Editors note: This is the second of a three-part series about the Crete Carrier Corporation’s owner operator program.
As you decide whether to become an owner operator, acquiring a truck is at the top of your mind. At Crete Carrier we highly encourage drivers who are considering becoming an owner operator to buy a truck rather than lease-purchase a truck.
A lease-purchase is often attractive because it does not require a down payment. In the long run this hurts a driver. Leasing a truck is basically renting a truck for 36–42 months with an option to buy at the end of the lease. This final payment can often range from $30,000–$35,000. What many people don’t realize is that they will end up paying more for the truck than if they were to purchase it outright.
Leasing vs. Buying
If you purchase a truck at $57,000 with an 8% interest rate on your loan and a $2,000 down payment, in total you will pay roughly $67,000. If you lease, there is no down payment, rather, a monthly payment of $1,583 for 36 months plus a balloon payment of $35,000 at the end. In total you’ll pay $92,000 for your truck versus the $67,000 cost if you bought the truck.
Purchasing a truck with Crete Carrier
Affordability is a top concern for drivers who want to purchase a truck, which is why we price our trucks at or near wholesale value. When purchasing a truck at Crete Carrier, there is a $2,000–$8,000 down payment required. If you choose to finance with us, we offer loans with competitive interest rates. In total, purchasing a used truck through Crete Carrier with fewer than 400,000 miles usually runs you $57,000–$67,000.
The purchase price includes factory and extended warranty. Your factory warranty is bumper-to-bumper coverage for up to 500,000 miles. The extended warranty covers the engine, transmission, drivetrain, and emissions (DOC, DPF filter) for an additional 250,000 miles. On average, the warranty you receive covers your rig for three years.
In addition to warranty, we ensure that you drive away with a quality truck. Before your purchase, the truck goes through a full prep process where it gets new tires, a fresh PM service, and a 50-point inspection. We make it a priority that you receive a fully equipped unit.
As you look for the best fit for you, we encourage you to visit the owner operator section on our website to discover what trucks we have available along with other opportunities we offer. You can also call 800-998-2221 if you have questions about the owner operator program.