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Buying a new truck comes with plenty of decisions. If you're customizing your rig from the dealership, you'll probably need to go through a long list of options and features to get the vehicle that's best suited for your business. However, buying used means having a few options that may not be available on more recent models.

If you're browsing through used trucks to purchase for your business, keep these three unique considerations in mind before you decide on which option is best for your needs.

1. Manual vs. Automatic

Unlike many personal cars, you can still go onto the lot and buy a new semi-truck with a manual transmission. However, these options are becoming drastically less common than in the past, and it's likely that automatic transmissions will eventually dominate the industry. Of course, manual transmissions are still very common on many used trucks.

If you're purchasing one of these older models, you'll need to weigh your experience and personal preferences against the potential upsides. While newer automatics are typically competitive (or even superior) on fuel economy and acceleration, older manuals may still have the advantage in these areas. Manual transmissions also usually cost less to maintain and may have fewer problems.

2. Pre-Emissions vs. Post-Emissions

When truck drivers talk about pre and post-emissions engines, they're referring to the divide that occurred following new federal diesel regulations in 2007. These regulations required manufacturers to reduce truck pollution, which meant more complex control and emissions systems. The potential consequences for owners include higher operating and maintenance costs.

New truck buyers don't have a choice about their emissions-control systems. For used buyers, the situation is more complex. Buying a pre-emissions truck means more straightforward repairs and lower operating costs but at the expense of purchasing an older vehicle with more miles. Whether this trade-off is worth it depends on your personal preferences and business requirements.

3. Age and Mileage

Finally, you'll have a nearly limitless range of truck ages to consider. The used market includes everything from relatively new late-model trucks to vehicles with over a million miles on their engines. This freedom can be intimidating at first, but it also lets you buy a truck that's perfectly suited to your specific needs and budget.

When looking at used trucks, don't be afraid to consider older or higher-mileage models, especially if you only intend to keep the vehicle for a few years. On the other hand, a newer truck with less mileage may be a better option if you plan to keep the vehicle on the road for many more years. Don't assume that newer trucks are better. Instead, consider how your purchase can support your business goals. 

For more information, look for pre-owned commercial trucks for sale online.