Finding the perfect used car is an intimidating process, and finding a good used pickup truck brings its own set of unique challenges. However, knowing just a few of the potential pitfalls can dramatically reduce the difficulty of this endeavor.Drive the truckThis might sound like a no-brainer, but many people fall in love with the exterior of a vehicle and neglect to really consider how it drives. This is especially important for pickup trucks, as the worth of these vehicles is heavily tied to their ability to haul and tow. Although you may have a difficult time convincing a seller or car salesmen to let you haul something during a test drive, you can ask to take the truck down dirt and gravel roads to assess the suspension. Remember, pickup trucks are essentially work vehicles, so try and focus less on their exterior and interior appearance, and more on how the truck performs.Each truck has a towing and hauling rating that helps buyers understand how much work the vehicles can handle; you can look this information up online when buying used. Take a look under the truckEven if the exterior of the vehicle looks great, that does not mean the truck is free of damage. Due to the working nature of pickup trucks, the undercarriage of a used truck is often damaged. Look closely at the brakes, drive train and suspension. If anything looks damaged, old or worn out ask the seller when those parts were last replaced. If the vehicle is in need of maintenance, factor that into the price of the truck. If at all possible, take the vehicle to a mechanic before committing to a purchase.Many people feel lost when looking for used trucks. However, the process does not have to involve an inordinate amount of stress. Simply follow these tips when looking at used trucks, and your next purchase is sure to be a good investment.