Need some advice on a newer quality used truck and engine?

I am asking this for a friend. He is also my Co driver ( last three years) and employee. He has been a company driver for mostly large to mid size trucking companies. I am just a very tiny 1 horse operation. My truck is old a 2001 volvo d12 auto shift. Only heavy I have owned. I have not really kept up with all the changes since 2008. I bought the pre egr volvo then based on all the trouble on the egr trucks. Looks like I am seeing issues with the newer trucks again. He is going to pull a step deck with say up to 80k gross weight. Also he wants the ability to go to CA. I don't go to the left coast with my rig. He is going to lease with me. My main customer keeps growing and is expanding. He will be running team with his brother while I cut back to single operation doing short and mid runs.

I am hoping he can get a truck that is decent on fuel and be reliable. I have read bad things about the paccar and mercedes engines. What about the Detroit dd15, Cummins isx, and Volvo d13?

He likes the Pete, KW, Volvo, and FL Cascadia. After driving my auto shift he is thinking of not going back to a standard. Plus I think he would really like a 2 pedal. Any thoughts on the modern auto trans. My truck has 1.5 million on the original transmission. Has a quirk once in awhile, but works very well.

Can you offer some advice. I am suggesting he spend some money on the truck and go lower miles say under 400k to 200k. And newer SCR like 2012+. Maybe 2011.

Down time is a killer. Plus if i fail to provide the rate and miles he wants. I want him to have as much choice to find a new carrier.

Thanks in advance.

 

The repair history should be looked at. But I think the overall track record of brand is important. I know it's not a guarantee. Just trying to avoid the ones having more trouble on the road. There should be a general trend for each brand.

 

Did volvo get the 16's working well? I thought they had lots of issues with that motor. Poor mpg and repair problems? ??? I suggested the 13 because of my perception from a few years ago.

 

Thanks I will pass this on to him. I am having him read it as I drive. Stopped to load. Lol....

 

I was just thinking about Mack. You don't see a lot of them. Does anyone else have any thoughts on their trucks and motors?