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

Yes.

If you're careful about looking it over, prior to purchase.

 

Oil samples, on everything with oil in it. Dyno it, this makes sure that the engine is producing what it should, basically a health check. If all of that is up to snuff, have a mechanic look the rest of it over.

 

Possible but not probable in my mind.

 

Sure you can. Look around, be flexible, take your time, be wiiling to settle for something nobody else wants, might need paint, etc. I have done it, just pay attention to details and have oil sampled. If you do not feel you have the knowledge to choose one, seek advice from someone else. NOT A SALESMAN. That is a way to make $$$$$.

 

Just keep in mind, if you're buying from some sort of "dealer" that an oil sample may not show you anything, since they usually change the oil in any trucks they're selling. If possible, test drive it for a good while, to get the engine nice and warm and the oil circulating well. It "might" be able to pick something up.

I definitely second the dyno test. And see if you can find an independent mechanic (NOT their mechanic) to check out the truck.

And keep in mind, pre 2000 trucks are better than anything that has an EGR system. EGR systems are a pain in the wazoo!

 

Yes.

I have one I bought for $20k and its been a good truck.

How ever I'd like to add that you shouldnt expect to buy a $20k truck and jump right in the seat and expect it to be as reliable as a newer truck. While very possible,.. chances are you've bought someone elses problems. While those problems can be minor or a ticking time bomb. The truck needs to be gone over from top to bottom,.. inside and out.

All said and done,.. I have almost $40k invested in my truck so far (Including purchase) since I bought it last March and I know there is more that will come. Sad thing, I dont think I could get more than $15k if I tried to sell it. But its a money maker, and as such I do what I have to to keep it safe and reliable. This goes with out saying,.. any used truck you buy will cost you money to keep it rolling down the road.

Look at a truck as nothing more then a tool to make you money. Invest as much into it as you feel comfortable with. This is your livelihood. The better you can maintain this truck the more money you will make over all as your down time will be minimized. Last thing a broker or carrier wants to hear is that you broke down while under a load. Will the load need to be repowered? Who's responsible for that? Depending on your contract,.. that truck going down can cost you a lot more than parts and labor.

Be smart about it. Buy something that can be repaired easily and by most anyone. The more you can repair on the truck and do it when and where it needs it, the more you can save over all. O/O's like to throw around big numbers about how much their truck cost, how much they run for, how much they gross etc etc. Find your own path and what works for you. In the end its not how much you make. Its how much you can keep.

Hurst

 

Yes you can, I've got four and three of them are on the road making money. No major problems.

I would recommend the same thing, OA from a good lab, a dyno to check the blowby of the engine BUT also an ECM dump, go to the dealer of that brand and have them pull up all the info on the truck to see what's what. ALSO I have added to my list with the last truck an OA on the trans and Rear axles.

 

I am running a 21000 truck that i bought 12 years ago and plan on running it at least another 5 to 10