Are you in the market for a used truck for sale in Fargo, ND? There are plenty of things to consider, including mileage, age, and performance. It’s a lot to figure out. That’s why we’ve rounded up the 10 most popular questions people ask on forums like Reddit and Quora when buying a truck.
What should I check in the truck's history report?
Get the truck's VIN and run it through Carfax or AutoCheck. This will give you the lowdown on any past accidents, title issues, or if it was used as a rental or fleet truck.
You’ll want to avoid anything with a salvaged title or major accident history. Since we’re in Fargo, ND, double-check for rust or salt damage. Winter can be brutal here, and you don’t want a rust bucket on wheels.
How can I tell if a used truck has been well-maintained?
Ask for service records. Trucks that have had regular oil changes, brake replacements, and tire rotations will last longer and give you fewer headaches down the road.
Don’t just take the seller’s word for it; look for documented proof. No records? That’s a red flag, especially in Fargo where regular maintenance is key for surviving harsh winters.
What are common signs of wear in used trucks?
Rust is a common issue in Fargo, especially under the truck. If you spot rust on the frame, axles, or suspension, it could mean the truck has had a tough time dealing with Fargo’s winters.
Check the tires too. Worn-out or uneven tread might point to alignment or suspension problems. If the truck pulls to one side during your test drive, that’s a red flag for those issues.
Listen to the engine when you start it up. If it struggles or makes weird knocking noises, that could mean engine wear or neglect.
After the drive, take a moment to look for any fresh oil, transmission fluid, or coolant leaks. Catching these leaks early can save you from expensive repairs later on.
What’s considered good mileage for a used truck?
Generally, trucks with under 100,000 miles are considered low mileage, but there’s more to it than just the odometer reading. The way the truck was driven is also important.
If it spent most of its time on the highway, it’s likely in better shape than one that did a lot of stop-and-go city driving or heavy towing.
So, a truck with 120,000 highway miles could actually be in better condition than one with 80,000 city miles.
That said, once you hit 150,000 miles, it’s worth giving things a closer look. Major parts like the engine, transmission, or suspension could be on their last legs.
Even if the mileage is high, though, a truck with a solid maintenance history and no signs of rough use can still be a good deal. Just be ready for a bit more upkeep.
How old is too old for a used truck?
A used truck under 10-12 years is a good rule of thumb.
Anything over that might start giving you headaches with outdated tech and harder-to-find parts. But, age alone doesn’t always mean it's a no-go.
If it’s been well taken care of and doesn’t have sky-high miles, it could still run strong for a while.
What really matters is the condition, not just the age. Some older trucks are fan favorites because they’re built tougher than newer ones and can outlast them.
What should I look for during a test drive?
Pay attention to how the truck accelerates, shifts, and handles. Rough shifting or sluggish acceleration could mean issues with the transmission or engine.
When braking, listen for squealing or grinding, which could signal worn brakes or rotors. Make sure the truck doesn't pull to one side. It should drive straight even when braking.
If it’s got 4WD, definitely test that out. This feature can fail if it hasn’t been used or maintained regularly.
Drive it on different surfaces—pavement, gravel, and at highway speeds. Don’t rush through the test drive. Take your time and really get a feel for how it handles.
How can I negotiate the price of a used truck?
Check the truck’s market value on Kelley Blue Book or NADA. This gives you a realistic number to work with and shows the seller you’ve done your homework.
Bring up any issues you find in the history report, mechanical inspection, or during the test drive. Use these to justify your offer if it’s lower than the asking price.
Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price doesn’t feel right. It’s your money, and there are always more trucks out there.
Are there any specific recalls I should check for?
Always check for open recalls before buying any used truck. You can enter the VIN on the NHTSA website to see if there are any unresolved recalls.
Some recalls, especially for airbags or brakes, can be dangerous and costly to fix. If the seller hasn’t addressed an open recall, ask them to take care of it before you finalize the sale.
Recalls aren’t always dealbreakers, though. Many are fixed for free at a dealership.
If the truck has an unresolved recall and the seller isn’t upfront about it, that’s a red flag you shouldn’t ignore.
Do I need a pre-purchase inspection by a mechanic?
Yes, especially if you’re not much of a car guy. A mechanic can spot problems you might miss, like transmission issues, worn suspension parts, or hidden rust.
They’ll give you a full report on the truck’s condition and help you avoid any nasty surprises after you’ve bought it.
Expect to pay around $100 to $200 for a thorough inspection, but it’s a small price to pay for peace of mind.
If the seller refuses to let you get a pre-purchase inspection, that’s a huge red flag. Walk away. A reputable seller should have no problem letting a mechanic take a look.
Should I buy from a private seller or a dealership in Fargo, ND?
Buying from a private seller may save you some cash, but you’ll have to be more careful.
Private sellers might not disclose all issues, so a mechanic’s inspection is a must, especially if you don’t know anything about trucks.
Always ask why they’re selling the truck. If they dance around the question, that could be a sign they’re hiding something.
On the flip side, buying from a dealership might give you more peace of mind. Dealerships like Corwin Honda Fargo strictly inspect and repair vehicles before listing them.
We also offer Certified Pre-Owned options if you want value without sacrificing reliability.
Each certified pre-owned Honda:
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is under 6 years old and passes a rigorous 182-point inspection.
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comes with SiriusXM satellite radio as part of the package
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has a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty for added protection
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comes with Honda Care Certified Additional Coverage, you’ll have 24-hour roadside assistance, towing, lock-out help, tire changes, and more
Used Trucks for Sale Fargo, ND
Corwin Honda Fargo has a big selection of used cars and right now, special deals are happening at our dealership. All our used vehicles are local trades and we have excellent financing options to fund your purchase.
Call us to schedule your test drive today. We proudly serve customers in Fargo, Cass County, Clay County, Moorhead, West Fargo, Dilworth, Glyndon, Casselton, Valley City, Harwood, Hillsboro, Horace, Wahpeton, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Fergus Falls, Detroit Lake, Hawley, Lake Park, North Dakota, Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Alexandria, and surrounding areas.
Browse our used cars inventory.
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