Which truck should I buy??

Ok, so here's a list of possible trucks I'm looking at. Most of these trucks have high mileage but there cheap so there's that. I'm thinking the freightliners with detroits should be decent. Some people say well there are too many miles you're going to have nothing but problems and others say well it's made it that long it's probably had all the bugs worked out by then lol. I'm also considering trucks of these sorts with lower mileage in the 400,000 range but their considerably more expensive 35 to 45k range. Anyways what do yall think?

2012 International Prostar

739,000 miles maxxforce engine 430 hp manual 10 speed $14,950



2007 Freightliner Columbia 120

365,000 (mileage uncertain) detroit 455 hp 10 speed $15,500



2012 Freightliner Cascadia

$16,500 854,000 miles 10 speed manual 450 hp detroit



2011 Mack

$16,900 981,000 miles 410 hp mack engine 13 speed



2011 Peterbilt

$18,950 386 957k miles cummins 455 hp 10 speed



2016 Volvo 670

$19,950 1,081,000 miles 455 hp volvo engine automatic trans



2007 International 9400

$11,200 926k miles 455hp cummins 10 speed



2012 International Prostar

$15,300 432k miles



2004 Freightliner Century 120

$9,950 1,572,000 miles Detroit 450hp 12 speed

 

I think that you either have to go newer or go older. I'm sure someone knows better than me but those years trucks I think they had a lot of emissions problems with them and if you have one emissions problem that can cost you a fortune.

I'm not trying to dissuade you at all but emission trucks of those years that have 500,000 to 1,000,000 miles on them are probably a walking time bomb between emission issues and needing a rebuild and then whatever else the truck itself needs or will need. I don't know how much you have for a maintenance fund but I could see trucks like that bankrupting you.

Stay away from automatic transmissions unless there's some real reason that you need one. One stupid wire somewhere can leave you on the side of the road and the cost of repairing them is ridiculous compared to a manual transmission.

If you're going to spend $20,000 you could probably spend a little more and just get a pre emissions truck that somebody took care of.

Whatever you buy make sure you buy something that you have all the receipts from the previous owners work so that you know it's not a rolling catastrophe needing everything.

Again, not dissuading you, but you really have to look hard to find a good truck. They are out there. And most importantly you have to start with something good.

Trucks are a lot like women. If you commit yourself to something that is cheap and easy to get into, with a lot of miles on it that nobody else wants, it might be fun for a short period of time but most certainly in the long run the problems will destroy you and bankrupt you.

There's no fun in that.

 

I'm a mechanic and can fix just about anything so going bankrupt over repairs wouldn't be a concern at least not bankrupt-wise. I will have a fully furnished toolbox on my truck at all times. I'm one of those kinds of dudes that will figure out a way.

With that being said I get your point and just because I can doesn't mean I want to. Obviously, I would like a truck that's not going to be a big headache but I would also like one that's not a big payment either lol. You can have one or the other but not both right . Kinda like finding a good truck, it's not hard as long as you have a big bank account. It only gets hard if you don't. Or how's that old saying go, the smarter you are the cheaper it will be or the dumber you are the more it's going to cost lol something like that. You get the point.

Anyways thanks for your input.

 

I tend to agree. Need to either go older or go newer. Those early emissions engines mostly sucked. Especially the max force.

What type of freight are you planning to haul? What’s your budget for a truck? No more then 15 or 16k?

 

9400 International or the Columbia 120

 

I'll take the 04 Detroit my 1st choice 2nd 07 Detroit (modifications will be applied) or 07 international. I would have to consider how the have been taken care of. I'm mechanically inclined so repairs wouldn't be an issue.

 

Since you are looking at older high mileage trucks I second other’s suggestions of going slightly older. 2003 was the year of transition to “emissions motors”. There are many “pre-emissions” trucks on Truckpaper.com that a good wrench turner could possibly get for a reasonable price and get decent service out of with some work. Another option is looking for a used glider. Most are sky high now, but occasionally you will find a Freightliner Glider for a reasonable price. The Peterbilt Gliders are usually outrageous in price. If the glider has a Fitzgerald’s built motor, (Series 60) be absolutely certain it has been rebuilt or be ready to rebuild it as many failed at the 200,000 mile point. After they are rebuilt they can be an excellent motor as Fitzgerald’s sometimes used mismatched, inferior parts in their build.

 

Here's the thing, your assuming that these breakdowns are on your time, they prolly won't be. It is one thing to fix a widget at the house when you want. However, completely different when it leaves you on the side of the road under a load and you can't just drive to the store for the part. Too much of that and you won't be able to get loads because of being undependable. Things cost alot more when they break on the road. If you are a good mechanic and you can do it, go pre emissions. However, pre emissions trucks are at a premium right now. Good luck and whichever you decide.

 

If the pro star has had the Fan clutch conversion done to it already, the one with 432k, miles, that’s your winner. If you happen to know an INTERNATIONAL Tech, make them your friend and trick then into working on it for you. Because of the amount of those Maxxforce engines that have been on the road, old parts are usually cheaper and easier to find.

 

Keep looking, just keep looking. When you know exactly what you want, and exactly what you are willing to have. Then it’s time to get serious about buying. Each serious candidate should be researched for known common problems. They all have them. If you’re a mechanic, you should be learning all about different emission systems, and failures. Your own knowledge will answer your question. I wouldn’t buy any of them. About the only Truck I’d buy, is a Used Coronado glider, any year with a pre emission 12.7 or 14L Detroit. Maybe an egr valve, but nothing more. It would have to have a fairly rust free frame, Un chopped electrical, and an interior that hasn’t been abused, or seriously neglected. Price would need to be very good. Under $45k. Preferably around 25k..or less. Reflecting major repairs, or lack of. The rest can be dealt with. Being a mechanic, you can weigh the options, and costs.