Extended warranty. Buy or not buy?

I would only do a warranty if its backed by the Manufacturer ie Cummins, Kenworth, Thermoking etc. Dont get any after market warranties. You will be ripped off and they dont back their policies.

 

What is the Dyno test?

 

How they perform dyno test?

 

A Dyno test is a performance test of an engine. There are special machines used to test the engine at various RPM to see if it is generating the power it should be generating. If the engine has issues, there is a strong chance a dyno will pick up odd performance.

 

Oh ok nice to know. How much would it be for test? Where can i have test performed?

 

So what should somebody do for protection when they are buying a use truck. Aftermarket warranties are not worth it.

 

I had a dyno done at the Freightliner dealer in Ringgold, GA. Call around to find shops that still have a dyno. They are getting more and more uncommon in general service shops. If a general service shop does not have one, they will almost certainly know a local engine service specialist that has a dyno - they need a dyno to really test engine rebuild.

I paid $250 for a dyno when I bought my truck.

 

All you can really do is spend the money up front to check any potential purchase over carefully. Oil samples, dyno run, thorough mechanical inspection etc.

 

The best thing for you to do is have a very thorough inspection done by a good mechanic who you know and/or trust. If the seller won't take it to the mechanic, bring the mechanic to the truck. Be generous with cash/beer/pizza, or whatever.

Another suggestion would be to take oil samples from engine, transmission, and both differentials. You, or your trusted mechanic should take the samples.

If the seller does not allow a good inspection or oil sampling, then walk away.

If the seller refuses to hold the truck for you with a refundable deposit while your samples are being processed, then don't do business with them.

Having a dyno done might be a bit of a challenge if there is not one close, but if the seller won't work with you for that, walk away. Expect to pay for fuel or a bobtail tow at the very least, and possibly a security deposit. Make sure the deposit is refundable.

All this crap is why I simply bought my truck from Crete. The truck I had been driving for 250k miles. It had been a solid truck for me. I still have had a lot of issues, but most of those issues were deferred maintenance, not outright failures.