The Great Semi-Truck Debate: Purchase New vs Used 579 Day Cab

The Great Semi-Truck Debate: Purchase A New Peterbilt 579 Day Cab or Used 579 Day Cab

To purchase a New or Used semi-truck, that is the question.

We are going to answer that question definitively (not true).

For our analysis we will be using a new Peterbilt 579 (2023 model year) vs a 2022 Peterbilt 579 with 100,000 miles.

While we won’t prove that buying new is better than buying new or visa versa, we will provide compelling numbers that for Owner Operators, Company Owners and Fleet Managers, buying used makes financial sense. (While we used the most recent numbers available to us, your results may vary—so be sure to do your homework.)

The True Cost of Owning a New vs. Used Peterbilt 579 Day Cab: A 5-Year Breakdown

When it comes to purchasing a heavy-duty truck like the Peterbilt 579 Day Cab, the initial price tag only tells part of the story. For fleet managers and owner-operators alike, understanding the full cost of ownership over a truck’s life cycle is critical to making a sound investment. In this article, we explore the five-year total cost of ownership of a new 2023 Peterbilt 579 Day Cab versus a used 2022 model with 100,000 miles.

Purchase Price and Initial Taxes

At first glance, the used Peterbilt 579 is significantly less expensive. A new 2023 model 589 would have cost around $150,000, while the used 2022 version with 100,000 miles averages $100,000. However, the initial price difference widens even deeper when factoring in taxes.

For new trucks, buyers must pay a 12% Federal Excise Tax (FET), adding $18,000. Sales tax, calculated at 8.5%, applies to the truck price plus FET, adding another $14,280. Total initial cost for the new truck: $182,280.

The used truck, exempt from FET, only incurs sales tax on the purchase price, adding $8,500. Total initial cost: $108,500.

Truck Price
2023 New – $182,280
2022 Used – $108,500

Maintenance and Repairs

Maintenance is one of the biggest unknowns in trucking. New trucks are typically covered under warranty and have far fewer issues in the early years. Over five years, we estimate maintenance and repair costs at 10% of the total purchase cost for the new truck—about $18,228.

Used trucks, however, tend to require more attention. With 100,000 miles already logged, wear and tear start adding up. We estimate 20% of the purchase price over five years, totaling $21,700.

Maintenance and Repairs
2023 New – $18,228
2022 Used – $21,700

Insurance and Registration

Insurance and registration costs also differ based on vehicle age and value. Newer trucks cost more to insure due to higher replacement values and the risk of total loss. We estimate annual insurance and registration at $10,000 for the new truck and $8,000 for the used one. Over five years, that’s $50,000 and $40,000 respectively.

5 Year Insurance Costs
2023 New – $50,000
2022 Used – $40,000

Depreciation and Trade-In Value

Depreciation is where new trucks take the biggest hit. A new Peterbilt 579 is estimated to depreciate 50% over five years, losing about $91,140 in value. The used model, having already absorbed much of its depreciation, loses around 30% or $32,550.

However, both trucks retain some value. At the end of five years, the new truck is worth about $91,140 and the used one around $75,950. These figures are critical when calculating net cost after trade-in.

5 Year Retained Value
2023 New – $91,940
2022 Used – $79,950

Downtime: The Hidden Cost

One factor often overlooked is downtime—the cost of a truck being off the road due to repairs or maintenance. Industry estimates put the cost of downtime at approximately $600 per day, factoring in lost revenue, driver wages, and missed loads.

We estimate the new truck will be down only 2 days per year, or 10 days over five years, totaling $6,000 in downtime costs. The used truck, with higher maintenance demands, could see 10 days per year off the road, totaling $30,000 over five years.

5 Year Down Time
2023 New – $6,000
2022 Used – $30,000

Total Cost of Ownership

Bringing it all together:

New 2023 Peterbilt 579 Day Cab

• Purchase + Taxes: $182,280
• Maintenance & Repairs: $18,228
• Insurance & Registration: $50,000
• Downtime: $6,000
• Trade-in Value: -$91,140
• Net 5-Year Cost: $165,368

Used 2022 Peterbilt 579 Day Cab

• Purchase + Taxes: $108,500
• Maintenance & Repairs: $21,700
• Insurance & Registration: $40,000
• Downtime: $30,000
• Trade-in Value: -$75,950
• Net 5-Year Cost: $124,250

Making the Right Choice

At face value, the used truck seems to save you around $41,000 over five years. However, that gap must be weighed against other factors: warranty coverage, technology, fuel efficiency, driver comfort, and risk tolerance.

New trucks come with peace of mind. They have better fuel economy, and fewer unexpected repairs. They may also be easier to finance with favorable terms and can boost company image when bidding for premium loads.

Used trucks, on the other hand, offer a lower financial barrier to entry. For an owner-operator starting out or a fleet looking to grow quickly, the savings can be reinvested elsewhere in the business.

Final Thoughts

The decision between new and used isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about aligning your truck investment with your operational goals. By understanding the full scope of costs over time, you can make an informed decision that supports your business growth, reliability, and profitability.

In trucking, every mile counts. So does every dollar. Make them both work for you.