You can’t kick the tires while shopping online, but in a short time on the Internet, you can “view” hundreds of trucks – new and used – in search of one that fits your budget and hauling needs. Websites devoted to buying and selling trucks are numerous and varied. Bottom line: these Internet marketplaces help truck sellers and buyers find each other. Buyers can save time and money, especially when shopping for used equipment.
In surfing the Web in search of your next truck, you’ll find manufacturers’ and dealers’ sites with information about new and used products, classified ad sites listing used equipment for sale by individuals at set prices and auction sites that sell equipment to the highest bidders. You can submit a credit application to finance or lease a truck online – and get an answer back in a matter of hours. You can apply for insurance coverage online, too, anytime at your convenience.
Even if you don’t plan to actually buy a truck online, you can use the information-gathering power of the Internet to compare specs, pricing and resale value of different makes and models of trucks to help you make an informed purchase decision before you enter a dealership. Manufacturers’ websites can help you locate dealers, providing links to dealer websites, where new and used inventories are posted along with photos of the equipment, detailed descriptions, major specs and pricing information.
Other sites offer classified listings of trucks for sale along with phone numbers and e-mail addresses of sellers, enabling buyers to make offers directly to sellers. Most sites offer a used-truck search function that allows you to input the make, model, age, mileage, specs, price and other factors that are important to you. Listings of trucks matching your requirements are quickly found and presented for your consideration.
A recent survey of visitors to eTrucker.com, Randall Publishing’s electronic trucking news magazine and information site, asked visitors to indicate what they think is the best source for used trucks. The results show that 41 percent feel the Internet is the best source. Classifieds came next at 31 percent, while 16 percent said word of mouth was best, and 12 percent indicated “other.” A buy and sell service on eTrucker.com offers free classified ads both to buyers and sellers.
Randall’s TruckMarketplace is an electronic version of the paper publication that is distributed through Randall’s existing circulation of Overdrive, Truckers News, CCJ, and Equipment World magazines. A search function enables you to find trucks by price range, make, model, type, engine hp, price under a certain amount and state.
Truck TraderOnline is one of a network of 20 websites specializing in the sale of various types of vehicles, boats, aircraft and other merchandise.
