Buying a Truck

Yes, its a realistic way to buy a truck, IF you have no other option. If you choose this option you need to make sure you account for all of your $$$ going in and out while you are running the business, as that is a high monthly payment (for the current economic climate). If you are going to go with the lease, make sure you save for the balloon payment at the end, as well as the possibility of an in-frame or similar (cause of the high mileage), in addition to the normal savings (maint., taxes, etc.).

The good aspect is that if you do manage your money and do well. If you have budgeted properly, at the end of the lease you can keep making the truck payment to yourself and save it to buy a house, condo, etc. Property is an excellent tax deduction!

Take the truck to a mechanic and have them look it over as well as have it put on the dyno machine, the dyno machine can tell a lot, you may want to try and a get an oil sample for analysis. Make sure that the truck has good brakes and tires. Look for any funky wear patterns on the tires that could mean bad shocks, alignment, etc. These can be expensive "upkeep" items that can catch up quickly (I learned my lesson).

Also, I am a horrible mechanic

it doesn't matter if your a horrible mechanic and do you need to be a mechanic, but you need to be more than just a driver. You can get a lot of info on this forum and other forums as well. Dont be afraid to ask questions, however dumb you think they are! Dumb questions unanswered can be expensive.

BTW you need 50 posts to PM, start posting responses on the forums, even if they are an agreement or support post.

 

Are you a first time buyer? If so, Freightliner has a first time buyer program for you. Also, you can get a Freightliner Columbia w/ 300k-400K for less than 40K with warranty.

 

wait not the time go o/o rates are not to good.save our momey and buy off lot and save .

 

I would exhaust ever other lease to own or ownership option before buying a truck with 600k miles for 44k. By the time you pay this truck off it might be a disposal able truck. It will most likey need an inframe. I have considered many times in the past five years about buying a truck, but I would never consider a truck payment over $1400. At this point an Apu is a must with all the funky rules about idling-just find the best deal for you- not the trucking company.

On Truck Paper- I searched for a Freightliner Classic w/13spd- I found prices between 20k to 36k in the last 14 days. There was one that was 2003, 500hp (Det 60 series) for about the same miles for $19,900 from a dealer. Remember that fleets get these trucks at a huge discount.

http://www.selectrucks.com/

 

I would also suggest staying away from the 2009. Trucks from 2007 and newer have diesel particulate filters and extra plumbing for emissions reasons, and pretty much everyone who owns one of these newer trucks has nothing but trouble with these systems. Replacement parts and such are also extremely expensive, you cannot run low-sulfur diesel in these trucks, etc. etc.

 

In the market for a tractor. wondering (as a CA resident) if I should limit my search of trucks to those registered in CA? Is it difficult to re-register them in CA? What is happening with the emissions deal? someone told me that by 2012 all tractor trailers on the road will have to meet certain emission standards and that I'd be better off buying a new one. Is this true? I'm also wondering where I can find out the restrictions on trailer lengths and widths. Thanks in advance to anyone able to steer me in the right direction.

 

I've not registered in CA, so can't help you there. I'd consider getting in touch via email or phone with a dealer or two that can help you out. Regarding all of your questions however, the answers should be found at the CA DOT website.

Good luck!

 

basicly from what i understand on the CARB ####
02 or older....no-go after 12-31-12
03-06 - no-go after 12-31-13...unless DPF is installed...then good until 21-31-14
07 and newer good until they change thier mind.....probaly sometime next year

if you are a cali resident...yer gonna get screwed....either by the dealer, or the state

just buy the truck......or find ron....aka workingclasspatriot
he's very up to date on that stuff....living in socal and all

 

the new emissions don't come into play until Jan 1st 2014

Now if you are going into ports or military bases I believe a law is already in place that you have to have a truck with an 03+ Motor.

If you have a 03-06 motor with dpf your good until 2019
If you have a 07 motor your good until 2021
If you have a 08 motor your good until 2022
If you have a 09 motor your good until 2023
If you have a 2010 motor CARB says "Done"

Here is the link that explains all of this clearly

http://www.arb.ca.gov/msprog/onrdiesel/documents/TBSmallFleetsFS.pdf

 

Basically if you are just getting into trucking, don't bother if all you can afford is a 97 right now.