The True Cost of Buying vs Leasing an HGV: What Businesses N

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Leasing an HGV or lorry is often appealing for several reasons:

• Lower upfront costs: No need to invest heavily in purchasing outright.
   
• Predictable monthly payments: Easier for budgeting and cash flow.
   
• Newer vehicles: Many leases provide access to the latest models.
   
• Maintenance packages: Some lease agreements include servicing.
   

On paper, it looks like a simple, hassle-free solution. For businesses that only need a truck for a short-term project, leasing may make sense. However, for most logistics firms, construction businesses, or long-haul operators, leasing hides a number of costs that can quickly add up.

While leasing avoids a large upfront purchase, it often comes with unexpected and expensive fees. Here’s what many businesses don’t anticipate:

At the end of your lease, the vehicle must be returned in “fair wear and tear” condition — but these standards are strict. Even small scratches, minor dents, or interior scuffs can result in hefty depreciation charges from the leasing company.

At Centre Transport Sales, we frequently help customers prepare their vehicles for lease return with our cleaning, valeting, repairs, and resprays to minimise these costs. Many are shocked by how aggressively lease companies charge for even the smallest imperfections.

Most HGV leases come with strict mileage limits. Exceed these, and you’ll face additional per-mile penalties. For businesses in transport, where mileage can quickly add up, this is an almost unavoidable cost.

Leased vehicles must typically be returned in original condition. That means you can’t add side skirts, light bars, alloy wheels, or branding graphics that could improve performance, safety, or company image. Buying outright allows full flexibility.

After years of paying monthly lease fees, you hand the truck back — with nothing to show for it. In contrast, purchasing a used HGV means you retain an asset that can be resold or traded in later.

When you purchase a quality used HGV from Centre Transport Sales, you’re not just getting a truck — you’re making an investment in your business. Here’s why buying is often the better choice:

Buying a used truck outright means you’re paying a one-time cost rather than endless monthly fees. With our extensive range of Volvo, Scania, DAF, Mercedes, and other leading brands, you can often find a vehicle that’s only a few years old at a fraction of the cost of a new lease.

Ownership gives you complete freedom to adapt the vehicle to your needs. Add airhorns, bull-bars, under-bumper splitters, side skirts, graphic wraps, or alloy wheels without worrying about penalties. You’re investing in both functionality and presentation.

Forget about surprise bills for minor damage or mileage overages. Once the truck is yours, it’s yours. And with our repair, repaint, and valet services, keeping it in great condition is simple and affordable.

Buying means your business owns a valuable piece of equipment. Unlike lease payments, which disappear each month, a truck you own can be sold, traded, or upgraded later on.

At Centre Transport Sales, we don’t just sell trucks — we make sure every purchase is a worthwhile investment. Here’s how we help you get the most value when buying:

• End-of-Lease Preparation Services: If you’re still tied to a lease, we can refurbish your truck with cleaning, repainting, repairs, and valeting to reduce end-of-contract charges.
   
• Replacement Parts & Repairs: From interior trim to exterior panels, we fit and replace damaged parts to extend your truck’s working life.
   
• Customisation Options: Upgrade with light bars, alloy wheels, branding graphics, bull-bars, and more to improve performance and presentation.
   
• Finance Options: We offer flexible finance packages to make ownership more accessible and affordable.
   
• Export Services: Supplying trucks worldwide, we ensure UK and overseas customers alike can access reliable vehicles at competitive prices.
   

One of our recent customers ran a small logistics company and had leased three HGVs. At the end of their contracts, the leasing company charged thousands in depreciation costs for scratches, repainted wheels, and minor panel damage. When they compared this with purchasing through us, they realised they could have bought nearly-new trucks for less than their lease costs, customised them to their branding, and sold them later for residual value.

By switching to ownership with Centre Transport Sales, they cut long-term costs dramatically and gained full control over their fleet.

The decision between leasing and buying depends on your business needs. Leasing might suit those who want a short-term solution, but for most operators, the hidden costs outweigh the benefits.

Buying from Centre Transport Sales offers:

• Long-term value
   
• Flexibility and freedom
   
• Lower total cost of ownership
   
• A real asset for your business
   

Leasing can look attractive at first, but when you calculate the total cost of ownership, buying a used HGV is almost always the smarter financial choice. With Centre Transport Sales, you can be confident in the quality, reliability, and value of your purchase — whether you’re a first-time buyer or expanding a growing fleet.

Ready to take the smarter route?
Get in touch with Centre Transport Sales today to explore our full range of used HGVs, custom upgrades, and flexible finance options.

Centre Transport Sales – Driving Value. Delivering Quality.