What is the best newer semi truck to work on yourself?

I’m no expert on Cats. There’s some very knowledgeable folks on here that can answer questions for you. They are more expensive to maintain and repair. The 3406e is most likely a 99 model engine. E-Log exempt. That seems to add value. How long that scenario will last is unknown. If the C-15 has the twin turbos ( I have no idea ) you might want to price those, maybe do some research on both engines. Take your time, look around, know your prices. When you’re ready, you’ll know. Don’t buy till you’re sure. Less surprises and regrets that way. They all have their pluses and minuses. Cats have great pulling power. They’re addictive. I believe in buying what you want. Simply because when the repair bills come up, you’re at least investing in a Truck you enjoy owning and driving. I would avoid the “practical” former Fleet Trucks. I see a lot of first time OO make that mistake. The logic is to do what the fleets do. They’re smart. Not really, they’re cheap. Those Trucks have often had a dozen different Drivers, many that learned to drive in them. Often been abused. Usually not maintained as claimed either. Just my opinion. Main thing is to get the proper equipment for the job. Shopping for a Truck is one of the most fun things IMO. It’s a wonder I’ve only owned 3 in 27 years. I love shopping for Trucks, have helped quite a few people find a good one. Don’t rush into it, get educated on each one your considering. Enjoy the process and good luck.

 

The 06 likely has an acert in it. They have a bit of a reputation though some claim they can be made reliable or have been reliable....as long as you dont get the MBN bridge motor. That thing by all accounts is hot garbage, IIRC the....bxs? Can be converted back to a single turbo fairly easily though good luck ever getting cat to work on it. The nxs and...mxs? Were supposed to at best alright i think but were still prone to issues.

If the 06 has a 6nz your going to get arguably one of the best engines cat ever made. The 3406E is just as good as the 6nz regardless of which you get though. Biggest diffrence is some seals and gaskets since the 3406 tended to start leaking oil at the....front of the block? I cant remimber exacrly where off the top of my head. The 6nz also had a handful of gear changes i think which helped the C15s last longer otherwise they are more or less clones.

The 3406E stopped being produced when i was still 10 and i grew up around 6nzs when i was old enough to really understand wtf was going on though so im a little foggy on the exact details and am trying to remimber conversations with a couple uncles at the time who were teaching me to spin a wrench on them so take that info with a grain of salt on the 3406s lol.

Regardless most 3406E models and virtually all 6NZs are million mile motors if cared for. They are going to cost around 20% more then a comparable motor of the era but are going to be vastly cheaper then a modern emissions engine in many cases (see compound modern turbos vs those on a 3406E or C15 for example)

Afterthought here: see @Rideandrepair point on fleet trucks. I did exactly what he said.....and well lets just say i have a 44 page thread of crap that blew up in my face over the last 3 years lol.....dont do it you will not be happy.

 

I would go with kw and 3406e...

 

...but that brick face will be killing your mpg

 

Might be hard to find the right Truck in only one month. One month is just long enough to learn the current market, prices, and maybe find a few decent Trucks. I suggest two or three months. Best not to jump into a Truck and then start learning all about it the hard way. It can be overwhelming.

 

One nice thing about an older truck other then Class is you can replace parts with newer stuff and always put a newer engine in it if need be or do whatever the heck you please with it. If you want to put a Cat in place of a Cummins or vice versa you are free to do so. The computer is only on the engine not the whole truck itself. With new emission's trucks you cannot do anything but drive them into the ground and bury them.