Are Maintenance Costs for Used Trucks High in Africa?

When it comes to purchasing used trucks in Africa, one of the biggest concerns for business owners and fleet operators is maintenance cost. While buying a second-hand truck often means saving significantly on upfront investment, the long-term expenses of keeping the truck running smoothly can make or break the value of that decision.

Factors Influencing Maintenance Costs

Truck Brand and Model
Reliable brands such as HOWO, SHACMAN, and FAW are widely available in Africa. These trucks have an established network of spare parts suppliers, making it easier and cheaper to maintain them compared to less popular brands.
Availability of Spare Parts
In many African markets, spare parts for Chinese and European trucks are readily stocked. The more common the brand, the lower the cost of parts, since supply is consistent and competition among sellers drives prices down. Rare models, however, can lead to high expenses due to limited availability.
Quality of the Used Truck
A well-maintained truck imported directly from trusted dealers or remanufacturers often incurs lower maintenance costs compared to trucks that have been overused locally without proper servicing. Investing in trucks with verified service history can save significant repair expenses later.
Road and Working Conditions
Harsh terrain, overloaded hauling, and poor road infrastructure in some regions accelerate wear and tear. This naturally leads to more frequent servicing of brakes, suspension, and tires. Maintenance costs in such conditions are inevitably higher than in areas with better road networks.
Typical Maintenance Expenses
Routine servicing (oil, filters, inspections): Affordable and widely available in local garages.
Tires and brakes: Among the most frequently replaced components due to road conditions.
Engine and gearbox repairs: Costs vary greatly, but reconditioned or remanufactured parts are available at a fraction of new part prices.
On average, maintenance costs for commonly used trucks in Africa are manageable—especially when operators stick to preventive maintenance schedules. Costs only become “high” when trucks are neglected until breakdown occurs.
How to Control Maintenance Costs
Choose brands with strong local support networks.
Source trucks from trusted importers or remanufacturers.
Train drivers on proper truck handling to reduce wear.
Implement regular preventive maintenance rather than waiting for major failures.
Conclusion
Maintenance costs for used trucks in Africa are not necessarily high—it all depends on the truck’s brand, condition, and how well it is managed. For businesses that prioritize preventive maintenance and choose reliable models with good parts availability, owning a used truck can remain a highly cost-effective option for transport and logistics operations.