As the price of used trucks continues to be high, buyers may find themselves increasing the mileage that they will accept on a purchase. Opting for a high mileage truck does not necessarily have to be a bad thing, as these vehicles are known for their longevity and durability. There are a few key things to consider before buying a truck with some extra miles on it. That way, you know you are getting something that is truly road-worthy and up to the task of being your new ride. 

What is a high mileage truck?

Generally, we would consider a truck with more than 100,000 miles on the clock to be high mileage. For a truck with a diesel engine, that number is more like 200,000 miles. Oftentimes, higher miles mean a lower buying cost. But, that can mean some trade-offs with reliability. Still, most modern vehicles are fairly dependable, so long as routine maintenance is performed in a timely manner. 

According to Consumer Reports, trucks can last an average of about 200,000 miles. If proper maintenance and repairs are done, a truck can likely outlast that number. 

What should you look for in a high mileage truck?

The first thing you should do when purchasing a truck with high miles is research. For the most part, various issues that occur at a certain mileage have been found by other owners. So, check if the correct work has been done for the truck’s specific model year. This can vary from truck to truck, and doing that initial legwork can save you a headache in the long run.

Additionally, having service records is a great way to determine the quality of a vehicle. Has the oil been changed regularly and have the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals been followed? If so, you probably have a decent buy on your hands depending on the price.

Other things include checking for rust and making sure that you can buy the seller. If someone selling a truck does not seem trustworthy, consider looking elsewhere. There are various tricks that one can use to get more money from a sale, and it is important to not get burned.

Should you buy a used truck?

With new trucks being as expensive as they are and used car shopping being easy with things like online tools, buying a used truck can be the ideal way to get utility and power without having to break the bank. Some used trucks are more expensive than others, even with high miles. This is especially true for the Toyota brand, which often comes with something known as the “Toyota Tax” on used options. 

Other popular trucks include things like the Ram 1500 and Ford F-150, both of which are known for their ability to pack on a high number of miles. But, at the end of the day, each pickup truck is unique. They have been treated differently throughout their lives, and sometimes something with higher mileage may have had better care than something with a low number of miles on the clock.