2000 KW W900 vs 2000 FREIGHTLINER FLD132 CLASSIC XL

Discussion in 'Heavy Duty Diesel Truck Mechanics Forum' started by Soon2BeOwnerOperator, May 27, 2023.

  1. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Maybe, my Condo seems top heavy. Midroof will definitely have less sway in high winds. About 13’ high. Easier to trim or sideswipe a tree branch. They only have the 2 solid mounts on front of cab. 2 rear air bag’s mounted in center. One sway bar. Similar to an axle torque rod. Really not a lot holding the cab to frame. I’ve seen a lot of Freightliner Cabs come off the frame in accidents. It’s a bit worrisome. I’ve considered some safety chains, Lol. When the sway bar bushings and cab bushing go bad, they can really move around a lot. They need to be kept up with. Along with air bags, shocks, and leveling valve needs to be adjusted exactly right, otherwise you’ll have problems with cab bottoming out, and clutch linkage. Newer Classics, maybe 03 through 10 have a much better cab air ride system. More room between Cab and frame. Easy to see the difference. Coronados have the same newer system. The front springs are also different on newer Classics and Coronados. Probably an improvement, parts are probably more expensive. Some have air ride front axles. I prefer the older simpler springs. They work just fine. Less problems. I think there’s 3 different front spring systems. Rear are all the same. Airliner, they need spring eye bushings about every 6-10 years. Otherwise it’s a good simple set up. Smooth riding. Has to be maintained, good shocks and ride height kept in adjustment. Simple adjustment on air ride valve. If neglected it’ll ride bad, like an old rattletrap. Really makes all the difference. I’d go for a mid roof for flatbed. They also look nicer to me. Not as common as the condo. The upper bunk makes a nice storage shelf. That’s about all it’s good for.
     
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  3. Soon2BeOwnerOperator

    Soon2BeOwnerOperator Light Load Member

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    Rideandrepair and D.Tibbitt Thank this.
  4. D.Tibbitt

    D.Tibbitt Road Train Member

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    i ran a 2016 386 pete for 4 years and i loved that truck.. alot of the parts are interchangeable with the 389's so that is another plus.. i am just under 6ft tall and could stand up all the way in my midroof..that price is a bit expensive for being a 386.. they usually only bring less than half that price.. i think dealerships like to jack the price up on anything that is a glider..maybe would still be better off with a older truck. essentially still getting the same thing just without the glider price tag..
     
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  5. Soon2BeOwnerOperator

    Soon2BeOwnerOperator Light Load Member

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    Yes does seem expensive. I just got a call the KW 2000 just got lowered to 71ish I told him at 65k I'd think about it and he said he'll ask owner. Pete is also on consignment. He said 65k was fine when I asked too. Then there is the Coronado for same price with new remanufactured detroit 60. Both the others are overhauled recently. Hmm. Coronado seems best deal being a 2014 and a working apu but I wish it was a midroof. I'm leaning to Coronado what you guys think? How about kw parts?
     
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  6. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    You talking about the orange one? I’d choose a Coronado over a Classic. Simply because the Classics are probably ragged out. There’s always going to be some minor aggravation. I love mine, and try to keep up on the small stuff. Right now my doors screwed up again. A/C controllers, fans, and switches, including the bunk harness that’s melted (again) . It’s a common problem. I can deal with it. But you’re better off having least amount of little bs problems. If you were familiar already, that’s different. Better get a newer Truck, learn as you go, and not be overwhelmed trying to fix things. Better mpg’s really adds up to savings to cover payments or repairs. 1 mpg = $800 or $1000 per mo. at current prices. Buying used is a compromise to begin with. Pick your poison as they say. Mpg’s vs. ease of repairs, vs. payments vs resale, recent repairs vs all original w/warranty. Keep in mind where you’ll most likely be in 3-4 years. Avoiding high repairs will definitely help. Even if it means paying a bit more upfront. You really need to physically look at, and drive each Truck. You’ll decide then. Can’t decide by pictures and Sellers comments. They all look good in pictures. No one can tell you what to buy. You need to compare and see what you like. That’s what matters most. Getting the Truck you want. Not the Truck you “should” get. KW has a good parts network. I buy parts from them. They all seem pretty good. Best ask on the KW forum. The Pete’s are good too. Nicest lookin aero truck IMO.
     
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