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Buying a truck

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by manue, Jan 17, 2015.

  1. Jan 17, 2015 #1
    manue

    manue Bobtail Member

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    Dec 2, 2014
    0
    Hey everyone, I am planning on opening my own trucking business in Houston carrying pipes from the port in to Houston. I wouldn't be traveling a lot of miles daily since it would be short distances within Houston. I am thinking because of this that a day cab would be a good fit for me, but my budget is around $20,000. What brand and year of truck do you recommend for this type of business? I have seen some Volvos, Sterling and International 2006 or 2007 models that look in good shape but I am unsure whether it's a good choice since I've heard some bad things about those trucks. Do you think I should pursue buying a freightliner, kenworth or peterbilt? Those look somewhat old in the price range I am looking. Which trucks do you think are easier/cheaper to get fixed and will be more durable?

    Also, what are your suggestions as far as buying from a dealership vs. owner-operators looking to sell? (or any other suggestions)

    I appreciate any help!
     
    manue, Jan 17, 2015
    manue, Jan 17, 2015
    #1
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  3. Jan 17, 2015 #2
    gokiddogo

    gokiddogo Road Train Member

    8,786
    14,769
    Mar 5, 2012
    Ontario Canada
    0
    Before you buy any truck ...

    Do you have your target customers? Have you talked to them? The truck is just the tool ... there is no magic make of truck that is the equivalent of a money printing press ... if it has been taken care of very well, it will be a good truck, if not, then it is likely to be a money pit.

    So many people come on here asking what kind of truck is the best one to buy ... they all accomplish the same task, the more important question is DO YOU KNOW HOW YOU WILL MAKE MONEY WITH IT / WHO YOU WILL DO BUSINESS WITH?
     
    gokiddogo, Jan 17, 2015
    gokiddogo, Jan 17, 2015
    #2
  4. Jan 17, 2015 #3
    Stroked F550

    Stroked F550 Medium Load Member

    325
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    Jan 23, 2008
    somewhere
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    I would recommend buying from an o/o, I would get it dynoed and make sure he has the maintenance and repair records, it shows that he cared about it.

    I would rather own a older well maintained peterbilt or KW they are better built then a Freight shaker or volvo
     
    Stroked F550, Jan 17, 2015
    Stroked F550, Jan 17, 2015
    #3
  5. Jan 18, 2015 #4
    CoronadoDriver

    CoronadoDriver Light Load Member

    182
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    Nov 11, 2014
    South Carolina
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    you paccar boys
     
    CoronadoDriver, Jan 18, 2015
    CoronadoDriver, Jan 18, 2015
    #4
  7. Jan 19, 2015 #5
    Stormcat07

    Stormcat07 Bobtail Member

    9
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    Jan 18, 2015
    0
    Everyone likes Pete's!
     
    Stormcat07, Jan 19, 2015
    Stormcat07, Jan 19, 2015
    #5
  8. Jan 19, 2015 #6
    DrtyDiesel

    DrtyDiesel Road Train Member

    5,348
    2,598
    Feb 14, 2010
    Jacksonville, FL
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    Nothing wrong with being a paccar fan. Especially if I were to compare the quality of our kw t660s to our cascadias.


    That's not a push against you personally, just what I've dealt with in the past with driving freightliners.


    OP- I'd buy what's going to make you money. I'd also definitely recommend getting it dyno tested like it was said before. And buying from an o/o you'll probably have a better chance of getting a well maintained truck
     
    DrtyDiesel, Jan 19, 2015
    DrtyDiesel, Jan 19, 2015
    #6
  9. Jan 19, 2015 #7
    strollinruss

    strollinruss Road Train Member

    1,366
    1,699
    Jun 5, 2012
    Montgomery, TX
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    First of all it's pipe.
     
    strollinruss, Jan 19, 2015
    strollinruss, Jan 19, 2015
    #7
    kw600 Thanks this.
  10. Jan 19, 2015 #8
    strollinruss

    strollinruss Road Train Member

    1,366
    1,699
    Jun 5, 2012
    Montgomery, TX
    0
    whatever it is make sure it has a setback axle for driving around Houston, that is unless you've driven something with a hood before.
     
    strollinruss, Jan 19, 2015
    strollinruss, Jan 19, 2015
    #8
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