Buying An Million Mile Truck

I thought that having an older truck would be problematic for getting loads? Seems I've read that often times you must have a truck no older than 5 years old. Something about load insurance I think. I do not know, except for what I read here.

I'm curious. For my personal vehicles, I have always preffered older vehicles myself. And, know enough about how to bend a wrench that maintenance costs are minimal. If I ever get to the point of seriously considering being an OO, I know I'd like to have the realistic option of a higher milage older truck, as (at least for vehicles) all totaled, older vehicles give the best value, as long as mechanic labor costs are minimal to non-existent.

 

In the first part what your talking about is typically with guys that lease to companies. I on the other hand being under my own authority dont have to worry about that crap. I dont think it has as much to do with load security as it does looking good. You know how companies are run a fleet of freight shakers that look ugly as hell but you cant have a large car that will win best in show at the vegas truck show if its a 1980. Typical bs. I prefer older dont care about emissions and soot and i dont want all that expensive crap to fix either but thats just me.

 

I wouldn't give more than that but someone else might. I don't know of many that didn't need major engine work before 1,500,000. Add that and possibly a new clutch and tranny + down time. Your out a lot more than $15k . I guess add long as people are buying, they will keep selling. Same with the diesel fuel and freight prices. I sold my 99 379 for $22K in 2004. Just turned 600,000. It had a 550 cat. Had a several dealers turn it down before I sold it.

 

Heck 6 months ago they had a 2000 with a 550 cat in it down in texas that a dealer offered 22000 for with 1.2 million thats just insane 22k for a truck that was only 6 years old and only had 600k on it. Specially with a 550 e model

 

i wouldn't pay 30k for a million mile 379 that has not been overhauled. a mill + with no overhaul is like throwing a dart at a dart board with a blindfold on. however i would not think twice about buying a mill + truck with a overhaul and good maintenance records.

 

Agreed depends on the overhaul though. I wouldve dropped 50k on this tractor i just picked up if it had a platinum overhaul with a 4 year unlimited mileage warranty. Least i know everything but the front seals are covered for the next 4 years and i can put as many miles on it as i want. And surprisingly the platinum overhaul warranty is actually worth the paper its written on.

 

I recently bought a 04' Eagle with a governed isx cummins 475hp 1650lb. with barely over 1mil. for $12000. I've done lots to it since last August. New steer tires and shocks, clutch fan and hub, air dryer, fan solenoid, muffler and elbow, windshield, blower motor, water pump and a few others I can't remember right now. Oh, and I had its nuts put back on...turned it up to 500hp 1850lb. no speed limiters. Today it sits at around 1112250 and next on the list is a overhead job. It's been super reliable, haven't missed a day of work yet! But I run a dedicated lane in which I get home everyday and I'm off every weekend so I have the time to turn my own wrenches, has yet to be in a shop. It's alot of work and headache to be honest but I would have regretted not at least trying it. Good luck to ya, and if ya can drive the truck for an extended time as I did before making decision, do so! I put 6000 miles on mine before buying.

 

Good post philjo! That's the thing. "Regretting not trying it" to each their own. I think the majority who've owned these trucks over a million miles wouldn't spend $30,000 on another one over a million miles without knowing it's history. Someone just wanting to own a Pete might. Personally, I wouldn't own anything but a Pete but it wouldn't be that much. When I retire, I might buy another one if it's a deal I can't refuse. I'll just use it to haul emergency high dollar stuff that has to go and pays round trip.