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Test drive 11 you are dead keen on buying something
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then always test drive it first. Make sure you're insured, or failing that, get your hands on some trade plates. If they belong to the owner then make sure one of their guys is with you for legal reasons.
Do a standard driver's walk-around, checking the tyres (they get traded like Panini football stickers) and doing the various lubricant tests. Check the levels are within proscribed areas and that the oil isn't sludgy. If it is, there's been water in the system or actual engine damage that has been repaired. Always lift the cab and check out the engine and see if its covered in oil. If there are signs of oil it could well be a leak walk away.
Most dealers will valet a truck when it arrives, including the engine, so be alert.
Don't overly worry if the battery is dead, it just means its been standing a while and the tachograph's drained it. Check to see if the engine is warm though, as the dealer might be disguising some coldstart problems. Keep your ears alert for any untoward noises coming from the driveline, the gearbox, or the propshaft.
See if it's smoking; that is normally a sign it's burning oil. At standstill it's not so much of a problem but accelerate hard towards the top end of the gearbox if it smokes there the engine's on its way out.
Try a mixture of roads and a mixture of speeds. Work your way up and down the box and always put your foot to the floor when changing gear if it struggles there the clutch is on its way out too. Make sure things like the cruise control and any electrical gizmos are working. If a light comes up on the dash query it and don't accept "Aw, they all do that, mate", because they don't.
Test the brakes, check the steering doesn't pull to one side, also check the tyres to see if either side has worn excessively compared to the opposite tyre.
If it's a tractor and the dealer will let you, or you might want to insist if your yard is close by, pick up a trailer with some weight in it, even full GVVV, and repeat the process. Then you will know for sure.