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Maximizing Truck Resale

jshefchik

Proper maintenance improves truck resale value and lowers total ownership costs. Key factors include preventive maintenance, repair records, and market demand.

Essential Maintenance Strategies

  1. Follow a Preventive Maintenance (PM) Plan

    • Schedule PM by time, mileage, or cost.

    • Track repairs, mileage, and costs.

    • Monitor expenses to determine the best time to sell.

  2. Keep Detailed Maintenance Records

    • Log all truck, trailer, and diesel repairs or work with a partner who will.

    • Share maintenance records with buyers for transparency.

    • Evaluate repair costs before selling.

  3. Prioritize Preventive Maintenance

    • Regular oil changes, tire rotations, and brake checks.

    • Meet/exceed DOT standards.

    • Fix leaks and replace worn tires before selling.

  4. Understand Market Factors

    • Truck condition, specs, and mileage matter.

    • Transferable warranties increase value.

    • Ensure tires have 10/32nd+ tread and brakes are 50%+.

Key Maintenance Items for Higher Resale

  • Oil, filter, and fluid changes

  • Brake system inspections

  • Tire rotations and replacements

  • Steering, suspension, and electrical system checks

  • Exterior and interior upkeep

Less Impactful for Resale

  • Minor dents and scratches

  • Non-essential add-ons (toolboxes, roof racks)

  • Interior repairs not affecting function

  • Costly fixes with low return

What to Replace Before Selling

  • Tires, brakes, windows, mirrors, door handles

  • Company branding and DOT numbers

  • Batteries for smooth operation

  • Fluids and minor mechanical fixes

Repair Cost vs. Resale Value

  • Target a 2:1 or 3:1 repair cost-to-value ratio.

  • Repairs over 75% of value may not be worth it.

  • Cleaning/detailing boosts value affordably.

Optimizing Truck Sales for Maximum Return

  • Engine Hours: High engine hours impact value.

  • Technology: Idle-reduction tech extends engine life.

  • Record-Keeping: Detailed logs enhance buyer confidence.

Special Equipment & Upfits

  • Specialized upfits can limit resale options.

  • Evaluate removing aftermarket parts for better appeal.

  • Factor in new vehicle lead times when selling.

Final Takeaway

Fleet managers should balance truck, trailer, and diesel repair costs with resale value. Preventive maintenance, detailed records, and strategic repairs maximize resale prices while minimizing long-term costs.

Would you buy your truck in its current condition? If not, fix the critical issues before selling.

 

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