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The Daily Insight

Is buying trucks a good investment?

Author

Andrew Mclaughlin

Published Apr 06, 2026

It’s not only about saving money on initial costs and features when it comes to buying a pre-owned truck. You will be making a smarter investment. Depreciation happens no matter if you buy old or new. However, when you buy a brand-new truck, that depreciation is going to hit a lot harder than if you buy used.

How can I buy a semi truck with no credit?

Here’s how to finance your semi truck when you have bad credit.

  1. Put more money down on the truck you’re buying when you apply for a Commercial Truck Loan.
  2. Find a co-signer with impeccable credit and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
  3. Buy from a dealer who carries their own papers.
  4. Put up additional collateral.

Are trucks a waste of money?

If you’re commuting in a big truck, you are throwing away money. Big trucks are safer than my econo-box, it’s true, but the degree of safety is yours to judge. The financial savings is very considerable in California, less elsewhere. The cost of repairs of an econobox like mine is really and truly negligible.

What is the best year F150 to buy?

What are the best and worst years for the Ford F150? The worst F150 years, based on total complaints to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, are 2004, 2005, 2006, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2011 2007, 2002, and 2010. The best Ford F150s are 1993, 1994, 1996, 2009, 2012, 2003, 2001, 2014, 2018, and 1998.

Is it hard to get financed for a semi truck?

This is difficult for trucks that are more than 10 years old. If a lender does lend on an older vehicle, it will likely require a larger down payment to reduce the risk. The lender will likely charge a much higher interest rate, which could approach rates for unsecured loans.

How long can you finance a big truck?

For example, truck loans can last from 12 to 84 months, while terms for a speciality vehicle are 36 to 84 months.

Why you shouldn’t buy a new truck?

It’s not fair or right, but new cars depreciate faster than used vehicles. To put it simply, if you buy a brand new car without a down payment, or if your monthly loan payment isn’t high enough to compensate for depreciation, you could end up owing more than the vehicle is worth.

Why are trucks overpriced?

Trucks are expensive because buyers have increased truck demand through increased sales figures. In 2019, truck buyers signed on for nearly 900,000 Ford F-150s. Manufacturers increased production to increase supplies, but they also raised prices over the years.