Purchasing NEW 2008 Freightliner

Just my $0.02, but for the money you're putting out for those 2008's, you might consider getting 2011's instead.
My reasoning here is that most likely, the 2008's have the DPF + afterburner arrangement for emissions, where the 2011's will have SCR instead. From all accounts I'm aware of, the SCR has fewer problems, and returns notably better fuel economy.

I've personally seen a whole fleet of 2008 Pete's w/ Cat engines have multiple breakdowns and considerable downtime due to DPF related problems. Even though the work was all covered under warranty, the downtime alone cost the company thousands.

Yes, a 2011 will cost more than a 'new' 2008, but the difference in fuel economy alone easily has the potential to offset the cost difference, and the added reliability would seal the deal for me.

 

I think I know which units you are getting. If my memory serves me correct, they have the auto transmission known as the ultrashift. Add the DPF and you have major problems. I would suggest looking at something that has SCR technology or look at Coronado glider kits. For what you are paying, you could be getting Glider Kits from Fitzgeralds for around 111K per their website without the problems associated with the DPF equipped trucks.

KH

 

Get yourself a good CAT dealer directory, you'll need it with those C13's. When you have that done set up rental agreements with Paclease, Ryder and Penske because you'll need replacement trucks when those C13's are in the shop.

There is a reason why CAT got out of the truck engine market.

 

There is a reason why CAT got out of the truck engine market. They turned into DOG's

 

There is a class action law suit against Cat for all 2007 later DPF engines. there is a reason these trucks are still on the lot......

 

i would be made aware of the seals at the steer tires, rear axles, and transmission.. if those trucks sat that long, those seals "could have" dried up/shriveled up and will start leaking as the truck rolls down the road. i would have the batteries fully charged and tested BEFORE you take delivery and replaced if they show ANY signs of weakness.

they may be 2008's, but when were they actually built...?? in what month of 2008 of what month of 2007...???

just because they are 2008's, DOES NOT MEAN they are fresh builds..God, they could have been built January 4th, 2007....and sat since then..>!!!...????

so 4 years of siting...???? good luck bro......(or sis).....

i wouldn't touch them.... unless all 3 were for $90,000 TOTAL...!!!

 

I have to agree with Rerun, any truck that has sat for an extended time unused and new is going to be problems for the 1st few months. I got a good deal one a truck that was almost a year and a half old since it had been built, but still new, and experienced many of those troubles, and that was before EGR's and DPF's.

 

Dealers all have a LONG PERIOD storage procedure that they ( SUPPOSEDLY ) follow , dried out seals are not the problem they were in the past. Look at the MEGA fleets and the piles of new trucks they had sitting last few years.

Good advice on the batteries , I would ask for NEW as part of the deal , and the $ is pretty high seeing that they have depreciated in value just sitting there based on the date of assembly.