New truck-specialized application

it almost comes down to what type of truck you like--check the quality of workmanship on the build--and what kind of interior you would like--
in my opinion--thecolumbia and volvo are too plasticky inside--compared to pete and kw---and resale will be higher as well on the pete and kw
if it was my choice--i would seriously look at the kw 660---very nice truck
and i really dont think the prices for those 2009's are that great either

 

The Peterbilt/Kenworth 'upcharge' as you put it is pretty much an urban legend... unless you want to buy a bare bones fleet truck many times a Pete or KW will be the same price and perhaps cheaper... especially when it comes to a Volvo. I've seen Volvo's and Freightliner Coronado's list for many thousands more than a Peterbilt.

Those prices you quote are for two year old leftover tractors... you MAY be able to find a new PACCAR product still on the lots but they aren't as readily available I wouldn't think.

Why not find a low mileage used truck? There are literally thousands of them out there since the industry has had a lot of repos in the last two years... you could save $20-30,000 and still have a warranty.

I'd buy a glider kit built to my specs... brand new truck with a pre-emission engine. The best of both worlds.

Here's a few 2009 386's... maybe you'd prefer a 387 or a 389... remember it's a buyers market so you can ALMOST name your price... I'd say at least $10K off of any new truck price. But don't forget the Federal Excise Tax is 12%...

http://www.truckpaper.com/list/list...=contains&bcatid=27&Pref=0&Thumbs=1&scf=false

 

T660 comes in an EXTENDED daycab

http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CBcQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kenworth.com%2Fnewspics%2FT660%2520BLM.pdf&ei=1x-ZTLTTKoT68AbFtMEy&usg=AFQjCNF8IcuwF4-yNg4PbgbxNSFqEGQo8A

 

Good used Pete KW or INT day cab with OO specs
I don't think there to many here that think alot of Volvos due to small service net.
I think you are doing this corectly.

 

I know a lot of Volvo's that are plagued with electrical problems, Volvo's don't even make the list on my next truck.

 

I own a KW and a Volvo. Its no wonder the Volvo has such a reputation with wiring trouble. They deserve it!! They use the smallest wire they can find. I had to fix the wiring on the mirror heat the other day I could not believe how small the wiring was for that.
Flashpoint I would look long and hard at a T660. You dont sound like someone wanting something "cheap" which is what you will get with a volvo or Freightliner. I would go with the T660 and the Cummins with the biggest hp they make. Some will argue but everytime my truck has been turned up it runs better and gets better mpg. It also makes it easier and more comfortable to drive. I dont know of to many folks that wished they had less of a truck. I know lots that wished they had more.

 

I was just wondering if you looked into actual motor coachs (greyhound type vehicles) they use the same power plants and drivlines as OTR trucks and the comfort and ride of air bags all around. and then you can have them built or have your friend do it on the cheap .Our company routinly puts 500,000 thousand a year with no major problems and most if not all dealerships will take care of warrenty issues .With your requirements you can still drive them with a class b and air brake endorsement cdl if licensing is a issue.