A showroom full of shiny new lift trucks is alluring. It's hard to resist the display models' sleek designs, high-tech features, and glossy paint jobs. For some buyers, though, a brand-new truck is more than they need; the latest model may be too expensive or "overqualified" for the particular job at hand. In those circumstances, a used lift truck might be a better choice.

When should you consider buying a used truck rather than a new one? And how do you make sure you're getting what you need at the right price? We asked three lift truck dealers who do a big business in used vehicles for some guidelines and advice. Here's what they had to say.