Essential Checks To Complete Before Buying A Used HGV

Buying a used HGV is a major investment and a great way to expand a fleet or acquire a reliable lorry without paying the full price of a new truck. However, used HGVs also come with some potential pitfalls, including undisclosed maintenance issues, high mileage or legal non-compliance.

This is why it is so important to conduct detailed checks before you make a purchase to protect your business from costly surprises and ensure you are investing in long-term reliability. In this article, FleetEx discuss some of the most essential checks that you need to make when buying a used HGV to help you avoid any disasters.

Visual inspection - body, wheels and interior

Before you go into any greater depth, it is important to carry out a visual inspection of the vehicle you are interested in purchasing. Visible damage can hide structural issues or indicate rough use and will let you know whether it is worth pursuing this vehicle any further.

Have a look around the exterior for any dents, scuffs, rust or paint bubbling, especially on load-bearing parts and the chassis. Make sure that you examine the bodywork, wheel arches and panel seams. You also need to inspect the condition of the tyres and make sure that the tread depth is within legal limits.

You should take the time to look at the age of the tyres, especially on the steering axles. Finally, make sure you carry out a thorough check for corrosion or rust on the undercarriage, frame and substructure of the truck.

You then need to have a look at the interior of the truck by checking the seats, dashboard, pedals and steering wheel for any signs of excessive wear as these will indicate heavy use. You should then ensure that all switches, mirrors and electrical features are functioning properly. Try checking for signs of water damage, smells, and, if there are sleeper cab amenities present, you should also make sure these are in good order.

Mileage and usage

The mileage on the truck matters, as the higher the number the more wear there is likely to have been on major components like the engine, gearbox, brakes and clutch, which can potentially lead to some expensive repair bills.

It is important to ask for the maintenance history of the vehicle alongside the mileage to assess how well it has been cared for throughout its lifespan. You should also verify the odometer reading against the service records, MOT history and tachograph logs to ensure everything adds up.

It is important to remember that mileage alone is not a full indicator of the condition of the truck, as you need to understand whether the vehicle has been used for long haul, short haul or heavy work. You need to understand how the vehicle has been used in the past, as well as your own operational needs to determine whether this is the right vehicle for you.

Service and MOT History

A full service history is critical, as knowing how often the HGV was serviced will help to predict any future maintenance costs. You therefore need full, detailed service records of oil changes, brake servicing, clutch or transmission jobs and warranty repair work. Take the time to verify the MOT records and look at any past advisories, as recurring failures might point to some unresolved mechanical problems. It can be a good idea to hire an independent mechanic to inspect the vehicle before buying, especially when looking at high-cost components like brakes, exhaust or emission systems.

Legal documents and ownership checks

You should cross check the VIN or chassis number with the DVLA records to ensure the identity of the vehicle. You can also verify the V5 logbook or V5C is legitimate and matches the seller’s business as well as running HPI checks to ensure that there is no outstanding finance or theft record.

Have a look at the ownership chain and see whether it has come from fleet disposal or private use, as this will tell you how ruggedly it has been used. If the truck has been imported, check for a Certificate of Conformity or NOVA registration.

Fuel efficiency and operating costs

Fuel costs are one of the largest ongoing expenses for an HGV, so ask for any fuel consumption or MPG figures. You can compare different engine types, the age of the vehicle and the emission standards.

It is important to remember that older trucks can be more polluting and less efficient, so a newer model might be necessary depending on whether you are working within low emission zones. You can then calculate the total cost of ownership by including fuel tax, maintenance, tyres and potential repair costs.

Safety and driver convenience features

These are important points as they relate to the safety of the driver and the operator. You need to test the braking performance and check for signs of uneven wear or vibration. You also need to verify that the air build-up and warning systems of the air system work correctly and that all mirrors, glass and camera systems are fully functioning.

The cab amenities are just as important, so look for comfortable seats, bunks, air conditioning, Bluetooth and infotainment systems. You should also inspect the condition of the seatbelts, cab steps, door operation and whether the cab is secure and well mounted. It is important to weigh up how much technology the truck has built into it, including navigation, telematics compatibility, reversing sensors or cameras, and any safety retrofits that have been made.

Additional checks and pre-purchase tips

To conduct a professional inspection, you should hire an HGV mechanic or inspection service. Always make sure that you test drive a vehicle using trade plates in order to assess its performance, engine noise, clutch behaviour, steering and breaking.

You should also confirm the compliance of your truck by double checking the emissions class, any retrofit requirements, and whether the vehicle meets local regulations.

Buying a used HGV can be a cost-efficient way to expand capacity, but skipping the right checks could lead to steep repair bills and regulatory or fuel costs. Due diligence can transform a good deal into a wise investment giving you an HGV that will serve you reliably and cost effectively for years to come.