Keep volvo or sale

Oh I just read where you said it's got over a million miles on it... That kind of changes the game because what... 2006 are emission motors... Only an EGR valve but still... That motor has been sucking in its own exhaust for over a million miles. If a bypass filter was not being used the motor is probably loaded with soot... And I don't know how accurate a 4 year old oil sample be... I know this is not really a cut and dry yes or no answer but these are the points I would be drilling myself if I was in this situation

 

If OP is willing to work on the truck himself or at least learn, then go for it. But I think it's crazy to think there won't be a lot of issues with a truck that has been parked for 4 years. If he is going to be depending on shops, especially those of the dealer variety, he better have a nice fat bankroll. And be ready for it to shrink to nothing quickly. If he wants to do this that is fine. But let's be real here.

 

Ya and an 06. So would I, probably a cream puff.

 

You just cannot start off any better than a free truck.
OP can work at his current gig while getting this one road worthy, but plan on spending at least 10K to do so. At least then you should be able to go at least 2 yrs without any major breakdowns.
He can have a shop go over the truck with a fine tooth comb.
Take your time while still working his current job.

 

Run it. Free is free. Even if you put $10k into it you're still ahead.

 

The free truck part of this is hard to overlook. First thing to I would do is find out anything I could about the condition of the engine. With a million miles, maybe he had an in frame done? If not you definitely need to get it to a good shop that can tell you if it has some miles left on it.

Change out all the fluids, belts and hoses...fuel lines as well might be a good idea. Anything that may have dried out, including the tires. Any of those tires are subject to a blow out after sitting that long. I wouldn't drive any farther than nearest tire shop before getting new steer tires...and I would drive there really slow..lol.

The thing about having a free truck, even with some expenses, you can use that as a cushion until you find the right fit. I've found that the first carrier you lease to is usually a learning experience. You may need to try a few different things before you find the right fit. No payments during that time would be unbelievably nice. You can always trade up later.

Being from Waco, you should be able to find something local. If you have a good shop that you trust, keep it local for a while at least until you are fairly confident with it.

 

I just put a 1998 Volvo vn on the road that I bought a few years ago that has been sitting almost its whole life. It was sold in 99 as a spare truck and got minimum use until 2004. It was not registered again until 2007 and was leased onto a company until 2010 and was repossessed in 10. It sat at the auction until I bought it in 14.

I did all the wheel seals pads and drums new headlights and all new bulbs out side. I also put 6 injectors and ran the overhead valve cover gasket oil pan gasket and rebuilt the oil cooler. Chased down some air leaks the high low range spliter on the back of the trans was bad (super 10) New steers put on and moved the old to the back with another set I had and 4 new to me drives on the front tandem. New ac compressor and charged the ac IT WORKS!!!!

That was all done since I bought the truck I put it on the road 7/1/16 and have been out in it since and just Monday the radiator decided it wanted to give up. I put a new one in and kept going. I had a buddy help me seeing I was 1300 miles from home but used to live there. He lost a arm right up to his shoulder and it has not slowed him down at all. We had it done in 4 hours.

There is always going to be something needing attention with a truck that has sat for a while. My dash is acting up and they are 2k for a new one. I am going to try one of the rebuild places for 350. all the interior light bulbs need replaced. I also think the heater core is plugged got no front heat but have rear the front ac is always as cold as it gets.

Volvo is not my first choice for a truck but it is a nice ride and inside is quiet. I have a detroit set to 470 super 10 and 3.53 rears plenty of power getting good mpg. Hell 1st scale I hit got a level 1 and passed. I think It was racial profiling pulling me in. 3 color truck and still have some broken plastic and yes she is ugly and a Volvo

Go through the truck do some local runs and work the bugs out then hit the road.

 

Volvo, keep it and burn it!

Seriously if you were close to your uncle run that thing and make some $ and make him proud.

4 years won't hurt the tires. they'll come back in shape after you move truck to your house so you can change fluids, fix frame rust clean interior, etc. Check any drain tubes that might be plugged up from mud daubers. Brake shoes might have had water sit inside drum then freeze and crack lining or sometimes they rust to the drums and you beat the crap out of them to break 'em loose.

If your one of those guys who don't mind Volvos go for it. Personally I can't stand lookin' at 'em.

 

Depends what kind of shape it's in and how gung ho you are about starting out as an owner op. If it's a 1 owner truck it might be a good one but nobody can know unless it's inspected and obviously none of us can see it. It will need money put into it to get it going of course. Anything fluid or made out of rubber.

 

Hm. Tempting.

Inspect the hell out of that truck, find out exactly what it will cost you to bring that field mouse to par with nothing broken and ready for work hauling loads around the USA. If it is too much, sell the thing.

If it is not too much, consider something and anything from oil field service all the way up to hauling for the big boys. Or even for Uncle Sam in one of his Ghost Fleets.