Pre emission vs emission delete

I’ve been following these forums for some time now and figured I’d get the best advice from this page. I’ve been a company driver for 14 years and I’m about to make the jump to being an owner operator. I plan to lease the truck that I purchase on with a carrier for the first year before possibly starting my own authority. This will be a one man show, I will not be adding more trucks…just me.
I’m currently back and forth on the type of truck I’m looking for. I’ll be doing local/short haul work, no OTR for me. I’ll be buying a day cab in the 30-40k price range. Something that is universal in its abilities. Something that can pull a dry van as well as a step deck.
The question, and title of this thread. What’s better, buying a pre emission truck or buying a newer truck and getting a tune? I’ve been back and forth between an 03 Pete 379 with a C15 and a 2015 Mack CHU613 that I’ll have to get deleted. One you give up a little comfort but the engine is easier to work on and the other has newer features but more expensive to fix. I’ve heard pros and cons about both. Any thoughts or first hand experience is greatly appreciated.

 

Oops, didn’t know the rules in here. Sorry bout that

 

I looked at a few coffin sleepers and some 48”. You’re right, you never really know.

 

thanks for the feedback. It’s a good point that you brought up about the older trucks and things being at their breaking point when purchased. Either way, things will break and need to be replaced. My brother in law is a diesel mechanic so fortunately I have someone on the inside to service the truck when needed. I need to be able to hit the ground running. Can’t afford to buy a project and sink a ton of money into it just to get rolling. I guess buying newer for a first truck is the way to go