Which truck should I buy??

I think that you either have to go newer or go older. I'm sure someone knows better than me but those years trucks I think they had a lot of emissions problems with them and if you have one emissions problem that can cost you a fortune.

I'm not trying to dissuade you at all but emission trucks of those years that have 500,000 to 1,000,000 miles on them are probably a walking time bomb between emission issues and needing a rebuild and then whatever else the truck itself needs or will need. I don't know how much you have for a maintenance fund but I could see trucks like that bankrupting you.

Stay away from automatic transmissions unless there's some real reason that you need one. One stupid wire somewhere can leave you on the side of the road and the cost of repairing them is ridiculous compared to a manual transmission.

If you're going to spend $20,000 you could probably spend a little more and just get a pre emissions truck that somebody took care of.

Whatever you buy make sure you buy something that you have all the receipts from the previous owners work so that you know it's not a rolling catastrophe needing everything.

Again, not dissuading you, but you really have to look hard to find a good truck. They are out there. And most importantly you have to start with something good.

Trucks are a lot like women. If you commit yourself to something that is cheap and easy to get into, with a lot of miles on it that nobody else wants, it might be fun for a short period of time but most certainly in the long run the problems will destroy you and bankrupt you.

There's no fun in that.

 

I tend to agree. Need to either go older or go newer. Those early emissions engines mostly sucked. Especially the max force.

What type of freight are you planning to haul? What’s your budget for a truck? No more then 15 or 16k?

 

9400 International or the Columbia 120

 

I'll take the 04 Detroit my 1st choice 2nd 07 Detroit (modifications will be applied) or 07 international. I would have to consider how the have been taken care of. I'm mechanically inclined so repairs wouldn't be an issue.

 

Since you are looking at older high mileage trucks I second other’s suggestions of going slightly older. 2003 was the year of transition to “emissions motors”. There are many “pre-emissions” trucks on Truckpaper.com that a good wrench turner could possibly get for a reasonable price and get decent service out of with some work. Another option is looking for a used glider. Most are sky high now, but occasionally you will find a Freightliner Glider for a reasonable price. The Peterbilt Gliders are usually outrageous in price. If the glider has a Fitzgerald’s built motor, (Series 60) be absolutely certain it has been rebuilt or be ready to rebuild it as many failed at the 200,000 mile point. After they are rebuilt they can be an excellent motor as Fitzgerald’s sometimes used mismatched, inferior parts in their build.

 

Here's the thing, your assuming that these breakdowns are on your time, they prolly won't be. It is one thing to fix a widget at the house when you want. However, completely different when it leaves you on the side of the road under a load and you can't just drive to the store for the part. Too much of that and you won't be able to get loads because of being undependable. Things cost alot more when they break on the road. If you are a good mechanic and you can do it, go pre emissions. However, pre emissions trucks are at a premium right now. Good luck and whichever you decide.

 

If the pro star has had the Fan clutch conversion done to it already, the one with 432k, miles, that’s your winner. If you happen to know an INTERNATIONAL Tech, make them your friend and trick then into working on it for you. Because of the amount of those Maxxforce engines that have been on the road, old parts are usually cheaper and easier to find.

 

Keep looking, just keep looking. When you know exactly what you want, and exactly what you are willing to have. Then it’s time to get serious about buying. Each serious candidate should be researched for known common problems. They all have them. If you’re a mechanic, you should be learning all about different emission systems, and failures. Your own knowledge will answer your question. I wouldn’t buy any of them. About the only Truck I’d buy, is a Used Coronado glider, any year with a pre emission 12.7 or 14L Detroit. Maybe an egr valve, but nothing more. It would have to have a fairly rust free frame, Un chopped electrical, and an interior that hasn’t been abused, or seriously neglected. Price would need to be very good. Under $45k. Preferably around 25k..or less. Reflecting major repairs, or lack of. The rest can be dealt with. Being a mechanic, you can weigh the options, and costs.