The short answer: a used fire truck typically costs anywhere from about $20,000 for an older aerial to $500,000 or more for a late-model aerial or large pumper. Where a specific truck lands depends on five things — its type, age, pump and tank capacity, mileage and engine hours, and how thoroughly it has been refurbished and certified. Below we break down real price ranges by apparatus type so you can budget with confidence.
Used fire truck prices by type
These are realistic ranges for the current used market — wide because price depends heavily on age, capacity, and condition. Use them to set a budget; exact pricing varies truck by truck, so check the live inventory for what’s available right now.
| Apparatus type | Typical used price range |
|---|---|
| Brush / wildland (4×4) | $55,000 – $200,000 |
| Rescue trucks | $70,000 – $175,000 |
| Pumpers / engines | $45,000 – $350,000+ |
| Tankers / tenders | $50,000 – $300,000+ (priced largely on water capacity) |
| Aerials / quints / ladders | $20,000 – $500,000+ (older units are a top value) |
| CAFS / dry chem / ARFF | $50,000 – $150,000 |
A note on the low end: bare “as-is” trucks from government auctions can sell for less, but they typically need significant work and come with no inspection or warranty. The ranges above reflect service-ready apparatus — refurbished, 150-point inspected, and ready to put into service.
Want exact figures? Every truck is individually priced — browse the current used fire trucks for sale, or call (215) 559-9119 for today’s pricing.
What drives the price of a used fire truck
- Type and capability. Aerials and quints cost the most to build and hold value accordingly; brush and rescue units are the most affordable entry points.
- Year and generation. A truck under 10 years old commands a premium; trucks over 20 years old often sell in the $20,000–$40,000 range.
- Pump and tank capacity. A 1,500 GPM pump and 1,000-gallon tank are worth more than a 750 GPM / 250-gallon setup. Tankers are priced largely on water capacity.
- Mileage and engine hours. Fire trucks accumulate hours idling on scene, so low hours can matter as much as low miles.
- Refurbishment and certification. A reconditioned, pump-tested, aerial-certified truck is worth more — and far less risky — than an as-is auction unit.
- Brand. Pierce, E-One, Rosenbauer, KME, Ferrara, and Sutphen hold value well due to parts availability and reliability.
New vs. used: the cost gap
A brand-new pumper now runs roughly $500,000–$900,000, and a new aerial can exceed $1.5 million — with build queues stretching two to four years. A refurbished used truck delivers a service-ready apparatus now, for a fraction of the cost — the practical path to reliable equipment without a multi-year wait or a seven-figure budget.
Financing and total cost
Sticker price isn’t the whole picture. Fire Truck Center works with banks that offer competitive financing, so departments can spread the cost rather than paying cash up front. Factor in delivery (we ship nationwide) and routine maintenance — but a refurbished, inspected truck minimizes surprise repair costs in the early years of service.
Why buy your used fire truck from Fire Truck Center
- 150-point inspection on every truck, including pump tests and aerial certifications where applicable.
- Refurbished before delivery — reconditioned to go to work the day it arrives.
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee on most vehicles, plus extended warranty plans.
- Financing and nationwide delivery to departments across the United States.
- New builds too — we also build new rescue, brush, and support trucks to spec.
Ready to see what fits your budget? Browse the current inventory of used fire trucks for sale, or call (215) 559-9119 and we’ll help you match a truck — and a price — to your department’s needs.
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