Depreciation of the aerodynamic trucks?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by AriGab, Feb 14, 2024.

  1. AriGab

    AriGab Light Load Member

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    OK everyone I have 2 questions. I couldn't find a thread about it. So I am looking at buying my own truck. Why is it that the aerodynamic trucks 1) only come pretty much with 450 hp engines? 2) why do they depreciate so fast? You can buy an aerodynamic truck 3 - 4 years old for 30k to 40k with 400k miles. You can't do that with a 389. Is it worth it to buy the aerodynamic truck for cheap money?
     
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  3. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Some trucks still are worth buying new, like the Pete or KW. They have a better resale so don't depreciate as fast. The 3-4 year old trucks with 400K you mention, are generally the "lesser" makes, possibly fleet owned, and at 400K are already pretty tired. Personally, I think all the aerodynamic baloney hasn't done much for fuel mileage, maybe a little, but trucks don't seem to get any better mileage than my old WS, which I could get 6 easy with an old BC. Be glad 450hp is the norm today, I'd want nothing less than 500, and remember the ironclad rule grandpa told you, you get what you pay for.
     
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  4. Last Call

    Last Call Road Train Member

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    Simple like every thing else you pay for what you get
    Class comes with a price
    You want to buy a plastic curb sniffer than 30 -40 will buy ya one
     
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  5. AriGab

    AriGab Light Load Member

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    I just looked at a brand new Peterbilt 579 gorgeous truck for $180k 500hp. You can't even get close to that with a brand new 389. Granted you can get a 605hp 2050tq in the 389. How come you can't put one in a 579?
     
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  6. Accidental Trucker

    Accidental Trucker Road Train Member

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    The $40K trucks are base model fleet trucks. The trucks with more HP, inverters, APU’s, fridges, etc cost more. Very few of the “classic” trucks are base models, which explains some of the difference.
     
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  7. abyliks

    abyliks Road Train Member

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    Because used fleet trucks have been rode hard and up up wet, greased once a year whether they need it or not and one oil change in their life
     
  8. AriGab

    AriGab Light Load Member

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    I would have thought fleet trucks were meticulously maintained??
     
  9. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    how could they be when out on the road for months on end? where as many good owner operator owned trucks get greased weekly
     
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  10. OLDSKOOLERnWV

    OLDSKOOLERnWV Captain Redbeard

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    I use to work for a company as a driver and operator… IUOE local 132. We were an outside contractor for CSX railway.

    A new Ford F-150 bought in 96 got its first oil change when the gauge began to fluctuate. The parts replacer in the shop said the oil drained out like heavy syrup.

    Not all companies stay on top of maintenance, many do but not all, so unless there’s proof you really don’t know for sure…..
     
  11. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    You can order a truck any way you want it. You don’t have to buy a new truck that’s already on the lot. If you want a 579 with 500hp just order one. That’s what I did.
     
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