Qualifying for tax deductions is a massive help for many business owners looking to invest in vehicles over 6,000 lbs to meet their organizational needs. Under the Section 179 vehicle list, you can qualify for tax deductions that can go a long way toward cost savings for your business.
But while Section 179 is incredibly helpful for business owners and entrepreneurs, finding the right cars over 6,000 lbs that suit your needs and objectives can be challenging without an overview of the best vehicles in this category.
To help you get started, this article will outline everything you need to know about the IRS list of vehicles over 6,000 pounds, including what Section 179 entails, eligible used cars under Section 179, and the potential for massive savings. Let’s get started!
What is Section 179?
The Internal Revenue Code’s Section 179 (IRC Section 179) is an immediate expense deduction that entrepreneurs and business owners can use to purchase depreciable equipment, such as cars over 6,000 pounds, rather than capitalizing and depreciating the vehicle over time.
Section 179 is beneficial because it allows businesses and entrepreneurs to receive an immediate break on their tax burden and incentivizes businesses to grow their operations by purchasing new, required equipment.
IRS Section 179 is limited to equipment like vehicles, office equipment, computers, and machinery. The maximum deductible amount outlined by Section 179 is $1,080,000, and the property value of products purchased is limited to $2,700,000.
Some used car categories eligible under Section 179 include trucks, vans, and SUVs exceeding 6,000 gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). Your GVWR is the maximum loaded weight of your business vehicles determined by manufacturers.
There are numerous benefits of the IRS list of vehicles over 6,000 pounds under Section 179, including:
- Section 179 grants immediate depreciation, allowing businesses and entrepreneurs to deduct the cost of qualifying property—a massive advantage compared to regular depreciation spread over several years.
- Section 179 increases a company’s cash flow because businesses don’t have to wait for depreciation to accumulate over many years.
- Section 179 reduces a company’s taxable income and lowers tax liability, allowing for significant tax savings when businesses invest in qualifying vehicles.
- Section 179 encourages businesses to invest in essential equipment as it incentivizes businesses by providing an immediate tax advantage.
Eligible used car categories under the Section 179 vehicle list
Many used cars are eligible for tax deductions under the Section 179 vehicle list, including many options available through EchoPark’s inventory. Eligible vehicles must exceed 6,000 GVWR and can include different car categories, like trucks, vans, and SUVs.
Before selecting a vehicle, remember that the cars will only qualify for tax savings if they are used for business purposes. Let’s look at specific examples of vehicles over 6,000 lbs that qualify for tax deductions under the Section 179 vehicle list.
Chevy Silverado
The Chevy Silverado pickup truck is a popular model eligible for tax deductions under the IRS list of vehicles over 6,000 pounds. The Chevy Silverado 2500 weight has a work truck starting curb weight of 6,105 pounds, while the Chevy Silverado 3500 weight has a work truck starting curb weight of 6,528 pounds.
This vehicle is notable for numerous reasons and perfectly fits many business purposes. Its design and sturdiness are built for heavy lifting, which is essential for numerous businesses transporting large equipment.
Depending on the vehicle model you select and where you buy your vehicle from, a used Chevy Silverado will vary in affordability. Chevy Silverado vehicles available from EchoPark range in cost from $29,289 to cars exceeding $50,000—so depending on your needs, you can expect to pay different prices for a Chevy Silverado vehicle.
The Chevy Silverado is notable because of its many safety features; however, it’s worth noting that this vehicle is not a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Among this vehicle’s safety features include:
- Automatic emergency braking
- Following distance indicator
- Forward collision alert
- Front pedestrian braking
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Teen Driver configurable features to create custom settings and encourage safe driving behavior
- Lane keep assist with lane departure warning
- OnStar and Chevrolet connected services
- The StabiliTrak stability control system, which includes Proactive Roll Avoidance and traction control
If you’re concerned about fuel efficiency, the Chevy Silverado might not be your best option; however, depending on the model, you might get a better MPG rating. MPG for Chevy Silverado vehicles ranges from 13 combined city/highway MPG to 26 combined city/highway MPG.
BMW: X5 sDrive40i
Another option for cars over 6,000 pounds that qualify under the Section 179 vehicle list is the BMW X5 sDrive40i, a reliable SUV many businesses prefer. The BMW X5 sDrive40i has a gross weight of 6,122 pounds, making it one of the top SUV over 6,000 lbs for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Like the Chevy Silverado, the BMW X5 sDrive40i is designed for heavy lifting and can easily transport large business equipment to meet your unique needs and requirements. This vehicle can range in price but is generally affordable compared to other vehicles over 6,000 lbs. When you purchase a BMW X5 sDrive40i from EchoPark, you can expect to pay anywhere from $36,999 to $48,999.
Regarding safety, the BMW X5 sDrive40i is an incredibly reliable option with numerous safety features to protect you and your equipment. This vehicle is an IIHS Top Safety Pick and has several safety features that make it ideal for businesses, including the following:
- Automatic brake system and driveline traction control
- Active blind spot detection
- Backup camera
- Front collision mitigation
- Driver monitoring alert
- Electronic stability control and roll stability control
- Lane departure warning
- Side impact beams
- Rear child safety locks
- Frontal collision warning with city collision mitigation and cross-traffic alerts
This car has an average combined city/highway MPG of 23, so while it’s not the most fuel-efficient vehicle available, it’s far from the least—and the numerous benefits of this car make up for its average fuel efficiency.
Toyota Tundra
Toyota has numerous vehicle models that qualify for tax deductions under the IRS list of vehicles over 6,000 pounds, and the Toyota Tundra is one example of a qualifying vehicle. This pickup truck is ideal for handling robust, heavy equipment that businesses and entrepreneurs frequently transfer for various purposes.
The Toyota Tundra has a curb weight of up to 6,185 pounds, making it perfect if you want to purchase a tax-deductible vehicle for your business. Like other vehicles on this list, the Toyota Tundra is essential for heavy lifting and transporting large equipment. Depending on the vehicle you purchase from EchoPark, you can expect to pay anywhere from $31,789 to $38,589.
In terms of safety, the Toyota Tundra is a highly reliable vehicle and a Top Safety Pick from the IIHS. The core safety features of the Toyota Tundra include:
- Automatic brake system and driveline traction control
- Backup camera
- Front collision mitigation
- Driver monitoring alert
- Lane departure system with steering assist and lane departure warning and lane keeping assist
- Lane tracing assist
- Pre-collision system
- Rear child safety locks
- Tire pressure monitor system with low tire pressure warning
- Vehicle and electronic stability control
If fuel efficiency is a concern, the Toyota Tundra might not be the most suitable vehicle, as the Tundra ranges from 19 to 22 combined city/highway MPG. However, the many advantages of this vehicle make it a suitable option for your business needs.
Toyota 4Runner
Another Toyota vehicle suitable for heavy lifting and eligible for tax deductions with cars over 6,000 lbs is the Toyota 4Runner. This SUV vehicle is a reliable option if you’re looking for business cars that can handle hefty equipment and important operational requirements.
The Toyota 4Runner maintains a gross vehicle weight of 6,100 pounds, meaning it’s ideal if you want a car that qualifies for tax deductions according to the Section 179 vehicle list. EchoPark offers these vehicles at prices ranging from $29,000 to $41,000, making them a relatively affordable option for your business needs.
While the Toyota 4Runner has numerous safety features that make it a reliable option, it isn’t an IIHS Top Safety Pick—so if this accreditation is essential to your upcoming purchase, it’s best to look elsewhere. However, the robust safety features of the Toyota 4Runner still make it a viable solution for your needs, including features like the following:
- A-TRAC automatic braking system with driveline traction control
- Backup camera
- Blind spot monitor
- Front collision mitigation
- Electronic stability control
- Lane departure and lane departure warning alerts
- Low tire pressure warnings
- Rear child safety locks
- Side impact beams
- Toyota’s certified Safety Sense P and rear cross-traffic alert system
For those concerned about fuel efficiency, the Toyota 4Runner might not be the most suitable option for you—the vehicle maintains a combined city/highway MPG of 17, lower than other vehicles on this list. However, if MPG isn’t a big concern for you, the Toyota 4Runner is an excellent choice!
Jeep Grand Cherokee
A fantastic SUV option for individuals who prefer this style of vehicle for business operations is the Jeep Grand Cherokee—and luckily, this vehicle is also eligible for tax deductions under Section 179! The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a gross vehicle weight of 6,050 pounds, meaning it just qualifies for deductions with IRS Section 179 for business equipment.
When purchasing a Jeep Grand Cherokee from providers like EchoPark, you can expect to pay anywhere from $22,000 to $39,000, making the Jeep Grand Cherokee one of the most affordable options on the market of Section 179-qualifying vehicles. Beyond its affordable price, the 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, making it ideal if safety is paramount to your purchasing decision.
Among the numerous safety features included in the Jeep Grand Cherokee that make this vehicle so unique include the following:
- Automatic brake system and driveline traction control
- Active lane management with lane departure warning and lane-keeping assist
- Blind spot detection system
- Front collision mitigation
- Rear collision mitigation
- Electronic and roll stability control
- Emergency SOS system
- Full-speed forward collision warning plus
- ParkSense with stop rear parking sensors
- ParkView backup camera
- Rear child safety locks
- Side impact beams
- Tire-specific low tire pressure warning
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is an excellent business vehicle option if you're concerned about fuel economy. While the standard Jeep Grand Cherokee has a combined city/highway MPG ranging from 17-23 MPG, the hybrid gas and electric option has a healthy rating of 56 MPG—making it one of the best options on this list for the environmentally conscious driver.
Chrysler Pacifica
If you’re looking for a minivan that qualifies for tax deductions under Section 179, the Chrysler Pacifica is right up your alley. Its gross vehicle weight is up to 6,300 pounds, making it a clear candidate for the IRS list of vehicles over 6,000 pounds.
EchoPark offers Chrysler Pacifica vehicles at various prices to suit your budget, ranging from $24,300 to $33,000—making the Chrysler Pacifica one of the most affordable options on this list.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a wonderful choice for individuals concerned about vehicle safety. The vehicle has received numerous IIHS Top Safety Pick awards since its inception and is packed with robust security enhancements that ensure a safe and secure journey. Some of the core safety features you’ll find with a Chrysler Pacifica include:
- Automatic brake system and driveline traction control
- Aerial view camera system
- Blind spot detection system
- Front collision mitigation
- Electronic stability control
- Frontal collision warning with a rear cross-path detection
- Front camera
- Left side camera
- Right side camera
- Lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Rear child safety locks
- Side impact beams
- Tire-specific low tire pressure warnings
The Chrysler Pacifica is an excellent option if you’re concerned about your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. While the standard Chrysler Pacifica ranges from 20 to 22 combined city/highway MPG, the hybrid Chrysler Pacifica option has a fantastic combined MPG of 82—making it one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles you can find.
RAM 2500 Big Horn
First on our list of top-of-the-line vehicles weighing in at over 6,000 pounds is the Ram 2500 Big Horn. This powerhouse of a truck boasts a curb weight of 6,441 lbs and offers a maximum towing capacity of up to 19,980 lbs. This towing capacity makes it more than capable of pulling the heaviest loads for work or leisure.
Designed with both strength and comfort in mind, the Ram 2500 Big Horn sports an eye-catching exterior design and luxurious interior features. It also includes all the electronic features modern drivers have come to expect from their vehicles, including a new 12” digital display. The price varies depending on the year and the selected configuration. Buyers can expect to pay between $35,000 and $45,000, with the 2023 model running an MSRP of $46,715.
The Ram 2500 also has a host of excellent safety features to give drivers peace of mind. These include:
- Available adaptive forward lighting (enhancing visibility)
- Rear seat reminder alert
- Robust steel frame designed for maximum crash protection
- Six total airbags through the vehicle
- Forward collision warning with active braking (automatic braking to prevent collisions)
- “Lanesense” lane departure warning
- Front and rear parking assist
- Adaptive cruise control with stop
- LED trailer hitch light
The EPA-estimated max fuel efficiency for the Ram 2500 Big Horn is up to 18 for highway driving. However, realistically, you can expect to get around 14 MPG fuel efficiency for most typical driving, with the lowest efficiency rating being 12 MPG for city driving. Although this truck may not have the highest fuel efficiency, it’s robust towing power and spacious interior make it an excellent choice.
Ford F-250 Super Duty
Pickup trucks are some of the most reliable vehicle options for business operations, and because of their size, they often qualify for tax deductions, according to Section 179. The Ford F-250 Super Duty vehicle has a curb weight of up to 7,538 pounds, making it an obvious choice for people looking to save money with Section 179 deductions.
Purchasing a used Ford F-250 Super Duty vehicle from EchoPark is an excellent option if you’re looking to save through tax deductions and on the initial vehicle purchase. This vehicle ranges from $37,800 to $48,500 when purchased used—so while it’s not the cheapest option on this list, it’s undeniably affordable compared to buying a new vehicle.
The Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck is also equipped with several safety features, making it a viable option for your business needs. The IIHS has not rated the Ford F-250, so it might not be a suitable option if you require IIHS accreditation for your vehicle purchase. However, the car still has reliable safety features, including:
- Automatic brake system and driveline traction control
- AdvanceTrac with roll and electronic stability control
- Backup camera
- Front-collision mitigation
- Ford Co-Pilot360
- Rear child safety locks
- Side impact beams
- Tire-specific low tire pressure warnings
Regarding fuel efficiency, the Ford F-250 vehicle has a fuel efficiency rating of 20 MPG, making it a somewhat effective option if you’re looking for an environmentally friendly vehicle. However, if an eco-friendly vehicle is your top consideration when purchasing, you might want to look into other options.
The potential for massive savings
Purchasing vehicles over 6,000 lbs for business purposes is an excellent way to save significant money through tax deductions. The potential tax savings for buying a Section 179 used car makes these vehicles a top choice for many companies looking for a reliable, heavy-lifting truck, SUV, or van.
If you’re curious about how much you can save under IRS Section 179, use a Section 179 calculator, such as the one found here. Consider the following as an example of how much you can save with Section 179:
Say you purchase a vehicle costing $75,000. Using the Section 179 tax deduction, the true cost of your equipment would drop to $48,750—meaning you save a massive $26,250 on your business equipment purchase.
Now, say you purchase a car costing $50,000. Using the Section 179 tax deduction method, the true cost of your vehicle drops to $32,500, meaning you save a significant $17,500 on your purchase. This money can fund other business expenses and operations you might not have the savings for otherwise.
How much you can save also depends on the weight of the vehicle purchased. Vehicles considered light vehicles weighing under 6,000 pounds are eligible for a tax deduction limit of $12,200 in the first year they’re used—however, using the bonus depreciation option, you can deduct a significant $20,200.
Heavy vehicles similarly have a unique deduction limit of $28,900. However, these vehicles differ because they are eligible for 80% bonus depreciation. Other Section 179 vehicles, such as those weighing more than 14,000 pounds, are not subject to any tax deduction limitation, meaning you can deduct 100% of the cost for vehicles falling into this category.
Many customers have used tax deductions under Section 179 to save significant money and invest in other required business equipment that wouldn’t be affordable without these savings. Small businesses also use Section 179 tax savings to fund other operations required to get a business off the ground, including office space, equipment, and technology.
For example, the small business PillPack used Section 179 tax deductions to offset the cost of expensive capital equipment and grow as a business—something that wouldn’t have been possible without Section 179.
The bottom line? Taking advantage of the Section 179 vehicle list for your business can save you a lot of financial trouble down the line.
Learn more about Section 179 and save on vehicles with EchoPark
Finding a Section 179-eligible vehicle is paramount for small businesses and entrepreneurs looking to expand their operations without exceeding their budget. Purchasing a vehicle from the IRS list of vehicles over 6,000 pounds means you can qualify for tax deductions under Section 179.
However, choosing from vehicles over 6,000 pounds requires a used dealership you can trust to give you the best option at the most affordable price. EchoPark has a massive inventory of used vehicles and several options for businesses seeking cars that qualify for Section 179 tax deductions.
When you choose EchoPark for your business vehicle needs, you ensure a successful journey and help your business grow in the future. Schedule a test drive or contact EchoPark for more information about our used vehicles and receive personalized consultation on Section 179-eligible used vehicles!
