Purchasing used Freightliner need opinions

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by skim, Jul 2, 2014.

  1. skim

    skim Bobtail Member

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    Nov 30, 2010
    Los Angeles, CA
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    Hi all! Was hoping to get some opinions here regarding 2 options I've narrowed down my truck search to. My application will be the I-5 corridor - Ca Or Wa


    #1 - 2008 Columbia with 365,000 miles, detroit series 60. It's had 2 owners and both owner operators whom I've known take care of the equipment. The current owner is selling due to health reasons. The truck needs new drive tires, other than that it is in great condition very well maintained with minimal if not any rust.
    $50,000


    #2 - 2009 Columbia with a fresh overhaul engine all OEM detroit deries 60 (Complete inframe kit.. (rings.liners.sleeves.head rebuilt.bottom bearings.cam bearings. Head gasket kit.injector orings) parts 3 month warranty. The actual mileage on the chassis is 750,000. The truck comes from CRST fleet and will come with new Chinese tires.
    $40,000


    Which of the two options do you like and why? Is option #1 with the original low mileage worth the extra 10k + 4-5k I will have to put in tires? Or is #2 the way to go, saving 15k with a fresh overhauled engine however higher mileage on the chassis the way to go?


    Any input much appreciated as always!
     
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  3. turnanburn

    turnanburn Medium Load Member

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    Jan 25, 2011
    central Vermont
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    Can you buy an extension to that warranty? Is it a good warranty? Truck #1 could need an overhaul next week, and you might blow out the rear end in #2 tomorrow. Paying 15k less is a lot of capitol saved. I think less money, in-framed motor with a warranty trumps less miles and more money.
     
  4. 201

    201 Road Train Member

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    Apr 16, 2014
    high plains colorado
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    Hi skim, decisions, decisions. I would probably go with truck #1. The #2 truck with that kind of mileage would scare me a little. #2 will definitely 5 & dime you to death. I drove a Columbia for a friend with a S60 Detroit, and that thing had like 850K on an UNOPENED motor, but lots of little things went south on it. Wheel bearings, wipers, cruise quit, a/c condenser, heater leaked, just a lot of stuff. Maybe I can change your mind, and go with a Pete or KW. At least you'll have some resale, and I think, a better dealer network, especially KW. Good luck.
     
  5. daf105paccar

    daf105paccar Road Train Member

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    Apr 15, 2012
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    How long can you use either truck in Cal?
    With CARB rules,i mean.
     
  6. skim

    skim Bobtail Member

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    Nov 30, 2010
    Los Angeles, CA
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    There is no extended warranty that can be purchased unfortunately. I do realize 15k is a lot of savings... #### this sucks!
     
  7. skim

    skim Bobtail Member

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    6
    Nov 30, 2010
    Los Angeles, CA
    0
    I believe both are good till 2020
     
  8. bad-luck

    bad-luck Road Train Member

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    Nov 16, 2013
    Baltimore, Maryland
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    I suggest #1 it has low miles. #2 even though it has a rebuilt engine it has 750k on the truck trans and rears.
     
  9. 201

    201 Road Train Member

    11,168
    22,653
    Apr 16, 2014
    high plains colorado
    0
    Hi skim, I don't mean to be a yahoo, but if you think this sucks and you haven't even gotten started, buying the truck is the LEAST of the troubles you will encounter, believe me, I've been there. You have to ask yourself, is this really what you want to do? Like I say, truck #2 will be a headache, and check #1 out good. Coolant sample, oil sample, trans oil clear( not looking like metallic paint), rear ends, same thing, drive it, with a load, if possible, as trucks behave a lot different when MT or loaded. Make sure to get it in the last gear, as this, being the gear it has run in the longest (usually) will tell you if a bearing is howling, or vibrations. Again, remember, getting in is easy, getting out is awful. That's why I'd go with a Pete or KW, as you'll be able to sell it easier. Give 'r heck, buckaroo!!
     
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  10. deskdriver

    deskdriver Light Load Member

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    Aug 6, 2013
    Michigan
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    Get the VIN# for truck #2 and call around and get prices to have the trans and both rears rebuilt. if it is equal to or less than 15k then you would have a 1 year newer truck with new tires with fresh rebuilds on the Engine, trans, and rears. for the same price. Just my opinion.
     
  11. skim

    skim Bobtail Member

    39
    6
    Nov 30, 2010
    Los Angeles, CA
    0
    [QUOTE="semi" retired;4107853]Hi skim, I don't mean to be a yahoo, but if you think this sucks and you haven't even gotten started, buying the truck is the LEAST of the troubles you will encounter, believe me, I've been there. You have to ask yourself, is this really what you want to do? Like I say, truck #2 will be a headache, and check #1 out good. Coolant sample, oil sample, trans oil clear( not looking like metallic paint), rear ends, same thing, drive it, with a load, if possible, as trucks behave a lot different when MT or loaded. Make sure to get it in the last gear, as this, being the gear it has run in the longest (usually) will tell you if a bearing is howling, or vibrations. Again, remember, getting in is easy, getting out is awful. That's why I'd go with a Pete or KW, as you'll be able to sell it easier. Give 'r heck, buckaroo!![/QUOTE]

    Copy that. Pete or KW with the mileage im looking at is out of the price range. I'm well aware of the issues that are going to occur... just trying to minimize as much as possible! Thanks for the input!
     
    "semi" retired Thanks this.
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