5 tips and real-world advice for buying used vehicles

Buying second-hand trailers and trucks might sound straightforward, until you’re in the thick of it: cost pressures, limited availability, and sorting the good assets from the questionable ones…

That’s why we’ve gathered top tested tips and tricks based on what we’ve seen work across real fleets, in real conditions.

Start with clarity: what does your operation really need?

Before you start comparing prices, make sure you’re clear on what the job actually demands. This means knowing the specs that matter: lift axles, reefer hours, body height, brake types, brands you trust… and don’t compromise on the essentials. The goal is fit, not just price. And don’t forget: second-hand equipment isn’t about “settling”; it’s about getting value that serves you long-term.

When you know what you need, you avoid wasting time reviewing assets that were never a match in the first place. And when you’re not sure? Ask experts who know and will guide you. We’ve developed a short Buying Guide to help you clarify requirements when buying used equipment. Follow the guide here! 

First-owner equipment means fewer surprises

Not all used is equal: there is used, and there is well-tracked used. Assets from a known, single owner typically come with full service history, consistent upkeep, and no missing years or gaps in the record. These are miles ahead of what you’ll find at auctions or online marketplaces, where you're often chasing paperwork or guessing usage history.

It’s not just used equipment. It’s equipment with a track record you can trust.

Look for a simple and transparent buying process

Some of the biggest time drains come not from the asset itself, but from the admin around it: cross-border deregistration, incomplete documentation, long lead times. The more complex the process, the higher the risk of fleet gaps or missed opportunities.

Transparency is key: clear terms, no surprises. The best buying experiences are streamlined and free from unnecessary paperwork, letting you focus on getting the right equipment on the road, quickly.

Ask the right questions – in addition to the obvious ones

Of course you should ask about mileage, service dates, and accident history. But the real insight often comes from questions that reveal how the asset was used and maintained. For example:

• “Where has this unit been operating – long haulage or city distribution?”
• “What was the typical load it carried?
• “Has the trailer been refurbished?”

These details tell you more about wear and tear than any spec sheet. When you work with someone who’s familiar with the asset’s history, you’re not just buying equipment – you’re buying informed confidence.

Lean on experts who know the market

The best buying decisions are usually made with input from people who have worked with the assets themselves or know how local fleets operate. They will help you ask the right questions and weigh your options.

“The speed of sourcing, the customer experience and the quality offered are imperative when evaluating a supplier. With quality and reliability being two of our core values, TIP Used satisfies all factors!” SDEN VITAEX (TIP Used customer since 2018).

Buying used doesn’t need to be complicated, and it shouldn’t feel like a risk. With a bit of preparation and the right questions, it becomes a smart way to build up your fleet with confidence.

Need expert advice to buy smart, or asset availability near you? Get in touch with your local sales manager to talk through your needs and budget:

• Benelux region - Sander Allers +31 689933597
• Central region - Philip Bode + 49 15 20 95 25 55 9 
• Nordic region - Birgitte van Leeuwen (trailer) +45  73671202
• Nordic region - Soren Bering (trucks) +45  30609111
• MED region - Ludovic Lecrivain +33 6 82862426
• UKI region - Mark Pevitt (trailers) +44  1617774914
• UKI region - Russel Leech (trucks)  + 44 75 57 32 17 98