Taking the plunge. My journey as an O/O.

yep.

In wondering whether or not to trade, a truck salesman asked me probably the best question I ever heard to help me make a decision, (I did not buy the truck from him, but I thought it was a good question nevertheless).

"Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?"

Answer that question, and you'll have your answer.

 

Older truck , low mileage gig.... my fuel is 22% of gross revenue...screw the new trucks....

 

Now, here's a deep in the weeds perspective on just how much this truck has cost me per mile to operate since new. I put this out there for guys considering new or used. Of course, every situation is different, but at least my experience to date might provide a peek in

Bought new:
$134,500
$13,500 down payment
$121,500 financed
5.5 % interest
60 mos pay back
$139,247 total principal & interest over 5 years
$2,321 a month not including down payment
$2,537 a month including the down payment
$104,034 total paid to date 41 months
325,251 miles to date
$0.319 a mile

Now, the thing to consider (in my case) is that my lifetime fuel mpg is 7.2 mpg which is adds value back to the overall operational costs. My lifetime average fuel to revenue is 17.02% Also, I have had essentially zero downtime during this period.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it... LOL

 

Who knows, life is in constant flux LOL.

 

One more thing while I'm at it LOL.

The other part of the equation is that at the end of the depreciation and payoff period, with as well as I've maintained my truck as a one person owner, with meticulous records, etc, the truck should bring me at least 50k dollars in cash or trade value if I decide to do something else.

Backing that value into the overall operational costs adds a whole different perspective into the equation.

 

One cost you left out(and almost every one does) higher insurance premiums because the truck is valued higher.

 

Actually, not in my case. This is why I emphasize that every situation is different, depending on a lot of different factors.

My insurance has averaged right at $650 a month, that includes the trailer and cargo coverage as well.

FWIW, I'm not arguing one way or the other. I did what I believed, and still do, was in my best interest.

 

Emissions trucks suckkkk!!! pre emissions may not give you the great mpg, but there is no stressing while fueling compared to try trying to figure out why you are loosing power while you are at the dealer waiting for a shopping list of parts that they THINK might be the problem at $ 125 an hour.
rather burn fuel headache free then save on fuel stressing.

 

Zero. Well, I do change a light bulb out if needed. Not exactly what you call work though.