TraxQLease Or Buy Your Next Truck
Compare monthly cost and total outlay across the term before you sign anything.
How to use the Truck Lease vs Buy calculator
This decision sets your cost structure for years and is usually made on monthly payment alone, which is the one number that reliably misleads. Resale value is the input people leave out and the one that decides the answer, because financing builds equity and leasing does not — use a realistic figure for the mileage the truck will actually have. Two things to add yourself: maintenance, since full-service leases often bundle it and an out-of-warranty truck can cost $10,000 a year more; and real caution with carrier lease-purchase programmes, which tie the truck to that carrier's freight so the payment survives if your miles get cut.
Truck Lease vs Buy Calculator Questions
The things carriers ask most about this calculation.
Is it better to lease or buy a semi truck?
Buying usually costs less over a five-year term because you keep the resale value, but it ties up a down payment and puts repair risk on you. Leasing costs more overall and builds no equity, while keeping cash free and payments predictable.
What is a lease-purchase and is it different?
Very different, and worth caution. Lease-purchase programmes through a carrier often tie the truck to that carrier's freight, so if you leave or they cut your miles, you still owe the payment. Read what happens if you walk away before signing.
How much should I put down on a truck?
Ten to twenty percent is typical. More reduces the payment and total interest, but leaves less cushion for the first breakdown — and a used truck will have one.
Does this include maintenance?
No. Full-service leases often bundle maintenance while ownership does not, so add your expected repair spend to the buy column before deciding. On an out-of-warranty truck that gap can be $10,000 a year or more.
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