Which truck

If you go Volvo (which I recommend) I wouldn't go older than 2014 and no newer than about 2017 but that shouldn't be a problem with your budget. If you can get something in the 500k range you'll still have 250k of warranty left on an iShift automatic.

I strongly recommend finding a truck with an APU since it will mean less idle hours most likely and less likely to have injector issues.

However, you can't go wrong with a well taken care of Cascadia if you can find one. It will be cheaper probably and it won't be as hard to find maintenance for.

I don't think I could ever go back to any other truck after getting used to the Taj Ma Volvo that is my 780 interior though. It's like an apartment.

 

Bought or fleece purchased?

 

I'll sell you my '12 Cascadia for $25K. Exceptionally maintained. 735K miles. All receipts. It's active on Landstar's fleet.

 

I personally would not want anything with the small tank with a blue cap. I know its gonna be difficult to work in some areas and eventually we will all have them. But i will hold out to the bitter end. I would drive company truck to get the "feel" for your new career, save your hard earned money for a leap of faith later. Jmo. Good luck. Oh and your sure your friends are truthful?

 

This is probably one of the better deals on a truck because afaik, Dave is meticulous on his maintenance.

 

I'm partial to Volvo/Mack, the downside is much of the parts are proprietary, and you will pay a premium, but, at the same time, you can take a Volvo to a Mack dealer and vice versa without batting an eye. I also find Volvo/Mack to ride better and quieter than a Freightliner, those '04 Columbia's we had, good god were they noisy, coworker put 750k on his, he was always angry, then they bought him that '12 Pinnacle Mack, within 3 months his attitude changed, he wasn't as angry, wasn't as mean, so much quieter, much more peaceful. But, I'd also buy one with a warranty on it, read the fine print of the warranty.

 

You ain't gonna get a 30 thousand dollar truck with a warranty.