2000 KW W900 vs 2000 FREIGHTLINER FLD132 CLASSIC XL

Here’s an example of what I’d buy. Friend of mine recently bought one exactly like this one. Paid $90k. Unfortunately it has a piece of crap Fitzgerald built engine. Soon he’ll be replacing it with a $30k reman 12.7. Meanwhile his fingers are crossed. I could have warned him, had he asked. This one already has a reman engine. 900k miles doesn’t scare me a bit. It’s average for the age. It’s legit. The miles you’re seeing on the others aren’t legit. The WS had a new speedometer at overhaul. Probably has 2 mil or more on the Truck itself. That’s to be expected. I’d look real hard at that one. Inside out, and upside down. The others are bogus mileages. Expect at least 80k per year average on any Road Truck. Usually more like 100-125k per year. New Trucks have to run to make the payment. A 500k Mile 20+ yr old Truck doesn’t exist. This Coronado would be my choice if I were to upgrade from my Classic. It’s a bit higher priced for parts than mine. But it’s also a newer technology Truck. Built a bit better than the old ones. Still get all the benefits of good ride, available parts, and ease of repairs, having lots of room under the hood. Still somewhat simple, and overall everything is still newer than the 25 yr old Trucks. Just my opinion. Based on my own bias mainly. Also based on experiences with repair costs. The Coronado is a good bet. Parts will be readily available for years to come. Should you decide to keep it a long time. IMO the best of both worlds. A perfect compromise for a used purchase. The higher price will pay off in less repairs, decent mpg’s, and better resale in 4 years, while it still looks like a newer Truck. It’s basically the current equivalent of my 2000 Classic when I bought it 15 yrs ago.

 

IH 9400 is cramped for leg space. Better go sit in one, first.

 

Hot at idle 25-6 up is fine. Mine fresh rebuild is only 32.

 

I don’t know what to say about any of it. You’re definitely doing a great job researching Trucks. Buying an older Truck, means learning all you can as fast as possible. Relying on Shops will break the bank fast. I had a 92 WS. Great Truck. I loved it. Almost bought the new 1997+ style. They’re well built. Parts availability was the deal breaker. Supposed to improve after Freightliner bought them. Not from what I’ve seen. Freightliner can’t even get their own parts these days. Everything’s on backorder. Better chance finding things yourself online. Sitting 3 weeks waiting on parts is not an option. Sometimes 3 week wait just to get into a Dealers Shop. Again not an option. Truckstops will be even worse. Often breaking more than they repair. Doing hack jobs. Only the Truck specific parts are a problem. There’s just not as many WS as Freightliners. So, less parts and higher prices. Might want to read up a bit on the WS mechanics forum here. Maybe ask some questions. They do have some common problems with water/rain leaks. HVAC problems, delaminating sleeper panels, and what else?? I’d keep looking, and learning, lot of Trucks for sale. They all look great in the pictures. Don’t get anxious, always wait at least for a few days. The Truck for sale ain’t going nowhere. You don’t have to do anything. Having the cash you’re in control of everything. Offer less, and wait. Never know. Once you buy, your stuck with it for a while. Hone in on exactly what you want. Once you know, you won’t have any doubts, when you find the right Truck. Keep looking, prices are still falling. October through February seem to be the best prices. Personally I’d rather pay top dollar for a better kept used vehicle. Rarely is the lower price the best deal. You can probably get financing with a large down payment. Maybe not the best rate, but if repaid quickly, it’s not a big deal. Newer big ticket items like engine, trans, rears, tires, brakes, help keep costs down for a while. First figure out what Truck you want.

 

No Western Stars in the US? They're almost as common as KW and Peterbilt around here.

 

Hardly ever see them really. See the newer ones everyone in awhile , but the old ones are few and far between