Pre-Purchase Inspection

Rawze has videos on this subject, Rawze's Collection

He also wrote a short book on this too, here is the link. http://rawze.com/book/The First Time Class-8 Lease-Purchase Owner-Op Guide.pdf

Much to learn on these trucks, especially if it has emissions. Good luck!

 

We do not allow outside people to work in our shop like that. Any dealer would have no problem letting someone look over the truck, just not in the shop. Reason being, they are technically working, but not an employee so if they got hurt or hurt someone else there is a huge insurance liability.

 

The dealer should have no issue letting you bring the truck to about side mechanic shop prior to purchase. If they so no, then deals off and you leave.

 

That depends but expect to pay at least regular daily income plus all expenses even if you are a regular customer. Why would a wrench do this and loose money?
I found a check list to be good for options, condition, maintenance and questions to ask. If you drive two hours, go to four dealers and look at six groups of trucks it gets confusing. So fuel capacity, aluminum or steel, slider & height? Tire size, rims, type. A good list does not take long to go through. Some you can walk around and walk away. Others you can get wooed by a pretty color and chrome. Then when you get home find out it does not carry enough fuel, 5th wheel won't slide, wheel base or axle rating won't work, it is geared all wrong, etc.
The only thing I have ever been limited to was some would not let me drive one off the lot. Jack up the front end and everything else. Yes in the yard not shop.

 

I know many people are strongly against used leasing company and many fleet trucks. But don't bypass them all if the vehicle fits your needs. With a good prepurchase inspection many companies will fix many things found on the inspection and have some short term warranty.
Some of those trucks have really been beat but there are others. Some are leased to companies that are not in the trucking business. They prefer to have their own professional drivers delivering their products and representing their company. However do not want the hassle of maintaining the equipment and such. An odd gold colored square caught my eye on one and I had to check it out. I was expecting a special package tag or one like Cadillac used to to have " This Cadillac custom built for MR John Doe". It said something like, In appreciation of Mr John Doe. One million miles accident free. John opened the door and I said that is really exceptional. One million miles without a chargeable accident. He corrected me " No that is not chargeable accidents but any accidents even if it was not my fault ". No bent bumpers, broken mirrors or torn off mudflaps. The floor was cleaner than many peoples kitchen.
Please excuse the rambling. Point to make was if the seller will repair defects found or come off the price some more paying for the inspection saved or made you money.