Heavy-duty trucks have become a critical component of the shipping world, but as their usage has increased, so has their price. With this increase in price, used over-the-road tractors and mid-range trucks have become increasingly popular. Both individuals and corporations buy used trucks as they try to adjust to the nuances of the international markets or cut down on their bottom-line costs.

At Palmer Trucks, we know that buying a Kenworth heavy-duty truck isn’t an impulse purchase, but a serious investment. With the range of options out there, there’s also the consideration of buying a used or new vehicle, so we’ve created this guide to help you decide which one will work better for you. If you have any questions or would like more information, head to one of our dealerships at our various locations in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.

Why Buy New?

With the rising prices of heavy-duty trucks, a new vehicle might seem like an extravagant option, but it could end up being the most affordable option in the long run. New Kenworth semi-trucks come with the latest technological updates and features, which include cost-saving aspects like fuel efficiency, environmental impacts like lower emissions, and time-saving components like electronic integrations.

New Kenworth trucks will also come with warranties, which means you don’t have to spend money for all repairs. New vehicles are also easier to operate and won’t have the bugs and kinks of used vehicles, especially if you keep them properly serviced and maintained. Buying a new heavy-duty truck means you’ll spend more time on the road earning and less time in the shop spending.

For your customers, a new Kenworth truck is a sign of prosperity, professionalism and a growing business. Clients are usually happier to see a clean, new vehicle than one that has chipped paint, rusted parts and a definitely weathered look. It goes a long way towards gaining the client’s trust that their goods will reach the destination and not disappear along the way.

Why Buy Used?

The main reason to buy a used heavy-duty truck is, of course, money. The lower cost is the top reason why people buy used vehicles of any kind. With a commercial vehicle, that’s a big cut to the overhead. This means you can make a purchase without a big budget or use the big budget to buy more than just one vehicle.

There is always a depreciation in the value of new vehicles the minute they’re driven away from the dealership. This can be as big as a 40% drop in value during the first year of ownership. Used vehicles tend to hold their value if you maintain them properly and keep all repairs and servicing documented. If you take care of your used heavy-duty truck, you’ll probably be able to sell it or trade it for close to what you paid for it.

When you look at our inventory of used Kenworth trucks, you’ll see that there are more models in your budget, giving you more options with different features that you can choose from.  Sometimes, newer models can have deficiencies that older models did not have. It’s easier to get those “positive feedback” models in the used section than the new one. Buying used heavy-duty trucks can really give you a wider and better range of options.

We hope this guide helps to decide which option works better for you ─ new or used trucks. To find out more, come to Palmer Trucks in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky and talk to us about your particular needs. We’ll be happy to help you make the right selection, and our trade and finance options will ensure that you can get trucking right away!