Are you looking into selling your used fire truck? Its potential value may not be as straightforward, unlike other automobiles. Firstly, different types of fire trucks could have varying market demands. They also come with unique features that need to be evaluated.
Typical factors, like mileage and truck condition, also play a role. This means there’s some prep work you need to do before you determine a selling price. By understanding how each factor affects the cost of your fire truck, you can get the best value out of the sale.
Key Factors Affecting Used Fire Truck Value
Your fire truck’s resale value will often depend greatly on how it was used, but there are ways to figure out an estimate. You can start with understanding its depreciation value and then explore other factors.
1. Depreciation
Like other vehicles, a fire truck’s value will decrease the older it gets and the more mileage it accumulates. You can check the odometer to learn the total miles your fire truck has driven. This affects the fire truck’s pricing because the higher the mileage, the more the fire truck’s components may be worn down.
Additionally, check the engine meter to understand how long the engine has been running in its lifetime. The engine meter activates when you turn on the engine and deactivates when you turn it off.
This matters because rescue and emergency vehicles may not be used as much as everyday personal vehicles. The engine meter can provide additional insight into the state of the fire truck’s engine because the truck can be kept on without the vehicle moving.
The cost of a fire truck can range from $15,000 to $2 million, depending on the type. This can depreciate by 15% within the year, then 10% for two consecutive years. The depreciation rate decreases every year after.
While depreciation is a given, you can get a better value for your fire truck if you’ve performed regular maintenance and proper care for it.
2. Market Trends
The global fire truck market is a growing industry, having been valued at $8.2 billion last 2024. It’s expected to have a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% from 2025 to 2034. This is brought about by fire trucks needing to improve and adapt to complex emergency situations, which is also thanks to urbanization.
Because new fire trucks can be expensive, projections can also affect the demand for used fire trucks. Interest is specific to the type of vehicle, with pumpers accounting for over 40% of the share. You may get a solid price value if this is your vehicle type.
Urban developments, such as the construction of high-rise buildings, can also affect the value of your fire truck. If your fire truck specifications, for instance, are suited for what your city needs, then there may be better demand for it.
3. Maintenance Records
If you’ve documented all the fire truck maintenance and repair work done in your vehicle, then it can have a good resale value. You can show the potential buyer you’ve provided quality care for your fire truck, hence they won’t have to worry about its performance.
This can include records on upgrades and routine inspections for:
- Engine and fire truck equipment
- Lighting and electrical system
- Pump and water system
- Exhaust system
- Air brake system
- Tires and suspension system
Be sure to include certification tests performed on your fire truck, such as pump, aerial and electrical certifications.
4. Condition Assessment
Maintenance records can show how your fire truck is “internally,” but apart from evaluating its mechanical conditions, the fire truck’s exterior and interior condition will also affect its resale value. A repainted truck can improve the price, but be sure to watch out for corrosion, too.
Here are some of the main items to look out for:
- Dents, scrapes and cracks
- Mirrors
- Wiper blades
- Compartment doors
- Seats
- Switches
- Sirens
- License plate
- Ladder rails
- Communication devices
When determining a price, also consider the basics like your fire truck dimensions, compartments, water tank size, ladder type and other features that may be unique to your truck. A Type 3 fire truck will have a different design from a Type 1 fire truck.
How to Better Negotiate Your Fire Truck’s Value
Fire truck listings make it easier to sell your fire truck to an interested buyer. The challenge comes in negotiating a good deal. There are a few ways you can increase your chances of getting the price you want:
- Take lots of good pictures: To take a good photo, you need to clean and prepare your fire truck. Consider the environment and lighting when taking photos to ensure everything is clear. Potential buyers often prefer seeing multiple photos, interior and exterior. Showcase all angles, if possible, so they know what they’re getting and manage their expectations.
- Offer an aggressive yet flexible price: A potential buyer likely already has a range of how much they’re willing to spend. With your knowledge of the market value, best to offer a competitive price that can stand out from other sellers. A flexible price range will also make room for negotiation, increasing the likelihood of a sale.
- Provide all essential details in your listing: Help the buyer understand the value of your fire truck. Certifications and maintenance records can especially help with this. You may also increase buyer satisfaction if they have everything they need to know right off the bat, including damage and accident reports.
- Make sure you’re easy to reach: Whether you’re selling directly to a buyer or through the help of a broker, you’ll want to be available when a buyer decides to connect with you. This can be a difference between a sale and a lost customer.
Fenton Fire Can Help You Sell Your Fire Truck
It takes work to find the right buyer. On top of preparing the necessary documents for your fire truck and maybe some last-minute maintenance work, searching for a lead can make it seem especially tiring. With Fenton Fire, you can list your fire truck and leave the selling to us. As a company with over 20 years of experience, we offer services you can trust and rely on.
We’ll offer you price suggestions, so you can be more certain that you’ll get the best value. We handle all initial communication so you will only connect with the most qualified leads. The best part? You won’t pay anything unless your fire truck has been sold. List your equipment today!
