Jun 10
23
Since most repo trucks that are auctioned off are sold “as-is,” inspecting them thoroughly is very important. Typically an auction will not let you test-drive any of the vehicles, but there is usually a preview time where you can turn the engine on, look under the hood and get inside the truck. Be sure to plan for enough time to look carefully at every repo truck you are interested in.
Exterior
It is easy to start by looking at the outside of the truck. You can easily notice any major damage and cracks in windows or windshields. Look closer at the paint for any bubbles, variation in the shade or overspray, all of which mean the truck has had bodywork performed, likely after an accident. When you open and close the doors, hood and tailgate to make sure they are functioning properly, look for signs of welding on their frames. Look at the tires and check the condition of the tread. If the tread is pretty thin, the tires will need to be replaced soon.
Interior
Check first for any upholstery that isn’t original. It may have just been an upgrade or it could have been done to cover-up problems from the vehicle being flooded or in a major accident. It is a good idea to pick up all the floor mats and look under the seats for mold, mildew, stains and dampness, which can indicated the truck was flooded. Don’t forget to glance up to make sure the headliner is there and note its condition.
Engine
Start the engine and listen for unusual sounds. Be sure to rev it a little too. Knocking or a deep rattle often mean the engine needs work or may need to be replaced. Be sure to look at the engine. Newer or mismatched nuts and bolts are a sign that some work has been done on it already.
Oil/Transmission Fluid
It is a good idea to always check the oil and transmission fluid. Pull the stick out and look at the oil. It shouldn’t be thick, dirty or have bubbles in it, which means there is water in the oil. The transmission fluid should be light pink. If it is dark brown or smells rotten, the transmission probably has needs some work. Look for leaks and stains on the undercarriage of the truck, indicating past leaks. While a minor leak can be fixed, a major one that has been going on for awhile might have already done a lot of damage to the truck.
Systems
If you are still interested in the truck and have enough time, check all the systems next. Make sure that the heater and air conditioning work properly. Try the interior lights, turn signals and headlights to make sure they all turn on. Work the power features (locks, windows, seats, sunroof, etc.) to see that they are all functioning properly.
Tires
Tires are also important. Two replace a good pair of truck tires can cost well over $500. Make sure that the tires will not need to be replaced immediate. Also check to see if all four tires match. Also check to see the brand of tire. Michelin, Goodyear and cooper tires are all fairly decent brands.
Final Look
It is always a good idea to give repo trucks a second quick inspection. Walk around the truck and try to look at in different ways than you did the first time. You are trying to catch anything you might have missed.
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Thanks for the effort you took to expand upon this topic so thoroughly.
Tires are among the most important components of your car. They are the only components of your car to make contact with the surface of the road, so they alone transmit the energy produced by your car’s engine to the ground. They determine in large part the overall handling and performance of any motor vehicle. For all of these reasons, it is important that you are careful when shopping for a new set of tires. There are many tire options covering wide ranges of price, performance, and appearance.