My adventures at CRST Malone

Random question. But how much have you paid on your truck?

 

The truck I brought here is a used Schnieder Glider, 2012 Freightliner Columbua 58" mid roof with a Detroit series 60 12.7 that I bought with about 435k on it for $45k. I've been lucky with it so far, good oil samples, did an overhead, alignment, balancing, and new shocks and that's it for maintenance so far. Oh, and I put a new Dynasys APU on it. Can't take it to Cali but other than that, it runs great, gets decent mileage, anyone can work on it and parts are crazy cheap if something does go wrong. The best part is the low monthly payment and my own maintenance fund that I can use when and where I want. Either way I'm certain you'll be better off in your own truck

 

I have about 455k now so haven't put a ton of miles on it yet but enough to feel really comfortable with it. Schneider doesn't finance unless you work for them which I didn't. In fact, it's kind of a pain to deal with them because they just refer you the shop to look at the trucks and don't have anyone to assist you. It was lots of phone calls & emails and I visited 3 locations before I found one I really liked (couldn't be orange, haha) They did refer me to a few different lenders and one ended up working out, had to put $5k down.

It was def a pain being a first time buyer and dealing with all the associated paperwork but you seem to be a persistent and competent individual that knows how to follow through so you'll be fine. Again, lots of calls to coordinate the title for insurance and faxing/emailing paperwork. Dealers really do deserve that Doc fee after all, lol

 

http://m.schneidertrucks.com
Check out there inventory you only need to have your own financing to get a truck. I know you like going to California so a GLIDER (no emission control, no EGR, DPF, DEF) might be out the question but over all simplest to maintain. I would recommend a DPF 08 - 10 (Burner) truck but you will have to research the maintance and have a competent mechanic. Over all maintance is cheaper to troubleshoot than DEF 11-present (Urea) truck. Your on top of maintance so you'll be fine with whatever choice you choose. Good luck brother it's big decision to make.

 

@playamwj12 .. you can also check this website out to run checks on any equipment that you're looking at this is essentially a Carfax for trucks that gives the entire history, accidents & dot inspections and such...rigdig.com