Decision tool
Lease vs buy a service truck
Plug in the financing details for both paths. We'll compute total cost over the term, effective monthly cost, and which one wins by how much.
Buying
Leasing
Both scenarios
| Buy | Lease | |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost over term | $66,164 | $68,500 |
| Effective monthly | $1,103 | $1,142 |
| Total interest paid | $10,164 | — |
| Buy is cheaper by | $2,336 | |
When buying usually wins:
You drive 20K+ miles a year, you keep trucks 6+ years, and resale value at the end of your hold is meaningful. Building equity matters more than monthly cash-flow flexibility.
When leasing usually wins:
You're scaling fast and want to swap trucks every 3–4 years (better fuel efficiency, latest service-bay tech, no resale hassle). Cash flow matters more than long-run cost. Mileage stays under typical lease caps (12–15K/year per truck).
The calculator above is a rough first cut. Real lease-vs-buy decisions also need to factor in tax implications (Section 179 for purchase, lease-payment deduction for lease) which vary by your tax situation.
Ready to see what an honest tool feels like?
Start your 14-day free trial. No credit card. Cancel anytime.