I want to buy a 2005 Columbia with 1.1 mil miles with rebuilt engine. Opinions.

Go to TRUCKPAPER and do a search to see what $21,000.00 will buy and it will give you a good idea if its the deal you want.

http://www.truckpaper.com/list/list...e=All&Cond=All&CTRY=usa&SO=2&btnSearch=Search

 

My opinion is go two years older and get you get an engine with no problematic emissions equipment.

 

I have an 05 Columbia with C15 ACCERT under the hood. No emissions.

Matter of fact its been mechanically flawless since I bought it. From 994k to just over 1.2 million mi today,.. never a single mechanical issue from the engine. Belts, hoses,.. sure. Fixed an oil leak from under the compressor. I'd by another in a hear beat.

I paid $20k for mine with no rebuild. Now with over 1.2 million,.. no problems at all. Been a great truck.

I got home last Tuesday and had the bottom end done. Crank and rod bearings. $2500. Old bearings were still fine. Probably could have went another 500k on them easily. Been a really good truck for me.

Fuel mileage,.. meh,.. I wish I could see 7+ mpg,.. but its a CAT,.. just not going to happen. 5.2 to 6.5 has been average lately. I can still make money.

Hurst

 

Offer him $17,000 for it. IMHO fair price with a rebuild for that year. Not great fuel mileage but cats are good. Find out if the turbo's were changed out to

 

I'd question why it needed a rebuild, transmission and engine wise. Thats lack of maintenance and or abused. Wont be long before the rest of the truck starts showing it.

 

Hurst,
I have an 03 KW t600 with a C15 under the hood. It had around 1.3 million on it and I just did an overhaul recently. I just couldn't get the fuel mileage past 5.6 no matter what I did. It would go as low as 5 as well. Before the overhaul I have to agree with you everything you stated in your post. These engines are amazing in my opinion. It lasted a LONG time, definitely got our moneys worth when we purchased new in 03. Up until the overhaul we had no mechanical issues with the engine. Belts, hoses needed replacing but that is typical.
It started burning oil pretty bad, and the coolant would disappear after 400-500 miles, among other things. Ended up doing an overhaul at a Cat facility. Definitely can hear the difference(in a good way). Sounds crisp. Fuel mileage seems to be doing a LOT better as well. But I'm waiting for the 20,000 mile mark to start judging the mileage. Happy with the overhaul. If you end up getting one in the future for your Columbia let me know, I'd love to hear how you made out.

 

make sure to see documentation of the rebuild and tranny, check numbers and things. If it isn't documented, it didn't happen.

It's pretty amazing how many used trucks are out there with rebuilds 200,000 or less but no paperwork.

 

My '05 Acert BXS series was an excellent motor I did have to replace the turbo's at 998,000 from a broken exhaust sleeve. But other than that performed flawlessly. New owner is tickled pink with it also, he has had it 1 year and 1 month and had to replace the alternator belt once, and he averages about 85,000 miles a year. Mine was also in a T-600.

 

you just reminded me

TMC is selling their 06/07 379s, always loved those trucks

but they all have the C15 acerts,, i know i MAY get 6mpg on a good day, mostly 4.5 to 5.5

that is too much of a loss from my 03 detroit 60 series columbia, i would be crying every week