I want to buy a truck, but what should it really cost?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by DieselDriver, Apr 11, 2008.

  1. DieselDriver

    DieselDriver Bobtail Member

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    Mar 19, 2008
    Springfield, Illinois
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    I want to buy a new (used) tractor, but how do I determine what the true value is?
    Like a car or truck, is it wholesale, but what about dealer mark up, on average how much is that?
    You would think in todays economy trucks would be a dime a dozen, you could find them anywhere.
    What has been your experience?
     
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  3. 25(2)+2

    25(2)+2 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    the road less travelled
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    There are lots of trucks for sale, and some are discounted,also some are selling well and others are not.


    What I have heard is that finance companies are willing to deeply discount trucks to get them moved and some of those trucks are pretty new.


    A relative bought a truck with a 13 speed, a 2005 Columbia, for 36k.
     
  4. Brickman

    Brickman Trucker Forum STAFF

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  5. englewoodcowboy

    englewoodcowboy Light Load Member

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    Chilhowie, VA
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    I bought my tractor recently and it is a 2005 Pete 387 with an Ultra shift 10 and Cat C15 475 for 66k The tractor was sold new in Aug 06 and still has the original bumper to bumper warranty through august of this year as well as drive-train, Turbo and injectors till Aug 11 or 500k. It only has 118K on it so yes deals can be found. There are literally tons of W900's and 379's out there with low miles etc. but the industry push is towards the aero models. The I saw my tractor on Truckpaper the same day they listed it, hopped a plane and bought it 2 days later. I showed up the second day it was listed about 1/2 hour before the dealer closed, was there the next morning and signed my deal and paid for it by noon. They had 3 other guys look at it while I was there negotiating and 2 others call for it. Good clean low mileage aeros are gonna stay to the higher side but this same dealer had an 09 389 (the 379's new version) and was trying to sell it to me for 100K.

    Hope this helps.
     
  6. jugg

    jugg Light Load Member

    no you stole that truck cowboy:biggrin_25523:
     
  7. 379 Peterbilt

    379 Peterbilt Medium Load Member

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    Nov 12, 2005
    Wisconsin
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    DD

    As posted above, truckpaper (google truckpaper) will give you a good idea of a rough representative value as per make and model. Once at that website, pick out one make & model and view them all. Average it out. Better yet, go to ebay and find whatever truck you are interested in buying, and note the "buy it now" price.

    Or, if you'd like, post the tractor(s) you may be interested in purchasing, along with the web-link/description/price, and I/we will offer our take(s) on if we think that is a good price for said truck.

    If this is rush rush hurry up need to know info, then ya best hurry up and post. I leave tommorow for Miami, and wont be online for a spell.
     
  8. iowabmw

    iowabmw Medium Load Member

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    I bought my truck at www.Truckertotrucker.com. It was a 1989 379 pete, 425 Mechanical cat, ~250k on a Major overhaul, new clutch, good tires, lots of extras, great running and great looking truck for $13k.
     
  9. Duliz

    Duliz Bobtail Member

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    Mar 15, 2008
    McAllen, TX
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    Well, I'm also looking to buy a tractor but need help identifying a good bargain from a rip-off. All I am really looking for is a cummins with a 10speed auto and low mileage..... Please help Nothing over $55,000

    -----

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    http://www.truckpaper.com/email.asp?emid=852763

    It doesn't have to be a Volvo but I was thinking that I could probably find a better deal on a volvo because they tend to depreciate a little more than Kenworth, peterbilt, etc.
     
  10. englewoodcowboy

    englewoodcowboy Light Load Member

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    Chilhowie, VA
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    First in your search you need to define your must haves can't stands list and let us know. Cummins only or cat, Detroit etc. Autoshift, Ultrashift or manual, flat top, mid roof high rise sleeper etc. You need to decide what is your most important and what you could live with. I happened onto my truck as I wasn't looking for an ultrashift yet alone an autoshift cause I had never driven one and let me tell you, within 5 miles I was hooked. You also need to define what is low mileage to you, for me it was 200K but I had a higher price allowance. My must haves where 387 or T2000, had to be either cummins or cat but only cat if it was 2006 or older due to emissions, I needed a double bunk but my truck didn't have one so I am having one put in. You need to define your flexibility. Also would you be interested if it was a low mileage after a major overhaul etc. There are a lot of things to choose from and definitely don't ever buy something cause you have to have it today. I searched for over a month till I came across mine. You also have to be ready to put some money down sight unseen with the provision that if it is not what you thought you can get a refund. I would also look to dealers for purchases as you can usually sway them to add extra things when they are trying to close the deal.
     
  11. The Challenger

    The Challenger Kinghunter

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    East Central FL
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    I would go for a International 9200I or 9400I series. They are mostly powered by Cummins engines.

    King
     
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