Truck Options

If the KW/Petes have pre-2003 emission engines, you will get better mileage than with the newer engines (all other things being equal). But with the high cost of fuel, aerodynamics will play a big part in your fuel cost and therefore your net profits. There is much to consider, not just KW vs. Freightliner. Operating cost vs. residual value will be a good thing to research.

 

You may also want to consider who has the larger repair/parts network overall. Older trucks will break down and if you have a kw or Pete it may take you more time and down time to have the necessary parts located and installed on your truck. Many shops have several days wait just to make it in so you may find that old freightliner is a more viable choice based upon the larger repair network and parts availability.

 

AMEN brother brickman, preach it.

 

nothing but a kw with a nice, purring little kitty

never again will i drive a frieghtshaker....its like driving a yugo or kia compared to a caddy

 

How new and how old? Do you want to look good or make money? Do you want to drive fast or be profitable? Where do you plan on running? Is there Service shops in that area for all types?
I bought a company specs Shaker/ detroit pre-erg for the first truck. It made me a ton O' money and averaged 8 mpg for the year 2006.
Bought a 07 Volvo for second truck, not as good mpg, but I can sleep now while the Wife is driving. Couldn't do that in the Shaker.
You buy something with a long hood and a cat, expect to get about 5.5mpg. It will cost you about $15,000 more in fuel to drive, but you will look D*(mn good doing it.
A T2000 or 389 will get you probably 1 mpg better that a hood.
Then you have to gear it to how you will run. Go to roadranger.com it will help you find the right Tranny, rears and tires for what speed you want to run.

So, it depends on what you want out of a truck.

 

The way I veiw a TRUCK is...

Its just a BUNCH of PARTS...

I could CARE LESS about the name on it...

The first thing you need to do is determine what you need for what you haul...

Spec'ing the truck PROPERLY will save you LOTS of money down the road...

This includes engine size, engine mfr (everyone has a preference), Transmission, Axle Ratio, etc...

I agree that the KW's and Pete's will generally hold the "premium" you pay when you buy them at resale time -- but I'm not convinced that they're the BEST deal out there...

The way I approach truck buying -- is DETERMINE the specs I need -- THEN I look until I find a DEAL...

The repair network isn't going to be a problem with Volvo/KW/Pete/Freightliner -- It IS an issue with Western Star...

If you're buying a NEW 07 or 08 -- I wouldn't recommend the CAT ACERT -- they're having problmes (so I hear from OUR salesman -- and HE sells them) -- The Detroits and Cummins actually SEEM to be working -- their dash lights (flashing for the burn -- and staying on for manual burn) are causing drivers grief just because they're not being trained on them -- but I would PERSONALLY hold off for another year just to see...

I've bought both used and new -- and I doubt I will buy used again...

The cost in repairs AND downtime -- not to mention the aggravation (in my experience) was WAY MORE than the "new truck" premium (IF I was able to get a GOOD DEAL on the new truck)...

Nowadays -- KWs and Petes have just as much plastic as the frieghtshakers...

Best of luck to you...