is it better to go with a new truck or older truck

That all depends upon whether or not you can turn a wrench. If you can work on the truck yourself and are willing to put in the time maintaining and repairing it yourself, an older truck is a no-brainer....the money spent on repairs is typically less than what would be paid out in payments on that new truck. However, if you CAN'T or WON'T do the work yourself, you're probably better off with newer equipment that isn't as labor-intensive, because $100/hour shop time adds up pretty quick in addition to the parts and supplies...not to mention a shop will complete the repairs on THEIR schedule, which may not be as urgent as YOU need it to be.

 

Spot on! Couldn't have said it better.

 

Down time for repairs cost you lost revenue,,used trucks have higher maintenance cost,, a new truck can be ordered and spec's for your specific needs, if you have a long term plan to be in business 5 years from now a new truck might be best, buying a used truck is like a crap shoot,,unless you know who owned the truck before you and a complete history you don't know what you are getting,, I bought one used truck with 169,000 miles on it back 85,,it cost me more for maintenance and repairs the first year than it cost me for the next 3 new trucks I bought in the next 12 years,, I would only buy a new truck that I ordered spec'd to my needs . Many new trucks bought off the lot have options I don't need or want and don't have specific options I want,,Buy a new Peterbilt,,if and when you want to sell it it wil be easy to sell and bring top dollar and it will last you over 10 years and over one million miles with no problem, don't buy a Paccar engine dealers with high shop labor rates will be the only place you can get engine work,,buy a cummins and if you do buy used do not buy a CAT newer than a 2006 engine.

 

I went cash - $12500, an older truck, and financed the trailer new for $25k -

I figured the older truck, I could learn to repair - but didn't want to have to maintain an old trailer as well.

25,000 miles and all good so far, building a stash for eventual in frame.

 

Just because it says PETERBILT up front does not always ensure TOP $ and QUICK sale when it comes time to sell it but it does ensure HIGH $ costs for parts in a PETERBILT box if you have to buy pats that are OEM only.

 

ran a 98 pete for over a million miles only pete parts I had to buy was a heater fan motor, a windshield washer motor and a electric window switch,

 

Good for you , I have owned a few PETES in the 80 + trucks I have owned over the years as well , I was just pointing out to the OP that just because its a PETE its not the Worlds best INVESTMENT and you can get just as big a lemon with a new or used 1 than with any make of CLASS 8 tractor