Summary:
- Odometer Check – Ensure mileage aligns with the truck’s age.
- Service Records – Look for regular maintenance and COF history.
- Accident History – Check insurance claims and structural repairs.
- Finance & Ownership – Verify legal ownership and ensure no debts.
- Rust & Structural Damage – Inspect undercarriage, welds, and doors.
- Professional Inspection – Get a mechanic to assess hidden issues.
How to Check a Used Truck’s History Before Purchasing
Buying a used truck can be a smart investment, but ensuring you're making the right choice requires due diligence. A truck’s history affects its performance, lifespan, and resale value. Here’s how to check its background before buying.
1. Check the Odometer Reading & Compare It to the Age
The mileage of a truck gives insight into its wear and tear. Heavy-duty trucks can last hundreds of thousands of kilometers, but excessive mileage with poor maintenance is a red flag.
✔️ Compare the odometer reading with the truck’s age.
✔️ Suspiciously low mileage could indicate odometer tampering.
✔️ High mileage is not always bad if the truck was well-maintained.
Tool to Use: CarJam Odometer Check – Provides odometer records from past WOF & COF inspections.
2. Review the Service & Maintenance Records
A well-documented service history indicates a well-maintained truck. Look for:
✔️ Regular oil changes and servicing
✔️ Major repairs or part replacements
✔️ COF (Certificate of Fitness) inspection history
Red Flags: Missing records, inconsistent servicing, or excessive repairs.
Tool to Use: MotorWeb Vehicle History Reports – Offers detailed service and ownership history reports.
3. Check for Past Accidents & Insurance Claims
A truck that’s been in a serious accident may have hidden issues. Ask for:
✔️ Insurance claim records to check past damage.
✔️ COF inspection notes for recurring issues.
✔️ Signs of structural repairs—misaligned doors or uneven paint can be warning signs.
Tool to Use: AA Vehicle History Check – Can show past damage reports and WOF failures.
4. Verify Ownership & Financial Liabilities
Ensure the truck is legally owned and not under finance. You can check:
✔️ NZTA’s Motor Vehicle Register for ownership details.
✔️ PPSR (Personal Property Securities Register) to confirm no outstanding loans.
Warning: If a truck is still under finance, you could end up responsible for the debt.
Tool to Use: PPSR Check for NZ Vehicles – Ensures no outstanding loans are attached to the truck.
5. Check for Rust & Structural Damage
New Zealand’s coastal climate can lead to rust and frame damage. Inspect:
✔️ Undercarriage & frame for corrosion.
✔️ Welds & joints for any weak spots or recent repairs.
✔️ Cab and doors for misalignment, which may indicate past accidents.
6. Request a Professional Inspection
Even if a truck looks great, hidden problems can exist. Always:
✔️ Get a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic.
✔️ Ensure the engine, transmission, and brakes are in good condition.
✔️ Ask for a compression test if the truck has high mileage.
Tool to Use: AA Pre-Purchase Inspection – Get a certified mechanic’s report before buying.
Final Thoughts
By checking odometer readings, service history, accident records, ownership, and rust damage, you can make an informed purchase and avoid costly surprises.
Looking for quality used trucks in New Zealand? Browse our inventory at Eastern Trucks today!