While trucks still have their uses for many people (especially if you’re hauling stuff on a regular basis), buying a truck isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Things have changed, and not in the favor of buyers. So, if you’re eyeing a used truck, you might want to reconsider your investment. Here are five reasons why.
1. Prices Are Still Inflated from the Pandemic Era
Although vehicle prices are starting to cool, used trucks remain stubbornly high. During the supply chain crisis, demand skyrocketed, and prices followed. Even as new truck inventory has returned to dealership lots, used models haven’t dropped back to pre-pandemic levels. This means you could still be paying 20–30% more than a truck is realistically worth. Overpaying upfront automatically weakens your used truck investment before you even put the key in the ignition.
2. Modern Trucks Are Loaded With Expensive Tech
Today’s used trucks are more computer than machine, with infotainment systems, safety sensors, cameras, and complex electronics packed into every model year. When those features break—especially out of warranty—they’re incredibly costly to fix. A cracked infotainment screen or failed backup camera isn’t a DIY job; it requires pricey dealership service. These repairs eat into your budget and destroy the cost-effectiveness that used vehicles are supposed to offer. The more gadgets a truck has, the less of a “safe” used truck investment it becomes.
3. Fuel Costs and Poor Mileage Hurt Over Time
Most full-size trucks aren’t exactly fuel-efficient, and with gas prices on the rise again, that V8 engine can turn into a money pit. Even older V6 models average only around 17–20 MPG, depending on your driving habits. Over a year, you could spend thousands more at the pump compared to owning a smaller, more efficient vehicle. What’s worse, fuel efficiency rarely improves in aging trucks due to engine wear. Buying a used truck might seem cheaper upfront, but the long-term fuel costs sabotage its value as a good investment.
4. Depreciation Is Hitting Trucks Harder Now
Used trucks once held their value better than sedans or SUVs—but that’s starting to change. As new truck sales rebound and manufacturers offer more incentives, the flood of trade-ins and off-lease trucks is increasing supply. That oversupply causes used values to fall, particularly for models that were overpriced to begin with. Trucks that used to retain 60–70% of their value after five years are now seeing much steeper drops. If resale or trade-in value matters to you, this market shift could make your used truck investment a losing bet.
5. Higher Insurance and Maintenance Costs Add Up
Many people forget that owning a truck doesn’t just cost more at the pump—it costs more across the board. Insurance premiums for trucks are often higher due to their size and repair costs, especially if they’re 4WD. Parts like tires, brakes, and suspension components also tend to wear faster and cost more to replace. Combined with rising labor rates at repair shops, you may find yourself sinking thousands into upkeep alone. These expenses can quickly erode any perceived savings from buying used.
Don’t Let the Sticker Price Fool You
Used trucks have long had a reputation for durability and long-term value. But that reputation is beginning to show cracks in today’s auto market. Between inflated prices, tech-heavy repairs, high gas costs, and growing depreciation, the numbers no longer add up the way they used to. If you’re thinking about making a used truck investment, now might be the time to hit the brakes and reconsider your options. What looks like a good deal on the surface may end up costing you far more in the long run.
Have you recently bought—or sold—a used truck? What was your experience like? Share your thoughts in the comments and let others know what to watch out for!
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