For mobile tool distributors, your truck is more than transportation—it's your storefront, your office, and your biggest investment. Whether you're new to the business or looking to upgrade, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to purchase a new custom tool truck or go with a pre-owned one.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your budget, route, customer base, and business goals all factor in. But the decision generally comes down to three key areas: upfront cost, warranty coverage, and customization options.
1. Upfront cost: Spending smart without cutting corners
There’s no denying that the price difference between new and used custom tool trucks can be significant. A new, fully customized truck can start around $150,000 and climb to $250,000 or more depending on chassis, upfit, interior shelving systems, addition of a generator and branding. On the other hand, a pre-owned tool truck might be available for half—or even less—of that cost.
For a buyer just starting out, the savings can be enticing. Lower upfront costs free-up capital for stocking inventory, marketing, or paying down other business loans. However, price shouldn’t be the only consideration.
Used trucks often come with unknowns. Was the vehicle properly maintained? Are there hidden issues that might result in costly downtime? What is the expected lifespan left in the chassis, generator, or HVAC system? While the sticker price is lower on a used truck, repairs and upgrades can erode those savings quickly—especially in custom vehicles where replacement parts and labor can be specialized. To minimize these concerns, consider purchasing a pre-owned unit from a tool truck builder who has performed a comprehensive inspection and repaired any issues that were found.
From a financing perspective, there are many reputable companies willing to finance both new and used vehicles. Typically used vehicles will be financed for a shorter term, allowing you to pay them off more quickly.
2. Warranty coverage: Peace of mind
One of the biggest benefits of buying new is the warranty coverage. Reputable truck builders—and the chassis manufacturers like Freightliner, Peterbilt, Kenworth, International or Ford—offer comprehensive base warranties on the engine, transmission, chassis and upfit. Extended warranty options are generally available on the chassis, engine and transmission, allowing you to continue coverage for a good portion of your finance term. On a used vehicle, those warranties are transferrable as the vehicle is sold. If considering a used vehicle, ask about any potential warranty coverages that may be passed along.
Most used trucks are sold “as-is” beyond any warranties provided from the OEM. Even with low mileage, a used truck can have hidden issues. For some piece of mind, there are some third-party warranties available. Coverage from these third-party options are generally a bit more limited than from the OEM, however.
If you are a tool distributor who logs hundreds of miles each week on your route, you want to ensure your truck can be repaired quickly and avoid additional out-of-pocket costs. However, it’s not just about cost—it’s about keeping your route moving without interruption.
3. Customization: What best supports your route?
Tool trucks aren't like other commercial vehicles. They need to be purpose-built for how you sell tools, and that varies by person, product, customer base, and region.
When you buy new, you have full control—from the layout of display shelving to power systems, storage drawers, lighting, and even how your logo and brand colors are integrated. Want extra battery backup? A custom slide-out display? A larger workstation? These are some of the many considerations and options when designing a new truck. Options for customization are almost endless, to some, this can be overwhelming and deter them from even starting the process of designing a new truck
Pre-owned trucks, by contrast, were built for someone else’s route and preferences. The decisions haves been made and the truck is ready to go. That said, the layout may not match your inventory, and trying to retrofit or upgrade can be time-consuming and costly—sometimes even more than the savings you got upfront. Some builders, like LDV, offer interior upfits that provide some flexibility when it comes to shelving and merchandising displays. This flexibility provides a nice balance between the up-front cost of a new truck and providing options for laying out a truck for your particular situation if purchasing used. Additionally, buying from an upfitter may allow for some additional customizations. Adding some shelving, reconfiguring the workspace, updating the lighting are all options that could be integrated into a used vehicle by the right builder.
What do successful distributors do?
Buy new if:
- You want a truck designed around your specific tool lineup and sales habits.
- You plan to stay in the business for the long run.
- You value the appearance of a clean, branded truck to impress customers and build credibility.
Buy used if:
- You're just starting out and want to minimize your upfront risk.
- You've found a used truck that closely matches your needs.
- You've found a used truck from a reputable builder who has performed inspections and repairs.
Final thoughts
At the end of the day, your truck is your business. Whether you buy new or used, the decision should align with your budget, your brand, and your long-term goals.
Used trucks can be a smart entry point—if you go in with your eyes open. Ensure you have done your diligence on a used truck – buying from a reputable seller who has performed extensive inspections and repairs – to minimize any surprises. If you’re looking for a tool truck that supports your exact sales style, comes with full warranties and you plan to hold the truck for many years, investing in a new custom-built tool truck might pay off many times over. LDV’s website is a great place to start your research and compare new vs. used, www.LDVusa.com. Our site also has currently available pre-owned trucks listed for sale so you can get an idea of what trucks are selling for when making your decision.
Before you decide, talk to other distributors, consult your flag’s fleet team, and run the numbers. This isn’t just about buying a truck—it’s about building your mobile storefront for years to come.
About the Author
The LDV Team
Since 1977, LDV has been designing and building world-class custom tool trucks, mobile command centers, community engagement vehicles, surveillance units, SWAT vehicles, HNT trucks, mobile retail, bookmobiles, medical vehicles, and more. To learn more about their custom vehicles, especially their tool trucks, visit LDVusa.com. For helpful tips to maintain your tool truck follow LDV on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.