what do you think abuot this truck VNL730

**REDD Express** · 07.29.2012

DONT WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY ON A VOLVO! I purchased an 07 VNL 780, D16, 13 sp in March. It has been a money pit ever since. It is by far the biggest piece of crap I've ever owned. I've been trucking for 28 yrs, have done very well (I'm a business man, not a "truck driver") and have owned everything under the sun. I'm embarrassed to say, buying this truck was not good business. I bought it thinking I'd be saving fuel, ie; keeping more money in my pocket. Grant it, it does get reasonable fuel economy (when it's running right, that's another story), but the massive repairs I've had to encounter keeps me from saving anything, I'm actually spending more money than on my last truck. The list is too long to list, nut I can't go a few days without something going wrong. Yes, trucks break, they all do, but I've never had one like this one. Constant leaks, coolant, a/c, power steering, air, plus constant electrical issues, ones Volvo can't even find. Plus, parts are 4-5 times more expensive than other trucks. One quick example, I currently need a surge tank, ( radiator overflow tank). Normal price for Freightliner, Pets, KW, $279. Volvo??? $1060. Plus the constant " oh, you have a Volvo, well........" As in they don't want to work on them. I can't tell you enough, stay away. By something that anyone can work on and actually wants to work on, especially if you're a first time owner operated. A Volvo will break you! They have a nice cabin, huge sleeper, table, bench seats, yes, lots of room, but that's abut it plus a VNL780 is the HEAVIEST truck on the market, heavier than a KW studio! Freight hauler companies can use them because they are for the most part light. Anyway, that's my take on Volvo. BTW, I have a really nice 2007 Volvo 780 for sale with super singles, and a Themo King tri PAC for sale!!!!!

**Sabine in Mo** · 07.29.2012

it has a teeny tiny sleeper. The closet is only a foot wide at best. Beds are narrow. No room to move. No way I would want to be in one of those for anything more than a day and back at home at night.

**Fullforce** · 07.29.2012

I won't be getting one with the Volvo engine and can do MOST repairs myself? Are any other trucks any better? I'm not paying twice as much forthe same truck

**Fullforce** · 07.30.2012

What about weight? Are these trucks considered heavy?

**bossboy2** · 07.30.2012

Originally Posted by Fullforce

I won't be getting one with the Volvo engine and can do MOST repairs myself? Are any other trucks any better? I'm not paying twice as much forthe same truck

Simply put, NO! I asked my mechanic which truck he would buy and his simple response was 'the one you like the best'. I then asked him if some break down more than others and his response was 'they ALL break down...period'. He said if it's durability you're after buy an older Mack, otherwise they are pretty much all the same.

**bossboy2** · 07.30.2012

Originally Posted by Fullforce

What about weight? Are these trucks considered heavy?

I have the VNL670 and she weighs 17,000 dry.

**nutcase** · 07.31.2012

D16's from that time period are known to be trouble.

Originally Posted by REDD Express

One quick example, I currently need a surge tank, ( radiator overflow tank). Normal price for Freightliner, Pets, KW, $279. Volvo??? $1060.

You are talking about the plastic tank on top of the radiator, right? I replaced the tank on mine(2007 780 w/D12) last year. List price was $164, after discount $114. Don't know why it would be different for a D16.

**Fullforce** · 08.01.2012

Thanks for all the information guys if I don't get this one I'm still pretty much set on the 630. The interior is nice and the turning radius is great. Other than that it's just a low price truck. Perfect for making money.... Hopefully.

And as far as the small sleeper.... I've only drove a freightliner with 48" flat top and im in a dodge dually right now. So a mid roof 61" will seem like a castle to me lol

**larry2903** · 08.12.2012

Fullforce, did you buy the 630? If you haven't, my only suggestion would be to get the engine serial # and check with Cummins also for warranty issues. Thats what I did before I bought my 2007 780 with the ISX. Has been a good ride.

**Fullforce** · 08.14.2012

not yet, still waiting on my "boss" to get the contract with a new shipper. Might have to hold out, but I will check the SN and check the history.
Thanks