Lease vs. Buy a Truck: Which One Fits Your Rig Life Best?
When it comes to getting a truck for your business, one of the biggest questions is: Should you lease or buy? The debate is as old as trucking itself, with strong opinions on both sides. Some swear by owning their rig outright, while others see leasing as a smart financial move.
At ShareRig, we offer leasing, renting, and purchasing options—because we know every trucker and business has different needs. Whether you’re just starting out, looking to expand, or want a low-risk way to keep your fleet fresh, there’s a solution that works for you. But first, let’s break it down.
Why Lease? Predictable Payments & Less Hassle
Leasing means paying to use a truck for a set period—typically 24 to 48 months—with fixed monthly payments. You don’t have to worry about resale value, and maintenance is often included.
🚛 “Best part about a lease? You always know exactly what your monthly cost is. No surprise repair bills, no out-of-pocket costs for brakes, tires, or major repairs. Just fuel, insurance, and oil changes.”
🚛 “I’ve leased for years. My payments have always stayed in the same range—$400-$520 per month. Meanwhile, someone who bought their truck five years ago is out of warranty, has replaced tires, brakes, and is one breakdown away from a huge repair bill.”
🚛 “If you wreck a leased truck, you don’t take a hit like you would if you owned it. Turn it in, get a new one, and move on. No fighting with resale value.”
Who Should Lease?
- Businesses needing tax write-offs (lease payments are deductible)
- Companies wanting a low-maintenance option
- Owner-operators who prefer new trucks every few years
- Anyone who doesn’t want to deal with resale value
What to Watch Out For
- Mileage limits (but you can negotiate more miles upfront)
- No ownership at the end unless you buy it out
- Possible end-of-lease fees if the truck isn’t in good shape
Why Buy? Long-Term Savings & Full Control
Buying means the truck is yours. No restrictions on mileage, no returning it after a few years. If you plan to keep your truck for a long time and put serious miles on it, buying can save you money in the long run.
🚛 “I leased my truck for 3 years at $470/month. When my lease ended, I bought it out for $28K—cheaper than any used truck in that condition. Low APR loan, paid it off in 4 years, and now it’s mine outright.”
🚛 “When you buy, payments end. With a lease, they never do. After 5 years, I own my truck free and clear, while a lease means starting over.”
🚛 “If you’re running serious miles, buying is usually the better deal. Otherwise, you’ll pay too much in extra mileage fees on a lease.”
Who Should Buy?
- Businesses that keep trucks long-term
- Truckers who put high mileage on their rigs
- Those who want full ownership and control
- People who don’t mind dealing with maintenance and resale
What to Watch Out For
- Higher monthly payments compared to leasing
- Big repair bills after the warranty expires
- Depreciation—your truck could lose value faster than expected
The Smart Middle Ground: Lease with a Buyout Option
One of the most overlooked advantages of leasing is that you can buy your truck at the end of the lease—often at a great price.
🚛 “I knew I wanted to keep my truck, so I leased it for 10K miles per year instead of 15K. That made my lease payments lower. Then, I bought it out for a great price at the end. It was the perfect way to finance it with smaller payments upfront.”
🚛 “I leased for 3 years, then bought out my truck for $9,000. I knew it was well-maintained, and it ended up being a steal!”
🚛 “If you plan to buy the truck at the end, leasing can actually make sense. Just be smart about your mileage and residual value.”
How to Make This Work
- Negotiate a good buyout price from the start
- Choose the right mileage to keep payments low
- Take care of the truck—because you might keep it!
Not Sure What’s Best for You? ShareRig Has It All!
Still on the fence? That’s why ShareRig offers leasing, renting, and purchasing—so you can pick the best option for your business.
✅ Buy if you want full ownership and long-term savings.
✅ Lease-to-buy if you want low payments now with the option to own later.
✅ Rent if you only need a truck short-term.
At ShareRig, you’re in control. Whatever your trucking needs, we’ve got a flexible solution that fits.
💡 Need help choosing? Get in touch today and let’s find the right truck for you!
