Truckipedia Blog Category - 5 Things To Consider Before Buying A Heavy-Duty Truck

Are you in the market for a heavy-duty truck to add to your fleet? Today’s trucks offer plenty of features and modern technology, from ergonomic cabins to aerodynamic engineering and powerful engines. With so many options, the search for a new heavy-duty truck for sale can be a little daunting. As Western Canada’s premier Freightliner & Western Star heavy-duty truck dealer, we know a thing or two about choosing the right truck for your operations. 

Here are some of our top recommendations on what to consider when buying a heavy-duty truck. 

1. Usage and load type

First and foremost, your main consideration is the type and size of load you’ll be hauling and the estimated annual mileage. When you visit a heavy-duty truck dealer, come prepared with the details of your requirements and needs, including but not limited to: 

• Where you’ll be using the truck most frequently (in the city or on the highway). 
• Whether you’ll be taking the truck on longer distances.
• If you frequently need to manoeuvre around tight corners, residential areas, and narrow streets.
• What type and size of load you’ll be frequently hauling.

A heavy-duty truck dealer will work with you to find the most suitable option for your usage and load type so you can make an informed decision. 

2. Horsepower

A misconception with heavy-duty trucks is that ‘the higher the power, the better. However, this is not always the case and is not the most cost-effective way. If you purchase a truck that has more power than you need, it will impact fuel economy and you will have made a purchase with capabilities that aren’t necessary for your usage.

On the other hand, if you purchase a truck with not enough horsepower, you won’t be able to haul the amount you need to and your engine can burn out if you push it. Finding a heavy-duty truck with the right horsepower is a balancing act and an important consideration as it can affect the cost of ownership and operations in the long run. 

3. Brand new or used?

Whether you’re considering a brand new heavy-duty truck for sale or a used one, there are pros and cons to both. You can find a high-quality used truck at a fraction of the cost of a brand new one with very few issues. At Velocity Truck Centres, each used truck in our inventory is put through extensive safety inspections and necessary repairs before they are advertised for sale.

Some of the main advantages of buying a brand new truck are the warranties in place, the guarantee that you’ll receive the truck in perfect condition, the latest technology and capabilities, purchase incentives, new accessories with the purchase, and maintenance packages. One of the primary considerations of buying brand new or used is budget. We recommend listing out the pros and cons and choosing the most cost-effective option based on your specific needs.

4. The dealership

The dealership you choose can make or break your experience with finding the right heavy-duty truck for your fleet. You want to find someone who is knowledgeable, answers your questions, and listens to your needs. Velocity Truck Centres has trained representatives who genuinely want to know your business and find the right solution for you. We provide total customer support, assisting you throughout the entire purchasing journey, and will take care of you with maintenance and service after the purchase.  

5. Maintenance

Last but certainly not least, consider where you will find service and maintenance for your heavy-duty truck. This factor is often overlooked as the focus is on the truck’s specifications, capabilities, and budget. All trucks will require routine servicing, but not all dealerships and truck service shops are established the same.

At Velocity Truck Centres, our Service & Parts departments operate with the longest hours in the industry and we have access to over $10 million in parts across our network of dealers. Our factory-trained technicians have completed courses from OEM manufacturers and are fully certified to service most truck makes and models.