I've been looking at used HD Trucks from 1999-2005 and find that the prices are pretty crazy. I think it may be better to just buy a new truck for a little more $. For example, I've seen 2005 Ram 3500's diesel's for $37,000. I have been talking to a local Ford dealer and got him down to $37.5K on a left over 2012 F250 short bed, extended cab with camper package, 6.7, and it's NEW.There's one last option I'm considering, but haven't seen much evidence that it's possible or a popular option, and that's leasing. I plan to use the truck to first haul my trailer, but we want to switch to a truck camper eventually, so I need a HD truck -- preferrably 1-ton. I don't plan to use it as a daily driver.Is there anyone on here that has had any luck leasing for a reasonable price? I can probably get by with < 10,000 annual miles and since it seems residual values on these things are super high and the initial price is pretty low, the lease price should be low.

Hi,What I have found out (by working for a leasing company many years ago) is the leasing company is going to make a profit. So they charge the cost to buy the vehicle, the costs they need to pay for loan interest, and whatever other fees they deem required to complete the transaction.Leasing companies still own the vehicle, so they require the leasee to have fairly expensive insurance too, and also have a blanket policy on all the vehicles they own, just in case something happens. There was a case where the brakes failed on a truck, the leasing company was held partly responcible, because it owned the vehicle. So before signing for a lease, check on the cost to insure the vehicle.Another problem. Say you scratch the bumper, or dent the tailgate. If you own the vehicle, you can always sell it at a slight loss due to the damage. However if you are the leasee, you have to pay for that dented tailgate (or turn in to the insurance and risk the price being higher next few years) before turning in the vehicle.Another thought. The $37,000 for the used truck is only a "Asking Price", and normally they will also go down about 15% to 25% in that price, if they realize you are going to make a deal today.Fred.

Are you planning on buying a 5th wheel? If not I would not buy diesel. Very high cost over gas around $7000 more, more expensive fuel and upkeep. We bought a new 2012 Chevy 2500hd, 6.0 gas, 3.73 gears extended cab with a long bed in 2012. It is a work truck model but is a great truck. It is rated to pull 9700 lb trailer. If you get the 4.10 gears you can pull up to 14,700 lb 5th wheel. With rebates we got it for 28,000. I know diesels are great but unless you need that extra power I think gas engines will do fine. But everyone has their preferences. Good luck whatever you decide.

sky_free wrote:, so I need a HD truck -- preferrably 1-ton. True HD trucks are OTR semi tractors. Pickups, no matter what the "ton" rating, are LD.

I have heard leases called a "FLEACE"

If you look hard enough you can find great deals on trucks, especially leftovers. I picked up my 2012 Ram 2500 this past April. It was on the dealers lot since July 2012. It was pretty loaded 5.7 HEMI with a crew cab, long bed and 4.10 rear with a tow capacity of 13,400 pounds. Had a sticker of $46,905 and got it for $32,795 and dealer gave me $16,238 for my Ram 1500. Only had to finance a little over $16k and I own the truck.Like others have said, if you really don't need a diesel, why pay the extra dollars for the truck and maintenance costs down the road.

Is it possible to lease a HD truck? | Good Sam Community

bobfears
Explorer
Sep 07, 2013
Are you planning on buying a 5th wheel? If not I would not buy diesel. Very high cost over gas around $7000 more, more expensive fuel and upkeep. We bought a new 2012 Chevy 2500hd, 6.0 gas, 3.73 gears extended cab with a long bed in 2012. It is a work truck model but is a great truck. It is rated to pull 9700 lb trailer. If you get the 4.10 gears you can pull up to 14,700 lb 5th wheel. With rebates we got it for 28,000. I know diesels are great but unless you need that extra power I think gas engines will do fine. But everyone has their preferences. Good luck whatever you decide.
Golden_HVAC
Explorer
Sep 07, 2013
Hi,

What I have found out (by working for a leasing company many years ago) is the leasing company is going to make a profit. So they charge the cost to buy the vehicle, the costs they need to pay for loan interest, and whatever other fees they deem required to complete the transaction.

Leasing companies still own the vehicle, so they require the leasee to have fairly expensive insurance too, and also have a blanket policy on all the vehicles they own, just in case something happens. There was a case where the brakes failed on a truck, the leasing company was held partly responcible, because it owned the vehicle.

So before signing for a lease, check on the cost to insure the vehicle.

Another problem. Say you scratch the bumper, or dent the tailgate. If you own the vehicle, you can always sell it at a slight loss due to the damage. However if you are the leasee, you have to pay for that dented tailgate (or turn in to the insurance and risk the price being higher next few years) before turning in the vehicle.

Another thought. The $37,000 for the used truck is only a "Asking Price", and normally they will also go down about 15% to 25% in that price, if they realize you are going to make a deal today.

Fred.

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