Fitzgearlds Gliders

NAFTA Agreement

 

All i know is the tax advantage is there, but it's not for us here in the States.

we don't have to pay FET on the truck, but you also can not depreciate the truck like you would a brand new rig. Works out roughly to the same cost, but I'd hate to be paying that $100k truck note, and still owe the taxes in full at the end of the year!

 

Registrar of Imported Vehicles
http://www.riv.ca

Easy peasy... I imported my 2003 FL Classic myself.

 

I picked one up about 2 weeks ago.
Here's my take so far: for the last 25 years I've driven nothing but custom built Peterbilt 359 & 379's and because of an incident with a former owner/operator boss decided that now was the time to go ahead and take the plunge into being an O/O myself.
I shopped really hard for about 3 months looking at new and used trucks from new Pete's, rebuilt Pete's, Select Trucks, Arrow Trucks, new Volvo's, you name it.
After doing some research into Fitzgeralds from the web and other forums I began talking to them and of course ultimately decided on buying one.
The reasons being that you save about 25-40k on the front end and receive the extra tool boxes, all the chicken lights, a huge sleeper, refridgerator and a few other choices along with some great options all for MUCH less than what I would have paid for a stripped down, bare bones Pete.
Yes it's a Freightshaker but I spec'd mine out for fuel mileage and good looks with some of the options they provide in house as dealers for several truck parts manufacturers...i.e. Fass, Pittsburgh Power, Detroit,Eaton Fuller.

It's a family owned and operated company that has been in business since 1980 and wouldn't STILL be in business if they were doing something wrong.
It was a clean shop, a nice atmosphere, I was treated with respect every time I called or emailed and while I was there and SO FAR...with COMPLETE AND UPFRONT HONESTY.
If I asked a question they couldn't answer they told me so and then found out the answer for me.

It hasn't been a completely smooth ride getting all the proper paperwork, title, etc. but then again this is my first time to buy a truck and I'm still learning about the legal side of it. Just because I've driven for over 30 years doesn't mean I know alot about the OWNERSHIP side. But like I said before, they've been patient and there are some things I'd do differently if I could have a do over.

Am I happy with it? YES.
Is it a good looking truck? YES
Do I get good fuel mileage? YES. I've been averaging (so far)6.8-7.2 mpg with a reefer, a series 60/500 hp Detroit, 13 speed, 3.55 rears, FASS fuel system, and about 64-66 mph average. In comparison with my BUDS who drive the PETE's, I expect I'll pay LESS in fuel cost by a MINIMUM of about 1500-2000 a month in overhead.

But it's still a new truck, a Freightliner, and I'm still happy with it.....shakes, rattles and rolls but it rides real smooth and at 6'2" I can stand up in it when for the past 5 years I've driven flat top 379's! (I still duck when I go into the sleeper though--old habits die hard!)

So yes you can save money, it depreciates the same as an off the lot truck, no taxes, good work and warranty.
But then again, in 3 years I may change my mind too.

 

everything is in the detail with gliders and the fitzgerald trucks I've seen look as good or better then factory installs. I've seen gliders that loked like rats nests from sloppy motor installs.


ya know, you coulda got a pete from fitzgerald too

 

J. Patrick, how was the financing? once upon a time it was very difficult to finance gliders. was it easy, was it in house financing, are they real picky on credit scores?

 

No more Pete's at Fitzgeralds. At least for the rest of this year I believe.
The engine and install was as clean and neat as any factory job I've ever seen and.
My financing was done through their in house office but is with GE.
They will work with you to help anyway they can--at least they did for me.
Pm's are fine but you must realize I can only answer when I have the time and I'm not online everyday.