How to Sell a Truck in Alberta

Selling a truck in Alberta uses the same paperwork as a car. What's different is what sets the price. Here's what matters.

Is selling a truck any different from selling a car in Alberta?

Not on paper. Your plate stays with you, there's no PST and private sellers don't charge GST, and the bill of sale is the same form REG3126, signed by every registered owner.

What moves a truck's number that does not move a car's?

We price everything on kilometres, claims and condition. That's the same for trucks, and claims are priced on the dollar amount. More on that here.

What changes is what counts as the same truck. Two half-tons of the same year, trim and kilometres can be priced differently because of cab style, box length, drivetrain, engine and tow package.

So give the full configuration up front: cab, box, drivetrain, engine, and any tow or payload package. That's the fastest way to an accurate number.

Want the number for your own car? Get a free offer. It takes about a minute.

Is a diesel priced differently from a gas truck?

Yes. A diesel and a gas version of the same truck are priced separately, so say which one you have.

The same goes for anything changed underneath. If the emissions equipment has been removed or reprogrammed, say so up front. A truck described one way and built another gets repriced on the spot.

Does high mileage finish a work truck?

No, but it costs you. Past about 130,000 km fewer people want to buy, so the truck is harder to sell. Same as with cars.

The truck itself has no breaking point. Trucks past 550,000 km are still running on their original engine, transmission and differential with regular maintenance. What sets yours apart is proof: a folder of service records, which costs nothing.

Do a lift kit and aftermarket wheels add value?

No. A truck is valued on its factory configuration, and a lift, wheels, a tune, a bumper or a light bar aren't part of that. That money doesn't come back.

If you still have the factory suspension, wheels and tires, say so and include them in the sale. It puts the truck back into a configuration the valuation recognizes.

What is worth fixing before you sell a truck?

Less than you'd think. A new windshield, an oil change or minor maintenance won't add the $1,000 to $1,500 sellers hope for.

Safety is the exception. Sort out brakes and tires if they need it, and keep the receipts.

What do truck sellers forget to mention?

A truck that worked for a living is easy to price. One described as if it didn't is what costs you on the day. These four are easy to forget:

1. 1. The box, tailgate and hitch.

   Wear here is fine and gets priced as wear. Wear that's a surprise isn't.

2. 2. Holes in the box floor and rails.

   Say if there used to be a fifth wheel, gooseneck, headache rack, deck, toolbox or company decals.

3. 3. Trailer wiring and brake controller.

   Say whether the plug works and the controller is still there.

4. 4. Underneath.

   Off-road use or backing into things often bends the exhaust or suspension parts. Gravel and winter salt show up on the frame.

How does DriveOffer buy a truck?

Same as anything else. You tell us the configuration and the honest history, we give you a number, and we come to you anywhere in Alberta.

Getting an offer takes about a minute. Here's why offers can change on the day.