I have decided to buy 2007 FREIGHTLINER COLUMBIA 120 $31,xxx for 751k miles

Gotta agree....for the money you're willing to spend on that rattletrap, you could buy something with some actual trade-in/resale value to go to the next level later on.√√√

 

As was already mentioned...TruckPaper.com, even MNL Truck Sales in Gulfport, Miss. has a good selection with financing options.

 

Ryder shop managers get bonuses for not spending money. Thus, they are rather highly motivated to not fix issues. Let that sink in for a minute. Yes, these are the folks that are tasked with maintaining the rental and lease truck fleets, as well as their own in-house 3PL fleet.

In my own personal experience, as a former employee both of a company with a Ryder lease fleet, and of Ryder Integrated Logistics themselves:

I have been stranded more times in a Ryder truck due to absolutely stupid mechanical failures than in any other company truck, or my own.

I have incurred more citations via DOT inspections for mechanical issues in a Ryder truck, than any other company truck, or my own.

I have refused to drive a truck, or pull a trailer, for gross safety faults, exactly zero times for anyone other than Ryder (and I've worked for several large carriers as well as a number of smaller ones). For Ryder? Were I to add them all up, I'd run out of fingers AND toes.

Bad personal experience? You bet. Would it prevent me from purchasing an ex Ryder truck? Probably, but it depends on the vehicle. Rest assured I would be going over it with a microscope. Some people have gotten good service out of them, others have had nightmares.

Bottom line, buyer beware.

 

If you are a new driver jumping head first into an O/O I would not recommend the second truck you mentioned for 75k that's alot of responsibility for someone right out of the gate...

Second, once you find a truck you are set on buying I would Get it inspected by your mechanic, Dyno, and Oil sample BEFORE any signing of papers...

 

That would be the best 300 bucks you ever spend.
In fact i would spent another 50$ and have the gearbox oil analysed.

It will reduce the risk a lot.

 

That is the 1° rule when buying secondhand.

 

Here are several 2007 Freightliner Columbias starting from $16,950. Most if not all of these sellers will offer financing. Good luck!
http://www.truckpaper.com/list/list...=contains&bcatid=27&Pref=0&Thumbs=1&scf=false

 

If you ever worked for a company that would get rental trucks occasionally you'd know. It was always fun to get a Ryder and beat the crap out of it for a day.