New Equipment vs. Used: What’s the Smart Buy in 2025?
If you’re running a trucking business in 2025, deciding between financing new equipment or going with used trucks isn’t as simple as it used to be.
The market has shifted over the past two years, interest rates have stabilized in some areas, and lenders are looking more closely at the age and mileage of the equipment to make sure the value is accurate.
Your choice impacts not only the monthly payment but also your operating costs, long-term profitability, and even how easy it will be to get financing approved.
Why New Trucks Are Attractive in 2025
Financing new trucks offers obvious appeal:
Lower maintenance risk. Brand-new equipment typically comes with full manufacturer warranties and less downtime. In 2025, some OEMs are offering extended warranties up to 500,000 miles, which can be rolled into the financing package, and is presenting a lower risk to the lenders.
Better fuel efficiency. Fuel costs remain unpredictable, and newer models tend to outperform older units by 5–10% in MPG. That difference adds up quickly when running a lot of miles.
Easier lender approval. Many lenders offering commercial trucking loans view new equipment as lower-risk collateral. That means higher approval rates and more favorable terms, sometimes even qualifying for zero down semi truck financing if your credit and revenue are solid and you have other commercial loans in the past.
However, these benefits come with higher purchase prices. New trucks depreciate faster in the first three years, and financing a $180,000 tractor will naturally come with a heavier monthly payment. While lenders may stretch terms to 72 months or more, you’ll need to weigh the long-term interest cost and make sure you have loads lined up to run them nonstop.
New Equipment vs. Used What’s the Smart Buy in 2025
Why Used Equipment Still Makes Sense
The used market has cooled since the COVID-era price spikes, and in 2025, your money can stretch further:
Lower entry cost. You might find a 3–5-year-old truck for 25–40% less than a comparable new model, while still getting modern features and solid fuel economy, with considered value in the truck and potential to hold for many more years.
Faster ROI. With a smaller loan balance, you can pay it down faster or free up capital for other investments, such as trailers or additional drivers.
More flexible loan structures. Some lenders specializing in loans for trucking companies are open to shorter-term notes or balloon payment options on used units, which can help match payments to your cash flow.
The trade-off? Higher maintenance costs, less warranty coverage, and potentially more scrutiny from lenders. Many commercial finance companies have strict limits, for example, no units over 10 years old or with mileage exceeding 750,000, sometimes under 600,000, so you’ll need to make sure the truck you’re eyeing meets those trucking loan guidelines.
And while zero down semi truck financing is more common for new units, some lenders are starting to offer similar options for late-model used trucks with strong resale value, and to borrowers who have a history in commercial.
Market Data to Watch in 2025
According to recent market reports, resale values for trucks in the 4–6-year range have dropped 17% compared to 2023. Lenders have adjusted accordingly, making it slightly easier to finance used units that were previously considered too risky.
On the flip side, manufacturers are rolling out incentives for new purchases, including lower promotional rates, deferred first payments, and in some cases, zero down semi truck financing packages to keep sales strong.
If your business depends on uptime and predictable costs, new may be worth the premium, of course, if you have a couple of other units to support the growth. If you’re expanding a fleet and want to keep monthly obligations low, well-chosen used equipment can be a smart strategic move, especially if you are a small company. It's better to start with a couple of used trucks than transition to new trucks.
Final Takeaway
In 2025, the smartest buy depends on your priorities:
Go new if you want maximum uptime, strong warranty protection, easier lender approval, and the possibility of zero down semi truck financing, you will need some commercial history to be able to grab the new truck financing.
Go used if you want to minimize debt, expand faster, and are comfortable managing some extra maintenance, while exploring lenders who now offer zero-down options on select late-model units.
Either way, structuring the right financing is just as important as picking the right truck. At Trucking Finance Loans, we help owner-operators and fleet owners compare offers, negotiate better rates, and choose loan terms that fit their business model.
If you’re looking at upgrading or expanding this year, reach out to see how we can help secure the best terms, whether you’re looking for new or used.
