Should I buy a new truck or van for the business?

By Ask a Shop OwnerUpdated Operations

Short answer

Buy used, three to five years old, low miles, from a fleet sale. New depreciates 20 percent the day you drive off. Save it for when the business is mature.

Math

A $30K used truck with 40K miles will run you 200K more if you take care of it. The $60K new equivalent gives you almost nothing extra except the smell and the payment.

When to splurge

Once you have 3+ trucks, branding matters and new wrapped vehicles look serious. For the first truck, used and clean beats new and broke every time.

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