Easiest Engine To Work On?

Ok, I don’t seem to be getting forks to understand what I’m attempting to do.
If and when I buy a truck it will be for a relative Newbie, and will be a starter truck.
I want to get one that is road worthy and will give maybe a year or two of service without too many problems. The present intention is it will probably be used to haul flatbeds, so that is how I’m thinking about the specs. That might change. I AM NOT CONSIDERING RESALE. Burky seems to be one of the few who does not think of selling a truck before he buys it.
I don’t expect it to be completely trouble free, actually there has never been a machine that is.
I have talked to several company reps who will accept an older truck (within reason) that is in good shape. I think it will have to probably be a 1996, 1997 or newer.
A local mechanic has agreed to work on the truck in order to get it into good shape including engine, body, and interior. He will do the work and I will buy the parts. A local dealer will inspect it to make sure it meets all DOT requirements.
I don't believe a new driver should necessarily have to drive a crappy truck, but getting used to the eccentricities of an older truck may be beneficial to one learning the ropes.
I think that the drop out rate for new truckers probably exceeds sixty percent, so I think it should be at least one to two years before we start thinking about a new or newer rig. Don’t think there’s much sense in buying a truck that I might have to worry about resale after a few months use.
I was originally thinking Volvo as a 2000 or 2001 with a VED can be had for a relatively cheap price.
Now I’m thinking along the lines (hypothetically of course) of a ‘97 or ‘98 KW, Mack, Pete, or a 2000 or ‘01 Volvo or maybe even an International. It would have a 430 HP or more (?) Engine. At present my preference is Cummins with Detroit being second but I still haven’t completely ruled out a Volvo VED. I think Cat is a good engine but the parts appear to be more (even too) expensive. It would have to have a 220-240 inch wheelbase and a mid or flattop sleeper of at least sixty inches. A 10 or 13 speed transmission would be preferred, but a 9 speed may have to do as there are many advertised at low prices.
Then there is the headache rack, chains, binders, radio, TV, fridge, microwave (?) and whatnot to be considered. I also want to think about an inexpensive APU. .
The last items mentioned don’t necessarily have to be too cheap as they can be transferred to a newer truck.
Well enough about a starter truck, it seems it will be July or August before I’ll get this project started. Maybe I can get started sooner on the APU. I sure want to get it completed before next winter sets in. Let’s see what happens.
Thanks again for all the good advice.

 

Brickman; I looked at your truck and it looks pretty good.
In three or four months when I make the final decision to buy you may be hearing from me.
Although I'm a pretty easy going guy, I'm not so nice when I get ready to bargain. Guess that more than four years in the Far East and SE Asia as a civilian probably caused that.

 

One learns a lot by doing a little research.
I found a considerable amount of 2004's '5's & '6's for sale out there with 9 speed transmissions. Didn't look at the 07's.
They were mostly Peterbilts, Freightliners, and Volvos.
That probably is an indication that companies are still spec'ing fleet purchases with that transmission.
However one wonders why the price of older model 9 speeds is so much lower than say 10 or more speeds. Found four 1998 models with 9 and OD that were listed at 4K, or so under similar trucks with a straight 10.
I think that manufactures profits had something to do with their pushing certain products.
Oh well, live and learn. Must look around to insure one gets the most for their money.
Thanks again for your thoughts and incites. Appreciate any and all info.

 

Went back and took a look at the new 07's with 9 speeds advertised.
Found Freights, KW, & Petes listed.
Maybe the 9 speeds are coming back.