Mack trucks - good/bad?

@Trashtrucker1707

@Professor No-Name

 

2019 isn’t a real Mack just a rebadged volvo, but the bull dog is still smiling

 

I have a 2019, got it brand new, 413K on the odometer and just got it out of the shop after being there for 3 months. I’m sure this is an uncommon occurrence, but it happened none the less, something major as far as electrical faults. I fought alignment issues for the first 3 years, the hood rattles are enough to drive you insane, the interior is laid out very well, extremely roomy. The MP8 is a solid power plant, although I’m not a fan of the M Drive shifting characteristics, even at gross 80K, it loves to skip shift up until around 8th gear. I will say though, at 420K it might be an excellent truck, since having got mine back it’s like a brand new truck, I’ve just been unlucky to have to go through hell to get it there, maybe the previous owner has been through all this and you’ll get a solid truck.

 

@RedForeman

 

I've drove 2 2017 macks. Am now in a 2023 anthem. They just don't seem anywhere near as tough an reliable as when I drove mack trucks back in 2008 thru 2011. An those were trucks with 800k plus on them. So they had to be no newer than 2003 models. My anthem is laid out well inside, but wether or not it's dependable remains to be seen. It only has 125k on it. Macks ride really stiff, so don't be expecting a Cadillac feel cuz ya are not gonna get one.

 

All that being said, my last 2017 mack was 2nd in cool only to the Peterbilts I've driven before. An if I were gonna spend the money I would buy a peterbilt. JMO. I would probably have to drive it slow to get good fuel mileage.

 

I ran a brand new Mack Anthem several years ago yanking a tank, was not a fan of the mdrive downshifting… the Mack will ride like a log wagon compared to a Peterbilt. My dad has a 93 Pete 379 that rides like a Cadillac compared to the Anthem, and the steering is significantly better-tighter than the Mack. My own truck is a’89 Western Star 4964, but it still handles nicer than that Mack. Kenworth/ Peterbilt cost more, but there is a reason.

 

If you want a Volvo just buy a Volvo. A 19 cascadia, former Walmart truck for example is an excellent value and is the better option. For $40k can't really go wrong!!

 

Yea, I've noticed all 3 macks I've been in this year have really stiff steering. The 23 i am in now has air ride front suspension which is something completely new for me to grow used to as I've never had a truck with it before.