Advice; Should I replace my high mileage, paid off truck?

Discussion in 'Trucks [ Eighteen Wheelers ]' started by ErieMcDreary, Feb 10, 2022.

  1. ErieMcDreary

    ErieMcDreary Medium Load Member

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    Looking for opinions. Planning to retire in 2 years.
    Currently have a paid off 2016 Volvo with 725k on it, in shop waiting (2 weeks now) for front chassis wiring harness, which had caused ABS/TCS lights. Also needed 7th injector. Bill has not been done yet, but initially was looking at $5k, I'm guessing over $7k now. I've already done a clutch, all injectors/cups, SCR DEF, steering box and pump, among other things.
    Rather than putting who knows how much into an old truck that won't be worth much at 900k, plus the cost of lost pay, I'm debating replacing it, with consideration of a resale payback. Basically, payments or repairs.
    Trucks I've been looking at are priced from $50k to $70k, trying to stay under 400k mileage. I've found an IH with a Cummins ISX in Canada, and a Pete with Paccar MX13 in U.S. each with about 200k, $15k difference between them. Haven't checked how much importing will cost, company trucks are similar Petes. I would be going from a 2016 to a 2015 or 2014. Company requirement, less than 8 years old, emissions working. I would buy a pre-emissions truck TODAY if I could use it.
    Would really love a big hood, but not at those prices!
    I know Petes have wiring issues, don't know much about IH, but researched ISX, found their cam, and oil leak problems.
    Have both Volvo/Mack dealer and IH dealer nearby.
    Just put new drives on mine, would swap them to whatever I buy.
    I could probably pay the IH off in a year, would take most of 2 years for the Pete, assuming no major repairs on either.
    So, what do you all think?
    Thank you.
     
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  3. Inderjit

    Inderjit Heavy Load Member

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    I have no experience with Paccar engines. I have worked on both Pete and International.
    From what I have seen the ISX is probably one of the better engines to own off warranty.
    What model of International? Can you give the the last eight of the VIN?
    The Internationals I work on are mostly 4000/7000 series and Pro-Stars. They have a few
    electrical issues, but all trucks do.
     
  4. ErieMcDreary

    ErieMcDreary Medium Load Member

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    2015 Prostar 450hp ISX 13spd, 3:70's. No vin# yet.
     
  5. ErieMcDreary

    ErieMcDreary Medium Load Member

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  6. Dadetrucking305

    Dadetrucking305 Heavy Load Member

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    It’s a roll of a dice with a used truck.It can turn out to be the best truck or the worst.A new one can be a nightmare as well if it’s one with constant issues and all the down time at stealerships.As far as the one you have now if the problems are few here and there you’re better off staying with that one especially after putting the money into it IMO.
     
  7. ErieMcDreary

    ErieMcDreary Medium Load Member

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    Well, that's the issue. As long as nothing major goes down, I can probably continue to repair, lost work may be a bigger problem.
    Heck, if it lasts a year and a half I'll just retire sooner/
     
  8. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    My personal suggestion. Put aside the money you'd be paying for a new truck. Let it build. While you have your older truck still running. With what you're replacing. You could possibly go that 2 years with no issues. But if you do. You'll have that nest egg to either make the repair or if not worth it. To get that newer truck.
     
  9. olddog_newtricks

    olddog_newtricks Medium Load Member

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    The prices on trucks right now is just too crazy. Asking 100k for a used truck .... no way. I recommend you fix the one you have. Especially if you plan to retire soon.
     
  10. ErieMcDreary

    ErieMcDreary Medium Load Member

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    My truck isn't old, it's high mileage. I won't buy a new truck, used, about the same age, just lower mileage. I have a pretty decent bank account now, I wouldn't have to borrow much on a $60k truck, maybe $15-20k or so, (I can get that out of my home equity, house paid for too) depending on what I can get for mine.
    Yeah, prices are insane, a truck I could have gotten for $40k a year ago, is now $60k plus, but of course that makes my truck worth more as a trade or sale.
    I know it's a gamble either way, my original plan was to run this truck to retirement and sell it for whatever it brings, and keep my nice bank account, I just don't want to have to put that $15-20k into it in repairs.
    I'm leaning towards keeping it and hoping it doesn't cost me too much in the next couple years. If it breaks down and will cost too much to repair, I can just scrap it and work for someone else for another year or so and then retire.
    But that's why I asked, I wanted other opinions.
    Thank you.
     
  11. Wasted Thyme

    Wasted Thyme Road Train Member

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    Another thought. Have a good mechanic that you trust. Give it a good looking over. See what he thinks about it's "health" and what he thinks will be your upcoming issues. That should give you a good money cost comparison.
     
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