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

Auction is like a blind date..but more costly .

 

2500 as in2,500.00. To in frame? I say no way. Mayby you mean 25,000 and thats a little high. Like i have said before my cat c-15 was a little over 16,000 to inframe. Not any more $$ that any of the other engines. Tha

 

I thought so, been that way since 2000-2002. Getting anything other than a Detroit in a Freightshaker, took effort, had to be ordered and built, If You wanted a Detroit had to be in a Freightliner. I think Cummins is the only engine available in any Trucks now, all the others Msnufacturer specific. I see Detroit now has their own Trans and axles. Together with Freightliner, One package, built as a matched unit, with technology specific support.

 

A Dealer goes to Auction, buys 10 Trucks, goes through them. Maybe one bad trans, one expensive engine repair. Brings them up to par, and averages out the cost. Sells at a profit. If an individual happens to buy the one with a bad engine. Major costs. Loses money. Deals can be had, many have history records. But it’s a gamble, like any used purchase. An educated guess at best. Sometimes buying from a Dealer, you have some recourse. Only due to Dealers desire to keep their reputation clean. Or from pressure, from the bank. If Dealer has made a kickback on the financing. They have an interest in keeping loan current.

 

Well obviously you don't let any tom dick and Harry work on your engine. But a lot more small shops are more competent than the dealers.

If i remember right an inframe on a ddec i to iv is 25 book hours. That breaks down to 100 an hour if they charge 2500 for labor. Last time i bought a kit it was right at 2 grand but I'm sure prices have gone up a little bit.

 

That's sage advice and I respect your view. In fact, knowing enough about engines to be dangerous, and realizing there is a lot to a semi tractor, I know its a huge gamble. Well, I only bid 4k on that truck and lost anyway. I wasn't going to increase my bid beyond $4400, plus there is a $1500.00 buyer premium. It ain't happenin!

I suspect I'll find a local truck. I have no reason to be in a hurry, anyway. Deals always come along, but are not always easily identified. It's one big risk.

 

I saw $4100 somewhere on line.

 

I've always been a little leery of dealers, but they do buy in multiples. You make sense. I just wonder how that applies to 20k trucks, which are more beat.

 

Sometimes Dealers have Good deals. Sometimes Individuals want way too much for their junk. Sure you may pay a premium, but usually a Draler doesn’t want the junk, that goes to auction. Same Dealer May buy newer Trucks at the same auction. Trucks that qualify for financing. Once a Vehicle is too old to be financed, it loses value. Good cars for less than $3000 are always in demand. Because most people that can’t get financing can come up with that much, maybe from a tax refund or ? Same with Trucks,at least before the emissions and elog exemptions. I’ve seen many a former Show Truck, for very low prices, simply because it’s old. The modern day example would be an 05 Classic for less than a 99.Aside from the emissions, the 05 is a much better Truck, condition wise. 14 L is a good engine. More torque and HP. Longer stroke, different crank.It might be best to get a egr 14L. Price wise. 12.7 are good, I’ve been running them for 19 yrs. That’s 2 different engines. IMO they’re reputation has outpaced reality. Years ago, 425 Cat was #1, many claimed it was the best, and considered Detroit’s a throw away engine. Again reputation, perception whatever you call it. Exaggerated. N-14 turned out to be a great dependable engine. Only problem I have with Cummins is injectors. They’ve been claiming to have that problem solved for 25 yrs. Still a problem, I imagine.

 

Aftermarket, made in USA, $2400, Aftermarket re man head $1700. Injectors, Detroit$. 2100, Turbo, $700, waterpump, $350. Oil pump? Labor? Depends on how much of an “ overhaul “ you get. I paid $23,000 at Freightliner 12 yrs ago, included bull gear and a few extras. Top of the line 3 yr warranty, Current Truck Had a basic $. 13,000. Done by a small Shop, No extras. Has lasted a long time. You could get by for $12,000 or go $30,000. With upgrades and warranties. But I’ve seen a few so called OH gone bad. Done by amateurs, causing nightmares for the OP. I love a great deal, but sometimes if it’s too good to be true.....