Whether you’re an owner-operator truck driver or a fleet owner, there may come a time when you decide to purchase a new semi truck – or maybe even more than one. However, given the vast array of options from various manufacturers, it’s not always an easy decision to make.
There can be more to the best semi truck than its price tag, so take a moment to consider the following points. You may then be able to sell your old truck and purchase the latest addition to your fleet with confidence.
Buying New vs. Used
One of the most complex decisions to make before you even start looking at different models is whether you’ll buy new or used. There are pros and cons associated with both options. When you buy new, your maintenance requirements may be fewer, and you may also be able to take advantage of a few more technical advancements.
However, buying a used truck means you can generally pay less upfront and purchase from a wide range of reputable second-hand semi truck dealers. It’s essential to weigh up the pros and cons, as everyone’s needs are different.
Consider the Technical Specifications
Think about what you’ll be hauling daily and where you’ll be hauling it. Some trucks will be better suited to the driving conditions and hauling demands you encounter than others.
Perhaps one of the most crucial considerations is the engine. Take note of the horsepower and torque. The horsepower is vital for being able to haul heavy loads at speed, while torque is crucial for bringing your big rig to a stop from full motion and moving up steep inclines. Fortunately, the majority of semi trucks on the market offer around 1,500 to 2,000 pound-feet of torque.
Let’s not forget the transmission, either. Some drivers prefer the feel and control of a manual gearbox, while the industry as a whole is shifting toward automatic transmission. If you own a fleet, you may find that semi trucks with automatic transmissions allow you to attract a wider pool of new drivers.
The Make, Model, and Manufacturer
There is no shortage of semi truck makes, models, and manufacturers. You might prefer the reliability and high-quality design of Peterbilt, the ergonomics and axle design of Kenworth, or the cab comfort and reduced noise of Freightliner.
When you decide that now is the right time to go truck shopping, spend time researching your options and learning more about different manufacturers and their trucks. Some might even suit your needs better than others, such as trucks with sleeper cabs if you travel away from home or those with impressive horsepower when you need to tackle hills with heavy loads.
The Costs
The costs of a new truck don’t stop at the purchase price. You also have to factor in maintenance, the truck’s warranty, fuel, downtime, insurance, and even the resale value. The semi truck market is wide-ranging, which means costs can differ significantly from one semi truck manufacturer to another.
If you’re unsure what your initial and ongoing costs will look like for a specific truck, see if you can find someone who owns the same truck. They may be more than happy to share their experience to help guide your decision.
Safety Features
There are thousands of truck accidents each year, and not all of them can be avoided. If you want to be in the best possible position to prevent an accident or reduce your risk of injuries in one, take note of the safety features available in new trucks for sale.
Currently, the best commercial trucks have a range of advanced features, such as blind-spot monitoring, smart cruise control, automatic emergency braking, electronic stability control, air disc brakes, lane departure warnings, and more.
Buy and Sell With Ease
All that’s left to worry about now is how you’ll finance your new semi truck. If you’re upgrading and have one or more to sell, contact TruckVin to learn about your options. We are professional truck purchasers ready to provide you with a fast and competitive offer for your used semi trucks so that you have the necessary cash flow to purchase a new one.