winch, boom, and other towing tools
If you're not sure what to look for, bring a mechanic with you or take the truck to a repair shop for an expert opinion. Also, check to make sure it meets emissions laws in your state. If it doesn’t, fixing it could cost a lot.
Look at Maintenance and Repair Records
A good seller should have records of oil changes, part replacements, and major repairs. These records show that the truck was taken care of.
Check for these things:
- Has the oil been changed regularly?
- Has the truck had big parts like the transmission or brakes repaired?
- Do the records match the mileage?
If the seller doesn’t have any maintenance records, that’s a red flag. You don’t want to buy a truck that might break down soon.
Knowing the truck’s repair history also helps you guess what might need fixing soon, so you can plan for those costs.
Inspect the Equipment That Comes With It
Tow trucks need special gear to work right. This includes:
- Chains
- Straps
- Scoops
- L-arms
- Forks
- Receivers
All of these tools are important for towing. If they’re missing or broken, you’ll have to buy replacements, which can get expensive.
Before you buy the truck, check what tools are included and what condition they’re in. If the gear looks old or worn out, figure out how much it will cost to replace.
Even if two trucks cost the same, one might be a better deal if it comes with working tools. Make sure the truck fits your towing needs.
Know the Operating Costs and Reputation
Buying the tow truck is just the first step. You also need to know how much it will cost to use it every day.
Community Feedback
Before buying, read what other tow truck drivers say. Look at online forums, reviews, and group discussions. These can help you learn which trucks are reliable, how well they work, and how much they cost to fix.
Educate Yourself
Learn about the parts of the truck that might need fixing or replacing. Besides oil changes and new tires, there are other parts you should watch out for, like:
- Filters (for fuel, oil, air, and diesel engines).
- Fluids (in the transmission, coolant system, hubs, and more).
- Tow bed tools (like cables, chains, straps, and forks).
If these parts aren’t checked and maintained, they could break. That can lead to costly repairs or even safety problems.
Operational Costs
Running a tow truck costs money every day. You’ll need to pay for:
- Fuel
- Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)
- Oil and other fluids
- Regular repairs
These costs affect how much profit you make with the truck.
Insurance and Registrations
Don’t forget about other important costs like:
- Insurance
- Truck registration
- Safety certifications
If you don’t plan for these, it could cause money problems later or even stop your truck from working legally.
Understand Timing and Demand
Sometimes, people wait too long for the “perfect deal.” While being careful is good, waiting too long can mean missing out.
Used tow trucks are in demand. Prices can go up, and trucks can sell quickly. While you wait, your business could be losing money because you don’t have the right truck to do the job.
It’s important to balance timing with value. Ask yourself:
- Will this truck help me make money right now?
- Is it reliable enough to get started?
- Does it have the main features I need?
If the answer is yes, it may be worth buying, even if it’s not a “perfect” deal.
Key Considerations
Buying a used tow truck takes careful thinking. It’s not just about the price, it’s about how well the truck works, how long it will last, and how much it costs to use every day.
To make a smart choice, remember to look at the price history, check the vehicle’s condition and history, review maintenance records, inspect included gear, think about long-term costs, and understand the market and timing.
Everyone has different needs. A good deal for one person might not be right for another. But with this guide, you now know how to check each part of the process and make a smart decision.
And when you’re ready to buy, don’t forget to explore financing options for used tow trucks. At Beacon Funding, we can help make your purchase easier, more affordable, and get your next used tow truck fast!
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