Trucking: purchase, coolant hoses, mileage check

Question
Hi,
rookie question...keep coming across terms such as "20 K ON IN FRAME WITH DOCS" when looking at trucks to purchase, what does that mean?  I'm heading out tomorrow to look at some trucks (obviously won't be purchasing then) so any 'last minute' advice on purchasing a truck?  I'm finding most in the $35-$45k range have 500k+miles, isn't that high?  Also, I'm in California and will be doing business from here across the country, so can I purchase in another state to save money?--found one in upstate NY w/ 330k miles for $45k here's the info:  

Manufacturer -FREIGHTLINER
Model -CL12042ST-COLUMBIA 120
Price -US $45,000
435/500 HP, FACTORY WARRANTY ENGINE 500K/5 YR, GOOD FUEL MILEAGE, WELL MAINTAINED & CLEAN, NEW TURBO, WATER PIPES, AC PUMP, COOLANT, HOSES, BELTS, NEWER BRAKE PADS, TIRES, 70" SLEEPER, 2 BEDS, DRIVEN BY ONLY ONE OWNER, NO LIENHOLDER, MUST HAVE OWN FINANCING, OBO
Used 2004 FREIGHTLINER CL12042ST-COLUMBIA 120; Detroit Engine Specs; 330,000 Mileage; Check for Over Drive: Yes; 10 Spd Transmission; 240" Wheelbase; US $45,000
Detailed Description:
435/500 HP, FACTORY WARRANTY ENGINE 500K/5 YR, GOOD FUEL MILEAGE, WELL MAINTAINED & CLEAN, NEW TURBO, WATER PIPES, AC PUMP, COOLANT, HOSES, BELTS, NEWER BRAKE PADS, TIRES, 70" SLEEPER, 2 BEDS, DRIVEN BY ONLY ONE OWNER, NO LIENHOLDER, MUST HAVE OWN FINANCING, OBO  

Answer
Hi Paul.

"20k on in frame with docs" usually means 20,000 miles have been put on the truck since it had an "in frame" engine overhaul and their is document to prove it.  Sometimes guys will say $10k on in frame which means they spent $10,000 on the overhaul.  An in frame is where they rebuild the engine while still on the truck, as opposed to pulling the entire engine out.

By all means, look at trucks nationwide.  I buy trucks from everywhere.  My last one came from Indiana and I saved $5,000 from compariable trucks locally or even any I could find in the Southeast U.S.  The dealer picked up one night in the hotel and picked me up at the airport.  So after fuel and a second night in a hotel (on the way home), I still save a lot of money and it was worth it.  All things being equal (including price), I'll buy a truck that's in Seattle over one that's here in Tampa if the Seattle truck has an engine warranty or papers on any engine work.  That's what gets expensive on used trucks, the engine work.

The truck you show looks great. For $45k you get an '04 with new turbo, only 330,000 miles and an engine warranty it looks like until '09 or 500k.  The $45k obo means he needs out.  The 435/500 hp means that it has 435hp (currently) and you can take it to a dealer and have it upgraded to 500 hp.

$35k to $45k with 500k miles?  It's all relative, but that's realistic.  Look at this truck...

http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=1511156&guid=5C1779E5BE58447...

That's $109,000 brand new.  So for $40k average you get one with 500k on the odo and save $69k+.  Thats all great, but what you save on a used truck from depreciation, you'll make up in maintenance if your not careful.  Keep in mind an engine warranty, low miles, or recent overhaul with papers.  There are too many deals on trucks today for you not to get a good deal.  I do like the one above.

Make sure you include in your budget occasional truck washes and lube (or PM) services.  Keep the truck looking good (which will help keep the DOT from bothering you at scale houses).  A few dollars spent at truck lube centers will save you money in the long haul.

http://www.petrotruckstops.com/fleet_service_menu.sstg

Good luck and don't fall for the "Someone was looking at this truck yesterday" line from the salesman!

Bob Stephens