Opinions on Freightliner Columbia vs Volvo 770

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by BASARAB, Feb 4, 2015.

Columbia or 770?

Poll closed Feb 6, 2015.
  1. *

    Freightliner Columbia

    6 vote(s)
    42.9%
  2. *

    Volvo 770

    9 vote(s)
    64.3%
  1. BASARAB

    BASARAB Light Load Member

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    Sep 4, 2014
    Warren, mi
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    Getting ready to purchase a truck. After reading this forum a lot I have decided to go with pre egr truck. Here is the choice: 2002 Columbia with 12.7 series 60 375 hp and 13 speed or 2000 VNL 770 with Cummins n14 465hp and 13 speed as well. Both trucks have around 1 million miles with no overhaul done, just parts have been replaced as they go. Both trucks have APU's and are well taken care off.
    I know 770 will have more comfort, but Columbia should be cheaper to maintain. Are Columbias really that uncomfortable as people say, or is it not too bad? So my question is what truck would you choose? I hope not do a complete overhaul and if this truck lasts me 2 years without me adding major money to it, I would be happy
     
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  3. JAYRODPA

    JAYRODPA Light Load Member

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    Apr 10, 2009
    Dingmans Ferry pa
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    If I had to make a choice I would go with the Volvo for the comfort and the n14 is a good motor. I wouldn't be happy with the Columbia simple because of the S60 375. Detroit makes a good motor but the 375 lacks power.
     
  4. Dale thompson

    Dale thompson Road Train Member

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    commerce twp,mi
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    since both units have passed the million mark do not kid yourself about one needing less maintenance then the other and an old APU can start to get a little needy also. I'm not trying to be a wet blanket just want your eyes wide open if your gonna buy an older truck you should be kinda good with a tool box
     
  5. BASARAB

    BASARAB Light Load Member

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    Sep 4, 2014
    Warren, mi
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    Yeah, I am prepared to dump in the tuck another 5-10k right after buying and I can do myself the easy stuff (have some experience with buying salvage cars and putting them back on the road). I just really feel like I should buy older truck or 2012+, the stuff in between those years will suck just as much money as old pre egr truck. And since its going to be a new authority, I am not up to having a payment for 100k truck lol
     
  6. BASARAB

    BASARAB Light Load Member

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    Sep 4, 2014
    Warren, mi
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    And as I understand with that mileage its probably not a good idea of even thinking about raising HP?
     
  7. icsheeple

    icsheeple Trailing the Herd

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    Nov 1, 2013
    Kansas City, KS
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    I was in the same boat recently. Here's what I came up with:

    Volvo
    Great turning radius. Removable stops to turn even tighter.
    Great driver comfort if the interior and seals are all still in good condition.
    Very heavy. You won't be able to haul heavy loads with full fuel.

    Freightliner
    Get parts and repairs mostly everywhere.
    Better fuel economy with the Detroit. And cheaper to rebuild.
    Interior quality was crap from the factory. Loud too, because of poor sound dampening and interior parts rubbing against each other and falling apart.
    Light and easy to haul heavy.

    I'd go with the Freightliner.
     
    BASARAB and double yellow Thank this.
  8. mp4694330

    mp4694330 Road Train Member

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    Chicagoland
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  9. BASARAB

    BASARAB Light Load Member

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    Warren, mi
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    yup, already did. Freightliner ran under Swift its whole life and Volvo under Atlas Van Lines. So Volvo should have had easier life, but that Freight is in really good shape, it literally looks like the truck is 3 years old inside and out
     
  10. Dale thompson

    Dale thompson Road Train Member

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    commerce twp,mi
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    you seem like a man with a plan since I have no experience with those brands I can't vote in the poll but when you decide and get it home my advice is pull front wheel bearings for a close look then do the rears also for 2 reasons piece of mind and resetting preload then new front springs and shocks will restore that new truck ride.
     
    BASARAB Thanks this.
  11. BASARAB

    BASARAB Light Load Member

    201
    89
    Sep 4, 2014
    Warren, mi
    0
    thanks, will do
     
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