Where to get a tractor Inspected before purchasing it?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by Last_over_hill, Sep 1, 2021.

  1. Last_over_hill

    Last_over_hill Light Load Member

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    I'm looking at a 2016 Freightliner Cascadia 273k miles and I'm having trouble finding someone to inspect it (shops in the area are at least one week out on any service). This is being sold through Arrow Truck Sales and the sales agent informed me that the TA inspected it within the past 2 weeks so it has a fresh DOT inspection on it. They have extended warranties that I'm normally not a fan of but I am considering just to prevent from having a critical failure which could cause me to go out of business. I have financing and should have at least $30k in the bank on my first day working under my own authority. What steps should I take prior to purchasing the tractor? I already have a dry van lined up to purchase and I'm currently just searching for a tractor.

    2016 Freightliner Cascadia For Sale – Used Semi Trucks @ Arrow Truck Sales
     
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  3. Last_over_hill

    Last_over_hill Light Load Member

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    Since posting this I received the DOT inspection report done by the TA. The only issue they listed was one active fault for "Fuel Water Separator Heater Element - Voltage Below Normal or Shorted to Low Source".
     
  4. Magoo1968

    Magoo1968 Road Train Member

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    273 k on a 2016 it either sat a lot or did short haul I’d check engine hours a high idle truck becomes a nightmare after 300 to 500 k very often.
     
  5. Magoo1968

    Magoo1968 Road Train Member

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    Btw those specs are a 55 to 60 mph truck 3.70 with lopro tires will spin that isx out of its economy band at higher speeds.
     
    Dave_in_AZ Thanks this.
  6. Last_over_hill

    Last_over_hill Light Load Member

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    It has a EPU so not sure if Idle would be much of a issue. it was used by Dollar General previously. I do agree though that the miles seem low for it's age but thought that would be better than a high mileage truck of the same age. Warranty is $10k for the top of the line coverage.
     
  7. GoneButNotForgotten

    GoneButNotForgotten Heavy Load Member

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    I would be hesitant until I could figure out the reason for such low mileage. Was it involved in a wreck, maybe an uncertified lemon that has spent half of its life in a shop, a stolen recovery, or many other things that are far more negative than being run short haul (by the way don't they have day cabs for doing those runs?). The maintenance records from Arrow or DG would go far in maybe giving you an explanation.
     
  8. Last_over_hill

    Last_over_hill Light Load Member

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    I emailed the salesman and hopefully he can give me some answers to this. Bare minimum I'd assume he should be able to give me the engine hours as that's normally displayed on the instrument cluster display.
     
    GoneButNotForgotten Thanks this.
  9. stuckinthemud

    stuckinthemud Medium Load Member

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    Have you tried rig dig

    View Samples | RigDig | Unleash the Truth on Trucks

    Ex boss used it on his purchase of a used tractor.
     
    Speed_Drums, Bean Jr. and Magoo1968 Thank this.
  10. Last_over_hill

    Last_over_hill Light Load Member

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    Just ran one and it came back clean. Only one carrier reported to have operated this truck ( Dollar General). It was involved in only one roadside inspection back in June of 2018. Other than that there's nothing listed on there.
     
  11. stuckinthemud

    stuckinthemud Medium Load Member

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    One the posters on this forum has offered suggestions on checking out used trucks @Ridgeline you might try searching for his old posts
     
    Bean Jr. Thanks this.
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