Things To Remember And Check Before Buying A New Truck

Buying a new truck is a huge investment. One wrong decision can give your business a setback. But, if you are careful enough to consider a few points before buying a lorry, you are sure to land a good and profitable deal. Consider the case of Mr Mehta and his friend, Mr Singh.

Both Mr Mehta and Mr Singh own a transport company and have been best friends for a long time. Last year, when Mr Mehta went to buy a new lorry, Mr Singh too joined him. Even though they do all the things together, there is a world of difference in the way they work – Mr Mehta hurries into things while Mr Singh weighs the pros and cons before taking the plunge. 

Hence, Mr Mehta bought the truck the salesperson suggested without any personal research. Mr Singh, on the other hand, conducted his personal research, carefully considered the options, ticked things off his checklist, and then settled with a vehicle. Needless to say, Mr Singh is happy with his purchase even after a year, whereas Mr Mehta is considering buying another new truck this year for a better vehicle. 

As is evident, it is indispensable to check for a couple of things before buying a truck in India that can hold you in good stead. But things can get really confusing for you as a new buyer. So here we are with a checklist for you to keep handy. So the next time you think of buying a lorry, you know what and where to look!

Things To Remember Before Buying A New Truck

1. First of all, consider your requirement well and see if you want to buy a new truck or a used one. New vehicles, of course, come in better condition and promise better performance. However, used vehicles can be reasonable and easy on the pocket. Check your budget and see which one you want to go with. Also, make it a point to ask your dealer the on-road price for your vehicle. The on-road price may greatly vary from the usual new truck prices due to additional taxes, GST, add-ons, etc. 
2. Ask yourself – Which category of truck do you want to buy? Do you require a light commercial vehicle or a heavier one? What is the freight type that you want to ship? What is the scale of your business? Finding answers to questions such as these will help you determine the payload capacity you want in your truck. The GVW of the truck will give you a good estimate. Moreover, as per your requirement, you can take your pick from open cargo beds or closed ones. 
3. The boom in the transport and logistics industry has led to a spurt in the models and types of trucks in the Indian market. There are tippers, tankers, pickup trucks, transit mixers, etc. carefully look through the different models to understand the difference between each and then make an informed decision. 
4. Do not overlook the technical specification of the vehicle. Depending on your business, and the type of cargo, you might need some specific features in your new truck. For example, if you deal with perishable goods, then your truck needs to be equipped with special features for handling such products. Learn about the tires, engine, interiors of the vehicle, body type, chassis, steering and other crucial parts that can have an effect on both the overall performance of the vehicle and your driving experience. 
5. Go for a new truck that helps you save up on fuel. One of the most nagging expenses in the transport and logistics industry is fuel. And, with the prices of fuel rising every now and then, it is advisable that you buy a new truck that is fuel-efficient. However, you need to look at the mileage of the vehicle without compromising on the performance. So make sure you do your homework well and know the different options available in the market. 
6. Know your requirements well and prioritise accordingly. If you are looking for a lorry for only a short duration, then you can go for a budget buy and choose from a pre-owned vehicle. Alternatively, if it is an investment for years, then you would want your truck to be reliable and powerful. In that case, a new truck is better suited to you. 
7. Ask for a test drive. Never settle for buying a lorry without testing it. Test driving the vehicle will give you a fair idea of the condition of the truck, especially in the case of a pre-owned truck, as well as the driving experience. You can check for reviews from the users to know about the strengths and weaknesses of the vehicle.
8. Finally, ask your dealer for the original papers of the vehicle, registrations, warranty, etc. Moreover, be thorough with the paperwork and documentation. Check for the warranty duration and coverage, too. At times, warranties take the financial load off your shoulders in case of repair. 
9. Ask about the after-sales services offered by your seller. When buying a new truck, you might get free services, technical support, access to the helpdesk, etc. 

Bottomline

Buying a new truck will not be too difficult for you if you know the things to be kept in mind. A carefully thought-out decision can help you buy a vehicle that is value for money. Never rush into the process, as Mr Mehta did. Instead, take your time, ask your dealer questions, check for the details, and gauge the available options. 

You can do all of the above and more at Vahak. Look at the different trucks available, check their specifications, ask the owners questions, and book them for your load. In case you have any further queries related to logistics or transportation, you can get in touch with our team at Vahak. Vahak is an online transport community where you can find a suitable vehicle to book for your load. As a transport marketplace, it connects the laid owners and truck owners for easy exchange of business opportunities. 

So stop waiting, and contact us right away!