The Life Expectancy of a Used Commercial Truck
If you’re thinking about buying a used truck, it’s helpful to get at least a basic understanding of the average lifespan of commercial trucks. That way, you can more accurately predict whether a given used truck for sale can last you for many more years…or will need to be retired soon after purchasing.
Here at Empire Truck Sales, we strive to make the buying process easier. We created the following guide to a used truck’s life expectancy. When you are ready to check out models, see our available options on our website or stop by one of our dealerships. We serve those throughout Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Alabama.
What’s the Average Commercial Truck Lifespan?
The lifespan of a commercial truck is usually measured in miles rather than years. A typical semi-truck will usually last for around 700,000 miles. A typical commercial truck will usually log around 2,000 miles a week and around 100,000 miles a year. At this rate, a typical commercial truck will last around 7 years.
How Can I Predict the Lifespan of a Specific Used Truck?
If you want to make an educated guess as to how long a given used truck may last, you can do some simple math.
Take the estimated maximum mileage and subtract the existing mileage on the used truck. Then, take that number and divide it by 100,000 to get a general estimate of the years left.
For example, say you are looking at a used truck with 250,000 miles already on it. 700,000 minus 250,000 = an estimated 450,000 miles left. 450,000 total miles divided by 100,000 miles a year = 4.5 estimated years left.
What Factors Affect a Used Truck’s Lifespan?
Mileage is not the only factor that goes into predicting a used truck’s lifespan.
For example, maintenance plays a big role. If the past owner(s) kept up with preventative maintenance and servicing, the used truck will last for much longer. If not, the used truck will have a shorter lifespan and you may end up needing to do some parts replacements over time. Be sure to check the maintenance records to get a sense of how well the past owner(s) did - or did not - maintain their vehicle.
Ready to shop for used trucks for sale? Empire Truck Sales carries a variety of models. We proudly serve those throughout Alabama, Louisiana, Florida, and Mississippi.