Pre emission vs emission delete

This is a huge misconception to think that buying older truck, pre - emission or even ELD exempt is an easy route. For those, having a repair hangar on their backyard and set of tools and knowledge how to use them, maybe. For a novice, who listens to social media and shows like Kevin Rutherford's, who, for years, has been telling how good a start he would make, with less than 10K a truck purchase, it may sound very appealing, while in reality this way can be nothing but disappointment and money waste. In addition to that, there is a general part shortage, and one thing you can be sure about, any truck that is sold for less than 50K today, desperately needs a bunch of parts already. Someone who wants to turn an o/o from being a company driver or any other profession, without ever being exposed to the reality of maintenance and repairs and how much it costs and involves downtime, the only way is to buy a warrantied newer truck, the brand new would be the best. The question is, is that person financially capable and ready? The best time to buy a used and reliable truck is at the time when everybody is complaining about no money in this business.

 

15 emission truck and an 03 per emission is not good choices. The lesser of the 2 would be the pre emission because you can get it fixed anywhere and save money. The mack (volvo) your stuck to dealers. If you "modify" it, dealers are out.
The cat engines are generally thirstier and parts are more expensive, but they pull like a freight train and last.
Buyer beware.

 

I bought a 16 Freightliner with 500k for 35k.
Warranty from Freightliner put it 42k, but it’s more than paid itself off, new def filters/parksmart system($7000 right there)
Was from Tag Freightliner in Memphis TN

 

Pick your poison because any tractor no matter the year is going to suck up some cash.

Option 1 - brand new, warrantied $3,000+/- monthly payment

Option 2 - used 2008 and up emissions truck

Option 3 - 2002 or older, might as well go 1999 since we're talking 20 year old trucks

Of the 3 there's no way in hell I would ever go with option 2 the only real choices there are 1 and 3. If not for the ridiculous E-log mandate needlessly imposing big fleet nonsense on 1 truck operations I'd say option 1 is the way to go but the good ol days are long behind us. If you want to enjoy trucking go with option 3

 

I’ve said it before, if you’re going to walk on ice, you might as well dance,
You’re either going to make it, or get wet.

 

Imo at least get small 36in bunk. It's nice to kick off the boots and relax even if just for 30 minutes. We're strictly local too but I would hate to stuffed in a daycab all day.

I like my naps, take one almost everyday

 

Cheaper to get a 60 inch stand up than a 36 inch coffin sleeper. At least in the used market. Those small sleepers are sought after by a few people and they're willing to pay for them it seems.