just looking for some opinions

That won't solve the problems. It is mostly emissions related, and a large part ofwhy CAT got out of building engines for this market. They were not the only ones with problems during these years.

If it is a glider with a 6nz then it wouldn't seem like too bad of a deal.

Personally i would get an 02/03 with a 6nz cat c-15. You could get those a lot cheaper and still have money for emergency fund. But I like the old iron. I own a 99 with 1755000 and she runs like a top. Looks good on the outside and is like new on the inside. A new truck will not make a penny more than an old truck but many have not been taken care of like mine. Older trucks are not for everyone and a lot of these newer plastic and fiberglass trucks will not make hold up that long anyway. Also a lot of companies will not let you lease on with a truck that old. And even our insurance now requires a 2000 but mine is grandfathered in.

When i do get a new truck it will definitely be a glider with a pre-emission motor.
Like I said this is my opinion but it isn't for everyone.

 

We'll you will have to scratch all my other advice or move, personally I would move....lol

The guys at Pittsburgh power told me that a the 2012 and later trucks are a lot better than the earlier models. Seems Detroit and cummins both are starting to figure it out. Don't know what your budget is but IF I had to get carb compliant I would go with the later model and since you like the freightliners I have been hearing pretty good things about the new detroits.

 

I just caught something else, you said the other truck came with a driver..... Do you plan on driving yourself or paying someone else to drive it? You said you would be running off the load boards at first. I don't think there is enough money in running off the boards and pay enough to get a good driver. The only time I would ever recommend putting a buying a truck and putting a driver in is if I had enough/ overflow of good paying freight that I was getting direct from the shipper. For me It would also need to be long term relationship.

 

Not a good Deal IMO, back in 09' I bought my truck w/ 630k on it, it's a 01' under 20k.

 

Do yourself a favor and avoid a CAT motor if you can.. Especially if you're running the mountains, the jakes are horrible. I'd shell out for an ISX 15 =]

 

I've owned several cat engines. I think the C15 has a very good jake brake. The C12 and C13 are weaker due to the smaller engines. JMO

 

You lost me at "2008 C15". An '08 C15 isn't worth $15,000. In fact, we paid $45,000 for a '05 C15 T2000 KW back in '08 IIRC. They are junk. 6NZ....now that's a different story. You did well to pass on that deal.