Lease vs Buy Truck Calculator — Total Cost of Ownership

Compare the total cost of leasing versus buying a commercial truck. See monthly payments, 5-year total cost and which option makes financial sense for your situation.

Quick answer: Buying builds equity but requires higher down payment and carries depreciation risk. Leasing has lower monthly payments but no ownership. Run the numbers — the answer depends on your cash flow, tax situation and how long you keep trucks.

🔧 Lease vs Buy Truck Calculator

🏦 Purchase Option

Truck Price ($)

Down Payment ($)

Interest Rate (%)

Loan Term (months)

📋 Lease Option

Monthly Lease Payment ($)

Lease Term (months)

Lease Inception Fees ($)

Residual / Buyout ($)

Buy Monthly Payment

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Lease Monthly Payment

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Buy Total (net residual)

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Lease Total Cost

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How to Use This Calculator

Enter purchase details — truck price, down payment, interest rate and loan term.
Enter lease details — monthly payment, term, inception fees and buyout price.
Compare totals — purchase net of residual vs total lease cost gives an apples-to-apples comparison.

Worked Example

$145,000 truck. Buy: $20,000 down, 7.5% over 60 months, $18,000 residual. Lease: $2,800/mo, 60 months, $5,000 inception.

Buy payment: ($125,000 at 7.5% / 60 mo) = $2,503/mo
Buy total: $20,000 + ($2,503 × 60) − $18,000 = $152,180
Lease total: $5,000 + ($2,800 × 60) = $173,000
Winner: Purchase saves $20,820 over 5 years

Frequently Asked Questions

Both have tax advantages. Lease payments are fully deductible as operating expenses. Purchased trucks qualify for Section 179 expensing, bonus depreciation, and MACRS. Consult a trucking CPA — the better option depends on your specific tax situation and cash flow needs.

Mileage overage charges (common for high-mileage truckers), excess wear penalties, disposition fees at lease end, and no equity buildup. Some leases also restrict how you can use the truck (no owner-operator sub-leasing).