Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck
Bergey’s Truck Centers Acquires Cumberland Truck

Buy parts and accessories online 24/7!

All Bergey’s Truck Centers, Tire Centers and Parts Stores will be CLOSED Monday, September 7th - Happy Labor Day!

Buying Used Commercial Trucks: 5 Things to Watch for

Helpful tips to remember when shopping for a used commercial truck

The right used commercial trucks can serve your business well for years. The key is knowing what to look for before you buy. Whether you’re adding to a fleet or buying your first rig, a little homework up front protects your budget, your uptime, and your peace of mind.

The sales team at Bergey’s Truck Centers has helped customers find the right used trucks for many years, and the same handful of questions come up again and again. Here are the five things we’d want anyone to check, plus a simple checklist to bring with you.

When you’re ready to shop Used Trucks – check out our inventory.

5 Used Truck Areas to watch for

List icon 1
Maintenance & Service History:

A truck’s records tell you more than its paint job ever will. A well-documented truck is typically a safe bet. Here’s what to ask for:

  • Service and repair records, including oil changes, filter replacements, and major component work
  • Engine hours alongside mileage, since long idle times add wear the odometer doesn’t show
  • Previous application, such as long-haul highway, regional, or stop-and-go vocational work
  • Open recalls, which you can check by VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA
service tech

If a seller can’t produce records on their used commercial trucks, that isn’t automatically a deal-breaker. It means the inspection matters even more. At Bergey’s, we provide full maintenance records on any truck that has come out of our lease fleet because our own certified techs worked on the trucks. The used units came in from a trade have been inspected by our team.

list icon 2
Engine, Emissions System & Drivetrain:

The engine and aftertreatment system are where the biggest repair bills hide, so give them the closest look.

  • Start it cold. Watch for hard starts, heavy smoke, or unusual noises before the engine warms up.
  • Check for leaks of oil, coolant, and fuel around the engine, transmission, and differentials.
  • Pull diagnostic codes. Active or recent fault codes can point to problems that aren’t obvious on a test drive.
  • Ask about the DPF, DEF, and EGR systems. Find out when the diesel particulate filter was last cleaned or replaced, and whether there are regen issues.
  • Test drive under load if you can. Pay attention to shifting, clutch feel, power on hills, and any vibration through the driveline.
list icon 3
Frame, Suspension, Brakes & Tires:

The parts underneath the truck show how hard it has really worked.

  • Frame rails: Look for cracks, welds, bends, or heavy rust, especially near crossmembers and the fifth wheel. Frame repairs can signal past accidents or overloading.
  • Suspension: Check air bags, springs, shocks, and bushings for leaks, sagging, or wear.
  • Brakes: Look at drum or rotor condition, lining thickness, slack adjusters, and listen for air leaks.
  • Tires: Check tread depth, matching brands and sizes, and wear patterns. Uneven wear can point to alignment or suspension problems.
  • Cab and body: Rust in floors and doors, water leaks, and worn seats or controls all tell part of the story.
list icon 4
Spec the Truck for the Job:

Great used commercial trucks are only great if they fit your job requirements. Before you fall for a price, make sure the specs match how you’ll use it.

  • Weight ratings: Confirm GVWR and GCWR cover your loads with room to spare.
  • Engine and transmission: Horsepower, torque, and gearing should suit your routes, whether that’s highway miles, hills, or tight city stops.
  • Axle configuration and ratios: These affect fuel economy, pulling power, and where the truck can legally go.
  • Sleeper or day cab, wheelbase, and body type: Think about driver comfort, maneuverability, and what you’ll be hauling.
  • Parts and service availability: Choosing a make with a nearby dealer network makes future maintenance faster and easier.
list icon 5
Paperwork, Inspections & Warranty:

The details on paper protect you long after the handshake.

  • Clean title: Confirm there are no liens and that the VIN on the title matches the truck.
  • Inspection reports: Ask for the most recent annual DOT inspection and any state inspection records.
  • Independent pre-purchase inspection: Have a qualified technician look the truck over, even if everything else checks out.
  • Warranty options: Ask whether any factory warranty remains and whether an extended warranty is available on major components.
  • Total cost of ownership: Factor in financing, insurance, registration, and likely near-term maintenance, not just the sticker price.

Your Used Commercial Trucks Checklist:

Bring this list along when you go see a truck.

  • Service records and engine hours reviewed
  • VIN checked for open recalls
  • Cold start and test drive completed
  • Diagnostic codes pulled
  • Aftertreatment (DPF/DEF/EGR) history confirmed
  • Frame, suspension, brakes, and tires inspected
  • Specs matched to your loads and routes
  • Title, liens, and DOT inspection verified
  • Independent inspection scheduled
  • Warranty and total cost of ownership reviewed

We’re Here to Help

Buying a used truck is a big decision, and you shouldn’t have to make it alone. Our team at Bergey’s Truck Centers is glad to walk through any truck with you, answer your questions honestly, and help you find the right fit for your work, whether that’s a Mack, Volvo, Hino, Isuzu, or Autocar. Learn more abour our Used Trucks – our inventory, our pricing structure, available financing and even truck protection plans. 

With sales, service, and parts locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland, we’re also here for the miles that come after the sale. Stop by a location near you or reach out to our used truck team.