3 Benefits Of Buying A Used Semi-Truck
If you're just starting out as a truck driver, you may be considering purchasing a freightliner truck for sale. There are other options available, such as buying used. Getting a used semi-truck has many amazing benefits you must consider. Check out these three main advantages to see if a used semi-truck is the right choice for you.
Used Trucks Are Cheaper
As with any used vehicle, the price tag for used semi-trucks is typically significantly less than new trucks. You can expect to pay between $100,000 and $150,000 or more for a brand new semi-truck. The exact price depends on many factors, including:
- Make of the truck
- The model of the truck
- The features
Once you're an established truck driver or even have your own trucking business, these high prices may not seem like such a big deal, but to drivers just getting started, that money is better spent elsewhere.
Instead, consider getting a used semi-truck. They'll only cost you between $15,000 and $100,000. However, as with new trucks, the price depends on several factors. Typically, the newer the truck and the more features, the higher the price, but you'll still save when you buy used, so you may be able to afford an older truck that has all the special features you want. With a new truck, you simply may not be able to afford the high price of all those features.
You Own the Truck
Some people don't like the idea of buying a new vehicle at all: new or used. Luckily, there is another option. You can lease a semi-truck. The benefit of leasing a truck is that you can get a top-of-the-line truck with little money. There is no down payment. You simply pay a monthly fee to rent the vehicle. At the end of the lease, you'll have the option to buy the truck from the lease company or return it and rent a new truck.
There are some major disadvantages to leasing a truck however. A semi-truck is a huge asset if you own it. Leasing, however, gives you none of those benefits. Even as you pay the lease fee each month, you get no right to use the truck as collateral, an asset, etc. Of course, you do have the option to buy the truck at the end of the lease. If you do, you will get the benefits of owning a big asset. On the downside, however, you'll also end up paying a lot more for the truck overall if you lease and buy than if you had just purchased used or even new.
Operating Costs Are Lower
Operating costs are simply the fees you need to run the truck, such as gas, insurance, registration, etc. Typically, with used vehicles, operating costs are lower. One main reason for this is because the truck is worth less than a newer model. For example, if the truck is totaled in a car accident, the insurance company will pay less to cover the cost of the truck if it is used vs. if it is new. Therefore, your insurance premiums are usually lower with used trucks.
One operating cost you may struggle with is gasoline. Gasoline is an operating cost, but in this case, newer vehicles may actually be better thanks to all the advancements in technology and fuel efficiency. That doesn't mean you can't find a used truck that does have excellent gas mileage. You'll simply need to shop around more than if you were buying new.
New doesn't always mean better. By buying used, you can find the exact truck you need for less. Plus, you own the truck, so you get all the benefits. For more information regarding buying used semi-trucks, contact a dealer in your area or online today.
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