QuestionQUESTION: Hi Bob, you answers have been well worth the read.
We are looking at getting a new truck, but I am new to the trucking industry (partner has been in it for sometime) and want to get some 'outside' advice on the truck to purchase. Many I have been looking at--years 1999-2001--have well over 600k miles on them with pricing in the $25-40k range? is this advisable or should we spend the money on buying a newer truck with less than 300k miles? What I really should be asking is just, " what should I look for in buying a new truck?" engine type/make, miles, price, etc (we need the sleeper as well).
ANSWER: Hi Paul.
Simply put, buy the newest truck you can afford. I don't buy many new trucks because they depreciate the cost of a new Toyota when you drive them off the lot. You'll find great deals on used truck, though. I'll assume that your doing some long haul trucking. In that case, I would look for something in the 2004-2005 range with 300k on the odo. An engine warranty and/or fleet maintained is a bonus. Trucks run between 750k to about 1,000,000 miles before needing an engine overhaul. That can run $10-$15k. Problem is, the rest of the truck is still old. The transmission, turbo, a/c, rear end, and everything else that you thought wouldn't break!
Look for something like this Freightliner...
http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/detail.aspx?OHID=1234473&guid=43EFF18FCD96406
It has a large stand up sleeper, good horsepower, and was a fleet truck. You can tell it was a fleet truck by looking at the top of the sleeper from behind. That "shelf" is where the satellite was installed that most big fleets have. Most dealers are not going to have maintenance papers on these trucks, so you look for signs that it was owned by a fleet. The attraction is that most fleets don't take shortcuts on maintenance. The truck is very carefully inspected and taken care of.
This Freightliner has a popular Detroit engine, parts are easy to get and inexpensive. Series 60 engines are great. CAT engines are extremely popular, but pricey. Look for an engine with at least 400hp.
You can look at Peterbilts, which hold their value, but are more costly. Kenworths are in the same boat. I like Freightliners because they have a ton of dealers and all diesel mechanics are familiar with them. The cost to operate them is less than most trucks.
By all means, if this is for long haul, get the 70", stand-up sleeper. Or, if you buy another brand, get the biggest sleeper you can. It kind of goes hand in hand with getting a newer truck. Drivers are at a shortage and you want to keep good drivers happy, with a small sleeper on an old truck, nobody will want to drive for you. I go the extra mile and take my trucks to a local sign shop. There, I have simple stripes (or some design) put on the sides. It makes the trucks stand out and drivers love it. I sometimes let my drivers pick out the color and design (within reason). For a couple of hundred dollars, they feel more attached to the truck AND company and felt that their voice was heard! Not a bad investment in my book!
Before I forget, the rear end will depend on how many mountains you plan on taking. Higher for flats and lower for a lot of hills. The Freightliner has aluminum rims which look nice and weigh less than steel. If the rear tires are recaps, I would take them off and replace with new. I NEVER use recaps! They always blow and damage the truck.
If at all possible, have an independent mechanic take a look at it for you before you buy. You can probably find a great used truck in the $45,000 to $55,000 range.
Good luck!
Bob Stephens
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: this was a great help!
We are looking at doing long hauls, mainly longs East/West coast, and will hit many hills along the way...being new at this, I'm not yet familiar with 'high' or 'low' when you mentioned the rear ends, what does that mean?
Also, is there a place I should look for the 'book value' when negotiating w/ someone?
Your advice on painting and recaps was also appreciated.
Thanks again
AnswerHi again, Paul.
You can get the truck "Blue Book" like the following...
http://www.pricedigests.com/commercial/truckbluebook.htm
What I do is compare a truck your talking to a dealer about with other trucks on truckpaper.com. You can insert all the same variables in the advanced search option and see what other similar trucks are going for. You'll know pretty quick if your getting a deal or not. Play hard to get. Trucks are not selling right now and Christmas around the corner isn't helping sales. When you find a truck you like, low ball it. He may laugh, but they always call you back. When you agree on a number, then tell him you want the tanks full of fuel and airfare and a hotel included to fly out and pick up the truck!
Let me know if I can help anymore.
Bob Stephens
