Work vehicles—pickup trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks and semi trucks—can cost a pretty penny when purchased new; why not buy used trucks instead? There are a variety of online tools available to help you find just the right work vehicle at a low price.

Before you go shopping for used truck values, make sure you know exactly what kind of vehicle it's going to take to satisfy your business needs. You have three general categories to choose from:

1. Used pickup trucks, both gasoline and diesel powered, to access hard to reach areas or do light and medium duty lifting and hauling.

2. Used tow trucks and dump trucks to lift and haul heavy payloards.

3. Used semi trucks, for extra-large, extra-heavy or extra-long-distance hauling.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start your business trucking with used pickup trucks

If you regularly move furniture, do agriculture work or ground clearing and other applications that require moving large tools, appliances or other mid-size payloads, a used pickup truck may be exactly what you need.

I recommend: If you're looking for specialty pickups like used lifted trucks or heavy duty diesels, you're going to have a hard time finding a site dedicated specifically to their sale. Your best bet is to visit pickup-specific sales sites like Pickup Trucks For Sale and Chevy Trader, both of which offer a variety of used pickups throughout the nation.

Shop for used dump trucks and tow trucks

Tow trucks and dump trucks are constructed specifically for handling heavy payloads, whether the material in question is a vehicle or fill material. Buying used vehicles like these doesn't just save you money on the initial purchase; it also saves you money that you might otherwise have been paying to rent or lease these heavy duty vehicles.

I recommend: If you have a commercial fleet, you need a tow truck on hand to pull them out of any trouble they could conceivably land in. Jerr-Dan sells used heavy-duty tow vehicles including wreckers and carriers. Dump Trucks for Sale offers a wide variety of used dump truck models and makes for sale.

Get used truck prices for long, heavy haulers

Having vehicles in good operating condition is crucial for anyone that owns and operates semi trucks. If you find yourself using the services of trucking contractors regularly or contemplating expanding your own services to include moving and hauling, it may be worth your while to purchase a used semi truck or trucks in good condition.

I recommend: TruckertoTrucker.com lets you search through a wide variety of industrial vehicles, mostly semi trucks both new and used, according to a number of criteria. Tandem Truck Sales buys and sells used semi trucks and other commercial vehicles.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider used diesel trucks for an extra cost-saving benefit. Depending on the vehicle, any warranties in place, and your company or contractor's technical proficiency, you might be able to convert them to run on either biodiesel or waste vegetable oil, thus drastically reducing your vehicle fuel costs and offering a unique and interesting selling point for your services or products.

Used truck prices vary widely based on many factors. Before you go truck shopping, spend some time looking over reviews and comparing prices so you know you're getting the best deal possible. The best reviews and recommendations don't always come from people you know, but it doesn't hurt to get references from current truck owners. Compare those comments with others you find online before making your purchase.

Find used truck sales for large industrial vehicles through websites that specialize in the sales of semi trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks and more. These locations are also great for finding used truck parts and supplies.

1. Get acquainted with the different types of used trucks and options available.

2. Look for trucks with good safety records and dependable reviews.

3. Go to used truck dealers prepared with reviews, comparisons and checklist in hand.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research used trucks for sale

Look for safe, dependable used trucks. Find information on any recalls through truck review websites. Compare the miles per gallon for different trucks, and make a list of the most dependable and affordable trucks you find.

I recommend: Check Automotive.com for handling, safety and mileage reviews of all types of used trucks. Search Kelley Blue Book before buying a used truck. Find out what the truck's value is and what others have to say about it.

Search online listings for trucks and used truck parts

Find used semi trucks, tow trucks, lifted and dump trucks. If you're in the market for a personal vehicle, look for used pickup trucks and parts online by searching trucks in your area.

I recommend: If you're looking for used dump trucks or other industrial-sized trucks, search large truck specific websites like DumpTrucksForSale.com or TruckerToTrucker.com, which also lists used parts. Find used pickup trucks at Used Pickup Trucks website where you can search for reliable, 4x4 trucks or vintage pickups.

Shop and test drive used trucks

Go prepared when shopping for used trucks. Take a shopping checklist complete with interior, exterior and engine specifications to look for. Know the brand of truck you're looking for and what types of features you want on it. If you plan to trade a vehicle in to buy a used truck, make sure you know what that vehicle is worth.

I recommend: Print a used car or truck checklist from Trust My Mechanic before you head out shopping. Check the Internet Auto Guide for your current vehicle's trade-in value.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before you buy used trucks you should always test drive them and inspect them. Practice using your inspection checklist on your own vehicle before you head out truck shopping so you'll know what a good running vehicle sounds and looks like.
• •  Set up early morning viewing times to see used trucks with their owners. The best time to see how a vehicle starts and runs is first thing in the morning when it starts for the first time.