What It Costs to Buy a Commercial Truck

Buying a commercial truck – either new or used – isn’t cheap. But understanding the true cost is the key to getting the most out of your purchase. Whether you’re an owner-operator or growing your fleet, knowing what to expect financially can help you make smarter decisions when buying a commercial truck.

At Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, we carry both new Kenworth trucks and used all-makes models with easy financing to help you get on the road as quickly as possible.

Purchase Price: New vs. Used Trucks

The first big decision is whether to buy new or used. Each has its pros and cons, especially when it comes to costs.

New Commercial Trucks

Pricing for new Kenworth trucks typically starts above $100,000. These trucks offer the latest technology, full factory warranties, and higher resale or trade-in value. Financing a new truck may come with better loan terms depending on a few factors like your credit profile, CDL experience, and business history (if any). While the upfront investment is higher, new trucks often provide the best in long-term value.

Used Commercial Trucks

Our used commercial trucks start at as little as $19,950, making them a more affordable choice for many buyers, especially first-time owner-operators. The lower price tag means you can see a return on your investment more quickly. However, they may need more maintenance depending on year, mileage, and previous use. Still, for many drivers, the savings outweigh the potential upkeep. Learn more about the Benefits of Buying Used Trucks in this blog.

When you buy a commercial truck, choosing the right option depends on your business goals, budget, and how much time you spend on the road.

Federal Excise Tax (FET)

A key difference between new and used truck purchases is the Federal Excise Tax (FET), which is an additional cost that applies to most new commercial trucks but not to used trucks.

FET on New Trucks

If you’re buying a new truck from Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, it already has a 12% FET tax applied to the total listed price. This can significantly increase your required down payment and total loan amount. Discover more details about FET on New Kenworth Trucks.

No FET on Used Trucks

Used trucks are exempt from Federal Excise Tax. This makes them more appealing for buyers with a limited budget or first-time owner-operators who are trying to lower their initial investment.

Financing Tips for Truck Drivers

Whether you’re thinking of buying new or used, smart financing can lower your total costs.

Financing a New Truck

While the price tags on new trucks are significantly larger, the cost of ownership can be more manageable over time. Purchasing new means longer loan terms. This can significantly lower your monthly payments, which helps free up cash for fuel, maintenance, or unexpected expenses. Our financing options offer competitive interest rates, which helps reduce the total cost you pay over the life of the loan.

Financing a Used Truck

Used truck financing often requires a smaller down payment, which helps keep more money in your pocket. While loan terms are typically shorter, the lower purchase price of a used truck means your overall general payments are typically smaller – even if the interest rate is slightly higher than a new truck loan. The lower upfront cost and quicker return on investment still makes used trucks a more appealing option for many buyers who are looking for control over their day-to-day or yearly budgeting.

A strong credit score, down payment, and proof of income will improve your financing terms across the board.

Finance with Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth

At Coopersburg & Liberty Kenworth, we help you navigate every aspect of truck ownership – from vehicle selection to customized financing. Whether you’re shopping for your first truck or adding to your fleet, we offer the quality you need with prices that actually make sense.

Visit one of our dealerships or browse our online inventory. Let’s make your next truck a smart financial investment for you and your career.