Side-by-side breakdown
● indicates the winner on that row
| Параметр | Buy (60-month bank loan) | Lease (36-month TRAC) |
|---|---|---|
| Down payment / first/last | 10–20% down | ●$0–5k |
| Monthly payment ($160k truck) | ~$3,050 | ●~$2,850 |
| Term | 60 months | 36 months |
| Ownership at end | ●Yes — full title | Buyout option (~$45k) |
| Equity built (5 yr) | ●~$78,000 | ~$22,000 if buyout |
| Mileage caps | ●None | Often 110–125k/yr |
| Tax treatment | Section 179 + interest deduction | Lease payment fully deductible |
| Best for | Long-term ownership | Cash-flow predictability |
Pros & cons
Option A
Buy with bank financing
- You build equity every month
- No mileage restrictions
- Section 179 + bonus depreciation in year 1
- Free to modify, lease out, or sell anytime
- Lower total cost across 5+ year horizon
- Larger down payment required
- You absorb depreciation risk
- Major repair risk after warranty expires
Option B
Lease (TRAC / walk-away)
- Lowest cash needed to start
- Predictable monthly cost — easier budgeting
- Full lease payment is tax-deductible
- Easy fleet refresh every 3 years
- No equity unless you exercise buyout
- Mileage and condition penalties
- Walk-away leases are extremely expensive long-term
- Lease-purchase from carriers often has predatory terms
Monthly cash outlay comparison
$160k truck — 60-mo finance vs. 36-mo TRAC lease
- Bank finance (5y)
- TRAC lease (3y)
Источник: Brobas Capital underwriting
Equity built after 5 years
Estimated truck value minus loan / residual balance
Источник: Brobas Capital — J.D. Power residuals applied
Run the numbers yourself