2011 vs 12 vs 13 Freightliner. Must decide!!

Hi truckersreport, I'm new to the forum. Thanks for having me.

I have been in sales most of my career and I plan on doing that with trucking and for the past several months Ive been working in different areas in the industry to learn it better. I have to know what I'm selling right?!

Ok so Im helping a small fleet owner choose some trucks. I was asked to help because man I pick info up fast. Well and I'm just providing the main guy working on this with extra research. Ive researched a lot already, I know about emission problems and new technology causing problems in newer trucks. I know to stay away from "Lackforce" engines and so on. Here is where I am at

• Need 3 trucks that will run in California soon, 2 day cabbies, 1 sleeper
• Probably going to go with Cascadias with DD engines based on forum research
• Budget of up to 200,000 so as many trucks as possible but obviously they need to be good choices. Well 200,000 assuming he can get a loan that big!
• Cant do anything older than 2007 because that would have a 06 engine and CARB requires a freak filter in those.
• Reading that 2010s and 2011s could be a risky investment? Which year is more prone to big problems?
• Should we consider 2007 to 2009 trucks. Any advice?
• Should we try the 2010 and 2011s or are 2012s and 13s a much better bet?
• Should APUs definitely be run on any sleeper or is that just for some model years? Im not talking MPG, Im talking more about idling tied to new emission tech problems.

Now here's the real interesting part. Penske offered 3 2011 manuals with 350,000 or so miles for about $60,000 each shipped across the country. commercialtrucktrader says 2012s with similar miles go for $71-73,000 plus what 2k in shipping each right. I cant really find many 2013 day cabs...

Is the $15,000 jump because Penske is trying to move units or is this how much trucks normally depreciate?

I really appreciate the help guys. I apologize for all the questions but I am excited and want to do this right

 

Thank you, that was helpful. I looked up truckpaper recently and still not many 2013 day cabs. When do you think these will be on the market? Spring or summer?

 

Do you think the fleet maintained "run them to the ground" use and bad mechanic work also goes for day cabs? I would guess there would be less issues with day cabs since they normally arent run nearly as often as sleepers and of course, idled much less so requiring less mechanic hands? Thanks for the help

 

Wow, sorry to hear abut the troubles. You mind if I ask how much you paid for it? Also, Im guessing it is a sleeper. do you idle it or do you use an APU? And what truck are you getting my friend? That's the good part here right?