Older trucks

Also the lack of a 2200 plus payment makes up for higher maintenance costs. I have a fleet and was considering upgrading my trucks, but in the end it made more sense to keep the trucks and pay for a rebuild later. A rebuild costs about 20-25 grand and is a one-time payment for another 700000 miles, and not each year for the four years. The newest truck in my fleet is an 07, and that is as new as I would say. My oldest is a 96(spare truck) and oldest active truck is 97.

 

It all depends on if you would rather make a truck payment, or pay for repairs. You cant pay for both and make it in this business. Dont let guys tell you an older engine can not get good fuel mileage. We run a 93 379 flattop with a mechanical cat 3406C, 15 speed, 3.70 rears and tall 24.5 rubber. Regional northeast pulling tanker and stepdeck. 6.28 mpg on last quarter IFTA report, that is winter fuel. That truck has all the things that "they" say you cant get good fuel mileage with. I personally prefer older stuff, it is easier to fix, A LOT fewer moving parts, and yes you can still get parts.

A 98 will either have a 3406E, N14, or series 60 detroit most likely, I dont think you can go wrong with any of them and you should be able to get 6 mpg all day if you treat it right and take care of it. Just make sure the truck was taken care of by the previous owners, or else it could nickel and dime you to death. Good luck.

 

Even the best cared for truck wears out.
Nothing lasts forever.

When you calculate cost off ownership............don't forget taxes.

In some cases a new truck might only end up costing the same as a older truck.

I do NOT agree with the simple statement:"i have no or low payments so i have the cheapest,best truck"
A older truck can be cheaper then a new one but it is not garanteed.

You should allways include all factors when you calculate cost off ownership.

 

I prefer older trucks over the new trucks all choked up with environs, to me miles don't mean anything, there are plenty of old trucks still going strong with over 2 million miles

 

I meant to say Emissons, dang auto correct

 

Over the next few years, you can go thru the engine-transmission-both rear ends. Still not be close to the cost of new. My first truck was 1988 Pete, I put over 2 million miles on it. When I sold it, it was just as dependable as a new one. The only reason I sold it was because it rode like crap.

You will put money in it, just a crap shoot how much how fast. Just make sure the age won't be a problem as to where you put it to work.

 

my old 04 t600, still runs fine, and able to find parts.

 

Mine is a 99 379 with 1760027 on it. I can promise you that doing the maint has been much cheaper than having a note. Engines, granny's and rear diff scan always be rebuilt. Along with everything else on the truck.. As long as it is taken care of and maint is done regularly. Much better to catch it at home than be stranded on the road. The interior, exterior and running gear is in much better shape on my truck than a lot of 09s and 10s. Thing is with an older truck is you can't be just a driver, you have to be able to spot and fix problems. When something fails FIX it. And fix it right. Don't just put a patch on it. I can also guarantee that my frame is in much better shape than a lot of the newer trucks.
I also average 6.3 pulling oversize. If you don't like to turn wrenches it may not be for you but I really like mine and intend to take it to at least through another rebuild. First one was don at 1.1 mil. Rear ends and tranny was redone a year ago. Still rides like a new one. I guess it's all in what you want or like.

 

If I consider myself buying a new truck, I should refer glider kits like Coronado with 12.7 Detroit.