Making the right choice

I've done what you're considering doing, smart way to start. There's no way to guess how well a truck has been taken care of from looking at it.

But, some fleets care for equipment better than others. A used Roehl, Ryder or Wal-Mart truck would be a good bet. If you find one that's not rusted out it could be a money maker.

Stay away from repo's and Mega Carrier's trucks. Repo's are notorious for "Deferred Maintenance" and the Mega Carrier's trucks have been through a lot of drivers and trainees, and their abuse. (Although I have seen a couple of drivers luck out with those tractors).

A truck that would interest me is... something like a 1996 Western Star Heritage Series- Cat motor and 15 speed, one-owner with over a million miles on it. Rebuilt motor, new clutch, driver/owner retiring for health reasons. I recently saw one of these for sale cheap, it sold FAST.

Older Pete's, Western Stars and KW's are great starter trucks. Avoid Freightliner Century Class and Columbias like a disease. And don't get tangled up with Mercedes EGR motors- or the "Smart Shift" transmissions.

If you find something interesting, post pics here and give us the specs- you'll get lots of good opinions.

 

Why if you want to keep repair costs down???

 

I would buy something like this: http://www.truckpaper.com/listingsdetail/detail.aspx?OHID=3072089&

Just an example, but I had good luck with an FLD with the N14 a few years ago. (Yes, I know you don't need a wet kit, just an example).

The FLD seemed easy to work on, not expensive.

 

I was going to sugest the same truck, i liked driving the old fld's with a cat.

Either that or look for an old century class fl.




American Trucker

 

This particular driver took better care of his truck than his wife. She looked like 40 miles of bad highway but his wagon still looked new. He was forced to sell for health reasons and, -trust me- he didn't want to part with the "other woman" (his truck). He wanted someone to promise they would care for his used wagon like it was a child in the family.

That's the kind of deal you want for a used truck but someone was faster than me.

 

The FLD with a N-14 or Cat motor, that has been cared for, is one hard truck to beat as being a good choice. Easy to find parts for, easier to work on, etc. Same can be said for the International 9400 or 9900. Same can be said of a FL Classic or Century that has been cared for, though not my first choice. But that is just me. Neither of these choices will turn a lot of heads running down the road, but they are reasonably priced, solid work trucks that will bring home the bacon, and enable you to keep more of it. Of course, we are talking about pre-emissions type of engines here.