What to look for before I buy

1.4mil without a rebuild means that its pretty badly worn, the fact its been sitting 5 years is also a red flag as is the very low price. I would price out a full inframe rebuild and see if still intrested. Additionally i would have the transmission checked. The difs checked. Have ALL of the shocks and bushings checked. Have the turbo checked. do an oil sample, dyno and blowby check. Tires are likely dry rotted from sitting so check them. Check the brakes for thickness and the rotors to ensure they arent frozen from rust or soaked in oil. Do a FULL frame inspection, check the tierods as the bushings are likely bad same with the wishbones. Check to ensure all the wireing is in decent shape and not brittle and crumbleing.

The fuel is likely bad as well so dip the tanks and look for extensive rust or dabree. Also visually inspect and tap on the tanks to ensure their not rusted through and have no soft spots. Check the lines for any signs of extensive rot I.E fuel lines, air lines, coolant lines ect. Look for rodent damage and/or nests as those will need a professional clean. Check the U-joints and drive line to ensure they are functional and not worn or broken. Look for signs of recent paint and check for hidden damage. Do a rigdig and see if there are any huge red flags like wrecks. Take the vin to the police and insure nothing fishy is going on there such as leans against the title and the like. Check the exaust to ensure its mot full of water from sitting and there are no obvious leaks. And of course have at least TWO shops inspect it. 1 being a dealer one being an indy.

 

I have a 95 fld120 the truck itself is great.

I don't really care for the M11 that's the lower horsepower lower torque engine. Resale is always less with that engine. I think $8,000 for the truck with the small engine that's been sitting for 5 years is way too much money. And that 1.4 million miles without a rebuild that thing has been running on borrowed time. If that engine was never rebuilt it's going to have to be rebuilt in a short period of time plus all the externals need to be done like going over the oil cooler thermostats turbo injectors water pump starter alternator fan clutch accessory Drive... it wouldn't surprise me if you went around the block on that truck and you saw the front and/ or rear main leaking.

To me that truck is worth $2,500 or so. Unless the truck itself is absolutely beautiful I would more look at that as a parts truck actually. That's not a truck you're going to get in and drive, it is a Restoration project or maybe something you could use around the farm if you needed something to just start and pull a trailer a hundred feet down the road.

A minimal list of things for a truck that has sat 5 years...

Basically everything that is rubber or has a seal probably have to be replaced. So if you want to be Dependable I would say all new pinion seals transmission seal and wheel seals. Bearings need to be checked and adjusted. You will need all new shocks all new airbags cab shocks and cab air bags probably cab mounts radiator mounts and engine mounts. All new hoses and belts. All new brake Chambers. Probably all new slack adjusters. Change transmission and differential oil. Definitely new tires all the way around. New fuel lines. New Air Dryer.

And probably a whole bunch of stuff I'm not thinking of off the top of my head.

Look for something that's got a series 60 or a Cummins n14. Don't buy anything that's been sitting for any period of time.

The truck that you want to buy is the one that the guy is actually using and he hands you what looks like a thick book like an encyclopedia and that's all recent repairs he's done to it..

I would run from that truck, especially at that price. If you really look around sometimes you can find a decent truck for 10 to 15000 but even that never underestimate because you can easily put another 10 or 15 into it in the blink of an eye.

 

To dinos point here is an example https://www.commercialtrucktrader.com/listing/2006-FREIGHTLINER-CENTURY+120-5016541274 Its fleet maintained so it SHOULD have a decent history and is exactly what he is speaking of. It likely has a nice thick maintaince book. Is in reasonable shape. Has a good chance of recent repairs and a posible overhaul ect. Frames a bit rough but looks to be mostly on the surface.

 

Roll the dice, offer $6,500

 

Check the shifter boot for holes...

 

Forget it, unless you’re a Mechanic. I guarantee after trying to make a living, while repairing it, you’ll gladly pay $50k for a dependable Truck. Always good prices on Trucks with undesirable drivetrains. I had the same mentality. Almost bought an International with a L10. My Father talked sense into me. The right Truck, with new tires and brakes. Good fuel mileage, and a drivetrain that can hold up, and versatile enough for resale. You’ll be way ahead, even after a $1200 per mo. Pymt. The fuel mileage and maintenance savings alone, will make the payment. With the right Truck.

 

I’d rather not be negative. But no overhaul? 1.4 mil. On a 800k life engine? Been sitting? Every seal and rubber bushing, along with brake hoses. Probably some pitted bearings. Happened to me once after 4 mos sitting. Not to mention A/C, front end, including king pins. If it had a desirable engine, clean frame, and decent electrical system, I’d say go for it, if that’s the Truck you like. Everything can be replaced. But you’re looking at Thousands of dollars on top of asking price. $20k easy. Maybe $30 or more, depending on what breaksdown at what time and place.

 

Run, Forrest, run!! Freightliner was a great truck, this one sounds tired. Trucks are usually parked for a reason, 5 years, I'd stay clear.You'll be fixing it more than driving it, and even a noobie knows, that's not good for the bottom line. Personally, I'd spend more, and get a nice KWhopper that is still being used. Sitting is the kiss of death for anything.

 

Can confirm. I bought a truck few months ago, that was only driven 30k miles in 15 years and I had to do all the work that you have listed.
However it only had 600k miles with 12.7 Detroit and it was worth it to fix everything.
The truck from the OP's post I wouldn't bother getting even for $5k