Paid-off trucks feel cheap, until a big repair arrives. The real question is the full cost per year, and per mile, of keeping it versus replacing it.
Count everything for each option
- Repairs and maintenance for the year.
- Days lost to breakdowns, and the revenue lost with them.
- Fuel: newer trucks often get better miles per gallon.
- The payment, insurance and any warranty on the newer truck.
Watch the trend
Repair costs that climb year after year, and more days in the shop, are the clearest signals.
Do not stretch the payment
A replacement only helps if the payment fits the truck's earnings in slow months too.
Our repair or replace calculator compares the yearly cost of both.
General information, not financial advice.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
