Paying cash for an older semi tractor vs. financing a new one

People focus on the engine cause it can cost more than everything else combined.

Axles and wheel bearings will last longer than you and i will combined asuming they were never ran out of oil or ran loose.

Now the center section of the rears will wear out. But they are not that expensive relative to major engine work.

 

I would not hesitate to buy a truck that has 1.3 million miles on it, under certain conditions.

If you found a truck at an auction or you found a truck at a dealer that had no maintenance records whatsoever, most likely I would say no.

But if you purchased a truck with 1.3 million miles on it and you can see all of the service records that the owner did, you can see how he cared for the truck. You can see what the recent repairs are you can see what the not so recent repairs are you can see how he did his maintenance and that's what you're looking for.

1.3 million miles with a new engine reman transmission maybe the rears have been gone over all of the suspension has been taken care of and the little things that needed to be done like door latches and weatherstripping, whatever you can tell when you look at a truck also how well it's been taken care of.

But when you hear the guy that says oh yeah it was rebuilt 50,000 miles ago but I don't have any paperwork, run from that guy.

Any shop that did a rebuild for somebody, even if it was five or six years ago, all it takes is one phone call to them and they can produce that paperwork.

 

It was 244. For sure.

 

Your research should include the last series 60 14L. More torque than a12.7. Upgraded bull gear design. And I believed ddec5 electronics.Flatbeds, so many options, I’ve learned it’s worth it to get a good Trailer. Something versatile, might pay off more than a cheap standard flatbed. Depending on your plans,other Flatbedders can steer You right.

 

Ddec V will be an egr. I'll take a ddec iv with the old bull gear and no egr over that every day of the week and twice on Sunday

 

I think 14 L was 02 thru 10 , 12.7 thru 07. Mostly in Freightliners since 2000, somewhere around then and after Freightliner only

 

The 11.1 up until 97? It was a real fuel miser. I think max hp was 365

 

What are you talking about? You can still to this day get a detroit engine in everything EXCEPT paccar.