There are plenty of deals to be had on truckpaper.com and Craigslist. When I finally made the plunge to become an independent owner/operator, I was all set with a dealer in phoenix to pick up a truck and trailer. Looking on Craigslist for an APU, I came across a 2000 peterbilt with a 99 Wabash 53'dry van for $30k. I thought 30k was high, but still went to look at it, if nothing else but for poops and giggles.
Truck was in fair condition, but definitely not a showroom truck. Trailer is a trailer, nothing special. I almost walked away from it, but stuck around to wait for the seller to see what kind of bargaining I could do. Turns out, there was so much recent work done, it was well worth the asking price:
New crate motor installed by Rush Peterbilt Las Vegas @300k (still has 200k warranty through peterbilt).
Transmission replaced with reman @ the same time along with clutch.
Front end entirely rebuilt 350k.
Both rear axles and drive shafts replaced with reman @400k.
Radiator, turbo, and air compressor all replaced within last 75k.
Alternator replaced when he decided to come off the road and parked the truck 2 weeks ago.
Batteries were dead when we tried to start it, but were under warranty and replaced with new batteries.
Basically, I'm driving a new truck without all the emissions crap. If you have time and patience, you'll come across something that just pops. Don't jump on the first thing. I've had trailer problems out the wazoo, but the truck is a dream.
Run away or get it?
Discussion in 'Freightliner Forum' started by Voltrucker, Feb 4, 2015.
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My old company ran those egr 14L Detroits - all of them averaged 5.5-5.7mpg pulling tandem vans. Run away.
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"................. 2007 was the first year they tried that whole DPF filter crap. The DPF and DEF systems have had some pretty nasty unintended consequences all across the board. I don't really know the complexities of the aforementioned consequences though..........."
2007 only has EGR, no DPF. The engine is OK, needs to be programmed to run better and you can get 6.5-7.0. The price is high, on this mileage maybe needs inframe. -
You never know, Voltrucker, that's part of the fun. That truck might run another 500K without a hiccup. Then again, chances are, probably not. $33,500 is a high price for an 8 year old truck with a million miles, but then again, an in-frame costs quite a bit as well. If the in-frame was done well, it should run that 500K miles. The thing is, and I know this personally, that the whole truck has a million miles. So what happens, the accessories get tired and need replacing. Pumps and hoses, turbo and hoses, clamps, wiring harnesses, it's amazing what can happen. So, if you think it might be a good way to spend $33,500, be just a thorough as you can. I would get a trailer hooked on the back, load it with something heavy, and drive it around for a few hours, up a few hills, check the entire rig running down the road. You never know what's real if you just bobtail around the block, or pull an empty for a few. My $.02. J
PS: My '08 Columbia with DD60 14L has 949,610 miles on the odometer. I've had some accessory issues, spent a few Jimbucks, but it's running strong and uses literally no measurable oil between PM services at 15,000. An in-frame at 600K or so doesn't seem right. Lots of those 60 series run near 2 million before anything bad happens. The well maintained, well driven ones, I guess. -
One more thing. Any used truck, or new for that matter, is going to have some question marks. Just make sure they're the ones that don't stop you from rolling.
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