How Much Does a Used Semi Truck Cost?
Last Updated: January 31, 2022
Fact Checked By: Ryan Maguire
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Since their invention in the 1920s, semi trucks have become a necessity for moving construction materials from one site to another. They can be used on road or off, for long distance or local trips, to transport loose material like sand, dirt, gravel, and waste.
Purchasing a semi truck is a major expense. New heavy duty semi trucks usually cost between $100,000 and $150,000. If that's more than you're willing or able to spend, consider buying a used semi truck. You'll still be able to get a truck that runs well and has a long useful life - but at a significant discount.
Used Semi Truck Average Costs #
Used or refurbished semi trucks begin at around $15,000 and run up to about $100,000 or more. As with any used piece of construction equipment the price varies based on the age, condition, size, mileage, and features of the truck.
A used medium duty semi truck usually sells for $20,000 to $40,000. You can occasionally find them in the $10,000 to $15,000 range, but expect a truck with high mileage and lots of wear and tear. At that price, the semi truck may not have a long usable life ahead.
Heavy duty semi trucks most often sell in the $30,000 to $80,000 range. However, a relatively new truck with low mileage might sell for $100,000.
- A 2011 Peterbuilt 348 with 500 miles and 330 horsepower would most likely sell for $95,000 to $100,000.
- A 2006 Kenworth T800 with a 17-foot bed and 210,000 miles would likely sell for $70,000 to $80,000.
- A 1999 Volvo with a 22-foot bed and 175,000 miles might sell for $30,000 to $40,000.
Keep in mind that there's a difference between a used truck and a refurbished truck. Trucks that have been refurbished to the original manufacturer's standards are likely to be more reliable - and thus, more expensive.
Buying a Used Semi Truck #
Buying a used semi trunk is kind of like buying a used car - on a much larger scale, of course. Ideally, you want the truck in the best condition possible with relatively low mileage for the best price possible. To find this, it's best to shop multiple dealers to find out what each has to offer.
When you find a truck that interests you, take it for a test drive. Make sure it's comfortable. Pay attention to how smoothly it drives and listen for strange sounds. If possible, take the semi truck to a mechanic you trust to have it inspected.
Trucking is a major part of the U.S. economy. Trucks make up the vast majority of the country's ground transportation of consumer goods and raw materials.
Buying a new semi-truck is a major investment. Nevertheless, whether you're a single owner-operator or you own a large fleet of trucks it's an investment that will pay for itself many times over.
New Semi-Truck Average Costs #
Semi-trucks, also known as highway trucks, vary widely in price. The cost is influenced by the size of the truck, whether it's a day cab or sleeper, and factors like fuel efficiency, horsepower and cargo capacity.
New trucks begin at around $80,000 and run up to $150,000 or more. If you opt for a large number of custom features, the price tag could reach $200,000.
- On the low end of that price range you can purchase a day cab with a single axle and lower capacity.
- On the high end you can purchase a sleeper cab with lots of cargo capacity and horsepower.
There are many financing options available for highway trucks. If you opt to purchase your truck, you can take out a loan through the bank or take advantage of dealer financing. In most cases, a down payment is required.
Leasing a truck is another option to consider. Often, no down payment is required. This is usually the best option if you plan to upgrade your fleet of trucks every few years. After the lease term is up, you can trade in your semi-truck for a newer model.
Choosing a Semi-Truck #
Before you approach a dealer it's best to have an idea of what kind of truck you're looking to buy. If your routes are strictly local, you'll want to buy a day cab. If they're long distance, you'll need to buy a sleeper.
Keep in mind that the initial purchase or lease price is far from the only cost you'll incur. You'll also need to budget for:
- Fuel costs
- Regular oil changes and other routine maintenance
- Insurance
Fuel efficiency and cargo capacity are two other important considerations in choosing a highway truck. You'll need a truck that is large enough to handle the volume of goods or materials you transport. But, you'll also want to select a model that is designed to get the best fuel efficiency possible at highway speeds.