What to Check Before Buying a Used Tow Truck in 2025

Whether you run a small roadside service or manage a fleet, a tow truck can be one of the most profitable additions to your business. In 2025, with rising demand for quick-response roadside help, used tow trucks provide an affordable and powerful way to grow.

Why 2025 Is the Right Time to Invest

Interest in the towing industry has grown significantly. With more vehicles on the road and older cars lasting longer, breakdowns and transport needs are increasing. Buying a used tow truck under $40,000 lets you enter the market with low overhead — and fast ROI. Nick’s Motorsports offers fully inspected wreckers and rollbacks that are ready to work day one.

Who Can Benefit from Owning a Tow Truck?

• Roadside Assistance Operators: Provide jumpstarts, lockouts, and tows to stranded drivers.
• Auto Repair Shops: Eliminate the need to sub out towing jobs.
• Dealerships: Move auction or trade-in vehicles faster.
• Scrap & Salvage Haulers: Pick up non-running cars and sell for parts.
• Entrepreneurs: Start a side hustle or build a full-time business.

What to Check Before Buying a Used Tow Truck in 2025

Not all tow trucks are created equal. A well-maintained rollback or wrecker can last for years, while a neglected one can become a money pit. Here’s what to check before you buy:

• Hydraulics: Look for leaks and test full movement of lift arms, winches, and beds.
• Winch Cable: Inspect the steel cable or synthetic line for frays, rust, or flat spots.
• Rust: Focus on the frame rails and underbody — surface rust is okay, but structural rust isn’t.
• Service Records: A clean oil, transmission, and brake service history = peace of mind.
• Tires & Brakes: Check tread depth, pad thickness, and for uneven wear that could mean suspension issues.
• Lighting & Safety Gear: Make sure strobes, beacons, brake lights, and controls work properly.

Need help evaluating a unit? Our team at Nick’s Motorsports can guide you through the process or even recommend the best trucks based on your needs and budget.