​​What To Look for in a High-Mileage Used Pickup Truck Before You Buy One?​ 

The cost of purchasing a used pickup truck continues to rise. Your budget can only afford up to a certain amount, yet every vehicle you find on sale has a lot of miles on the odometer. Some even average more than 20,000 miles per year. That could tell you that this pickup truck has been out working more than its owner anticipated. Or they simply love their vehicle. How do you know if a high-mileage used pickup truck is worth buying? 

The first thing you want to look for is rust and the frame’s condition. The frame must be sound, as are the cab and bed. Any signs of rust or corrosion could shorten that truck’s lifespan. Some items are repairable, but not very often. 

The next spots should be the suspension and steering systems. When a truck reaches 150,000 miles, a thorough inspection is needed. You may expect to replace key components, including ball joints, tie rods, and bushings, at that odometer reading.  

Interior condition is also important to check out. You should expect some wear and tear on the seats, carpeting, and floors. Instruments should work. There are plenty of items to fix after 150,000 miles, including the climate control system.  

When you are looking for a diesel-powered pickup truck, there are certain things to look for. For example, the health of the fuel injectors, the turbocharger, specific transmissions made for the diesel engine, the EGR system, and the head gaskets. They can last if they are well cared for. When they reach a certain mileage – around 150,000 miles on the odometer – they may need to be replaced.  

In some cases, you might find that these items have already been addressed with repairs and replacement parts. Still, an inspection is worth doing to ensure that they are properly fixed and the truck is drivable.  

For more tips, check out these articles from the Diesel Army and CarBuzz websites. There are more tips out there from other sources, as well.  

One thing to know is that Chevrolet pickup trucks are among the most dependable vehicles sold in the U.S.A. That is why McFarland Chevrolet is proud to offer a selection of used models for you to choose from. Plus, they are backed by our Certified Service Center, in case anything goes wrong.  

You may also want our Certified Service Center to inspect the pickup truck you’re interested in. Our technicians can point out what is and/or may go wrong with it.  

If you have any questions about purchasing a used pickup truck, please contact us at McFarland Chevrolet. We’re here to help you find the right one that will keep going for more miles.