VNL 670 or FL Columbia

I like the Volvo's engine and trans better but Freightliner scares me less in general.

Whichever one doesn't have the DPF cookie baker would be the winner. Or keep looking.

 

Volvo VNL670 hands down! I have driven both and own both trucks. I currently have a 2016 Volvo VNL670 D13 engine with I-shift. LOVE I-SHIFT when in heavy traffic and 8+ mpg. My last truck was a 2013 Volvo VNL670 with cummins engine a 10 speed trans. I also owned a 1994 Volvo with a Detroit 60 series engine. I have own a Freightliner FLD120, driven a couple freightliner cabovers, and driven a 2011 & 2012 Cascadia pulling a reefer trailer. Reason for taking the Volvo over the freightliner:

PROS
1. Better quality truck
2. Rides much smoother (Doesn't beat up body after 11hrs of driving)
3. Better turning radius.
4. Easier to change fuses if needed (fuse box on top of the dash board, easy to get to). Freightliner cascadia fuses are much harder to get to. You must take out the glove box to get to the fuses.
5. Sleeper is much quieter if you are pulling reefer loads.
6. If you maintain the truck properly you rarely have road side break downs. (Example: If drive OTR next you drive a major interstate, count how freightliner broke down roadside with the hood up vs a Volvo!)
7. A well maintained Volvos has a much higher resale value then freightliners! (used freightliners are dime a dozen, just check the truckpaper!)
8. The Volvo VNL780 has one of the biggest sleeper with motorhome features of any stock production truck.
9. Lighter truck compared to a freighter
10. A Lot less problems with DPF. (Never had a problem with DPF on the Volvos) I had a problem with both 2011 & 2012 Cascadia DPFs

Cons:
1. Parts are little more expensive
2. Not a lot of independent mechanics work on newer Volvos. unless they have a cummins engine. If it has a D13 or D15 your pretty much going to have to take it to a Volvo dealer.

Other then that Volvo trucks are very good trucks, and if you find a low miles, in good shape Volvo truck, you can easily get 1 million miles out of it with very little problems!

 

The 670 if it had a D13 engine. Cummins in a Volvo, not so much. Get the Columbia.

 

OTR's response is dead on. The part about the tighter turning radius has earned me some non-deserved praise because I could back into a tight spot or two.

Volvo's are a quieter truck. They are generally sealed better, so less leaks. They have an extremely well-designed dash that puts everything right where a driver wants them. The ride is wonderful. It truly is a driver's truck.

That being said, even though I own one, I am not sure if I'd recommend it to a fellow start-up. The part about parts and service are understated. Parts are very expensive for the Volvo. Most of the work can only be done at dealers, at least for me since I have a Volvo engine. Comparatively speaking, my truck with the Volvo engine has been a lot more reliable than my buddy's ISX. That thing is constantly down.

I love my Volvo, I really do. The Ishift is the best automatic out there. But for honest advice to a start-up, I think I'd recommend the FL. Parts are cheaper and it can be worked on anywhere. I also think the FL has a bit more storage space inside. Not sure though. Running a business means putting the emotions aside for the practical side sometimes. I'm sure I'd be a lot further ahead had I gone with a FL like I originally set out to do. Repairs have put me in a position of circling the drain. I wouldn't wish that on you. Good luck!

 

I drive a Columbia. And while its not my first choice of truck to own. It was the right truck at the right time for the right price. I have a CAT C15 in mine.

That said,.. given the options you have listed. The 14L Detroit scares me. I personally know 2 people who own one,.. and everyone I have ever talked to that owns one, never have anything nice to say about it. That and I despise a 10 sp,.. particularly when heavy and in hilly county. A guy who parks his truck where I keep mine at has an 07 Columbia with the 14L Detroit and he is always complaining about fuel mileage and has already had an inframe done and his motor smokes already.

The Columbia itself is a pretty tough truck,.. well once you get the cheap interior sorted out. The suspension, meat and potatoes of the truck are pretty simple and strong. Never driven a Volvo so I can not compare it directly to my Columbia. But compared to Pete and KW,.. Columbia turns on a dime.

The Cummins with 13spd would be my choice. Not 100% sure on this,.. but if memory serves correct,.. Cummins ISX did not have DPF in 2008. So win/win there. Someone correct me if I am wrong about that.

Volvo are supposed to be the Cadillac of trucks. I personally dont like how they look. But thats just a personal thing. I always see older Volvos with their hoods coming apart,.. side fairings flapping in the wind. I never liked any of that extra junk.

Hurst

 

I would buy a 2000-2003 Volvo for 15-20k and spend 15k to tune it up. Buy old pre egr or buy new, everything in between will eat money like crazy

 

Every time I see a Volvo hood all I can think of is a no smoking sign. They have the no driving slash n the hood...lol

 

Who ever compared them to Cadillac? I have had the misfortune to drive 4 Volvos for extended periods of time. The lack of common sense in the design is appalling! One example; between the bunk and the cabinet is a gap of about 3/4". Large enough for things like glasses and phones to get in, but too small for a hand to reach in and pull it out!
They have hydraulic clutch, so there is no free play to interrupt the cruise control, and to know if the clutch is adjusted correctly.
If you are not tall, it is hard to get the seat adjusted correctly.
The countless electrical problems that plague every Volvo.
The fact they use connectors on airlines that leak. Older Volvos hold air for about 1 hour.
A Columbia is nothing to get excited about, but they are what they are, just a tool to make money.

 

I've driven both and prefer the volvo.Pros of volvo - comfortable ride,quite, good turning radius, good outward view.isx 400 hp with a 13 spd good pulling power. Freighshaker - noisy cab, everything rattles in cab too much plastic, factory seats are a joke,water leaks from windshield and cab .There is a saying about freightliner leaks come standard. C 15 cat with a 13 spd pulls hills better than isx or Detroit diesel from my experience. If u go freightliner change the seat with an after market makes a huge difference in driver comfort. I personally hate the Detroit diesel, noisy and can't pull hills,lots of downshifting, seems that they like to leak oil.lots of stupid little things with that motor.