

Buying a New or Used Truck? Make the Right Choice for Your Needs

If you’re in the market for buying a truck it can be a huge investment, and one you should think about carefully before committing thousands of pounds. One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to buy a new or used truck. Either option comes with pros and cons and making sure you understand these will help you decide which meets your needs and budget.
Buying a New Truck – Pros
Warranty and Reliability
New trucks come with a comprehensive warranty, giving you peace of mind against any issues either mechanically or structurally that may arise. A new truck is also less likely to have any underlying (or undeclared) problems compared to used ones.
Features and Technology
A new truck gives you access to the latest technologies, safety features and fuel efficiency. A newer truck often has more modern amenities which are good for both comfort and performance.
Custom Options
If you’re thinking of buying new, then this allows you to customise your truck according to your needs and preferences. You’ll be able to choose the colour, trim level, and other optional features that best suit you, ensuring you get exactly what you want from the beginning.
Buying a New Truck – Cons
Higher Purchase Cost
The obvious downside to buying new is the higher upfront investment. New vehicles depreciate quickly meaning you’ll likely pay more upfront and lose more value over time.
Depreciation
A new truck will start losing value as soon as it is driven away from the dealership. Within the first few years, depreciation can heavily reduce the resale value. This decline can be a concern if you’re looking to maximise your investment.
Insurance
Insurance for a new truck can be a lot more expensive than insuring a used one, as the premium must cover its value. Comprehensive cover may be required if you have financed the purchase, which may increase insurance costs.
Buying A Used Truck
Pros
Lower Cost
One of the best advantages of buying a used truck is the lower price. Used vehicles have already experienced the bulk of their depreciation, giving you the opportunity to buy a reliable truck at a more affordable price.
Reduced Insurance Costs
Getting insurance for a used truck is generally cheaper than insuring a new one because the vehicle’s value is lower. This means substantial savings on premiums, particularly for comprehensive cover.
Value for Money
With a used truck, you may be able to afford a higher trim level or additional features that would be out of reach if buying a new one. This gives you more value for money and enables you to enjoy a more fully equipped vehicle.
Cons
Potential Maintenance Issues
Used trucks will have higher mileage and more wear and tear, increasing the likelihood of mechanical and maintenance issues happening sooner than with a new truck. Without a warranty you’ll be responsible for picking up the bill for any repairs which can accumulate over time.
Limited Warranty
Some used trucks may still have remaining warranty, but it’s common for these to have expired in comparison to new vehicles.
Unknown History
When you buy a used truck you may not have access to its complete service and maintenance history or know how it was treated by the previous owner. This can make it challenging to assess the overall condition of the truck and its potential longevity.
Things to Consider
When you’re deciding between buying a new or used truck, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of them:
Budget
Determine your ceiling price, and then how much you’re willing to spend over the life of the vehicle. This needs to include insurance, maintenance and repairs.
Usage
How much will you use the truck? If it’s for heavy duty work or long-distance travel, reliability and fuel efficiency become more important.
Depreciation
Make sure you’re aware of how quickly the vehicle can lose value. As mentioned earlier, new trucks will depreciate more quickly than used ones, which can impact your investment if you plan to sell it on in the future.
Availability of Features
If there are specific technologies or features that are a must, ensure that the truck you choose has them, whether new or used.
Environmental Impact
Choosing a used truck can be more environmentally friendly as it reduces the demand for new vehicle production, and the environmental impact associated with that demand.
Mascus is proud to be one of the UK’s top online marketplaces for trading used agricultural machinery and heavy-duty vehicles. With our comprehensive catalogue and easy-to-use search tools, you’re sure to find a used truck that fits your needs. From tractor units and semi-trailers to spare parts and wheels, we offer an excellent platform for buying and selling second-hand trucks and their components. Our listings include trusted brands such as Mercedes, MAN, Scania and Volvo. Start browsing today to find your perfect second-hand truck!
