Can I get a good reliable truck in the $20-$30k?

Freightliner has always been a good truck. Tons and tons on the road and for sale. Parts are cheap. People make fun of them and unless your driving a Pete or Kenworth your scum but it's a very reliable truck

 

The reason I never liked freightliner had nothing to do with cool factor. I've never seen even newer ones that didn't have all sorts of squeaks and rattles in the cab. My 1.2 million mile t600 is not like that. A well built tight truck. An important consideration for any driver. You're gonna be driving and living a chunk of your life in that cab. You're paying for it. It might as well be good. Nothing worse than thinking about everything that drives you crazy about a truck while driving it.

 

sure can. I bought my truck I drive now for $8500.00(no I didn't misplace the decimal) 1999 w900l heavyhaul specs. dumped about $22000 more into it. still a better truck than my last 06 w900 I had. just got to have patience and look for the right deal.

 

Lotsa trucks under $15k that can go earn money straight away, or with a little work, older pre emmision trucks!

 

if it was me, I would find an 01 Volvo, think that was the last year you could get one with a Detroit.

 

I bought a decent fleet truck in that range. Had a Select Truck warranty on power train and things like starter, alternator and AC compressor. I did my homework and copied the VIN and Engine serial number and even called the company that owned it to ask about service records. Found out, that the engine had plenty of emission warranty work just before company released the truck. So I was good on the EGR system being like new. As with any USED vehicle, you should get as much info as possible about its history. Obviously a fleet truck had OK maintenance schedule but may have pushed oil changes to limits as with anything you don't plan to keep your not going to spend anymore then you have too to meet warranty requirements. So fleet trucks do get a bad rap. My biggest advice buying used is have a slush fund of at least $5000 right from the start. If you don't plan for break downs then you end up taking on expensive credit card debt or worse just having to walk away from the truck ruining your credit for years. I know people who over spent on a truck then could not afford something trivial as buying tires. Also, realize that your income depends on how much you drive and what you haul. If your willing to do flatbed or dropdeck expect better over all pay then van or refer. But also expect to invest in straps and securement equipment. My only regret buying my truck was not buying one with a sliding fifth wheel. Otherwise the Detroit 60 engine has been good and yet I have had the typical wear out items like starter, alternator, fifth wheel rebuild, wheel seals, tires and such. All luckily spread out over a period of time. None the less, don't spend everything you make. Save for those rainy days when your shut down on the side of the road and need that $500 tow and then the repairs.

 

If you have cash, best place to buy is going to be Auctiontime.com or a Richiebros auction. Cut out the middleman.

 

Yes, but the drawback is nobody to back up the sale. Those auction trucks are sold AS IS and don't offer much in the way of warranty. Unless remainder of factory applies. True, they can be had for less then a traditional truck dealer sale. But you also have to accept many of those auction trucks are repo's and defaults and probably have had little done to them. I would not recommend a auction unless you have a good mechanical aptitude on what to look for in terms of mechanical condition or bring with you someone who does. At least with a dealer sale, you have a direct connection to work out any issues that come up.
I have talked to people who got good deals at auctions and a couple who bought lemon's. As with any used purchase do your homework on the history.