Quick answer
Before you buy used, confirm four things: the equipment fits the work, its condition is documented, the seller can transfer clear title, and you know exactly what the price includes. The checklist below works for most trucks and machines. Pair it with the checklist for your specific equipment.
What should you check before buying used equipment?
Start with the work, not the listing. A good price on the wrong machine is still the wrong machine, so write down what the equipment must do, how often and where before you compare listings. That gives you one standard to judge every unit and every seller against, and it keeps the inspection focused on what matters.
How do you check a used equipment seller?
Check the seller as carefully as the equipment. Used equipment is sold by dealers, private sellers and auctions, and each can be a good source. Confirm their business details independently rather than relying only on the listing, and be cautious with any request to send money before you have seen the equipment and confirmed who you are dealing with.
How do you inspect used equipment before buying?
Ask to see the equipment operate, ideally doing the kind of work you need, and bring a qualified mechanic or technician who knows that type of equipment. They can spot issues that are easy to miss. Compare what you see with the maintenance records, and make sure the serial number or VIN matches the paperwork.
What paperwork do you need when buying used equipment?
You need proof that the seller can transfer clear ownership and a written record of the deal. Confirm who holds the title and check whether any liens are recorded against the equipment. Then get a bill of sale that names the exact unit, the price, what is included and any warranty, or written confirmation of an as-is sale.
What does used equipment really cost?
The asking price is only part of the purchase. Add freight or delivery, taxes, registration, expected repairs, tooling, attachments and training, and keep each as a separate line. That lets you compare offers fairly, spot what one seller includes and another does not, and know exactly what you are paying for.
Can you finance used equipment?
Used equipment is commonly financed through third-party lenders, who look at the equipment's age and condition, the seller and your business. Have the listing or quote, the seller's details, the year, make and model, and what the price includes. Options depend on your business, the equipment and the financing provider's review.
Equipment-specific checklists
Buying checklist
Before you look
- Write down the work the equipment must do and how often
- Set a budget that includes transport, inspection, repairs and setup
- Decide when you need the equipment working
- List the must-have features and the nice-to-have ones
The seller
- Know who is selling: a dealer, a private seller or an auction
- Confirm the seller's business name, address and phone independently
- Ask for references or reviews you can check
- Be cautious with requests to send money before you have seen the equipment and confirmed the seller
The equipment
- See it operate, ideally doing the kind of work you need
- Bring a qualified mechanic or technician to inspect it
- Review maintenance and repair records
- Check that hours or miles are consistent with the records
- Match the VIN or serial number to the paperwork
The paperwork
- Confirm who holds the title and that the seller can transfer it
- Check whether any liens are recorded against the equipment
- Get a written bill of sale that describes the exact unit
- Get warranty terms in writing, or written confirmation of an as-is sale
The full cost
- The equipment price and exactly what it includes
- Freight or delivery, shown separately
- Taxes, registration and permits
- Expected repairs, tooling, attachments and training