Buying first truck. Thinking Pete 379

If I were just starting out, I'd personally stay away from the Pete's. Not because I don't like them, but because of the premium ya gotta pay to get one. I see the 379's on truck paper all the time and the prices seem absurd. Same with the w900. But that's just me.

I'd be looking for a reasonably priced mechanically sound truck to start. If it happens to be a 379, so be it. But I'd look at just about anything. Later on, once I'd be established, and financially sound, then I'd go get my dream truck.

 

The 379 we have really doesn't fit me really well. It's a day cab and I'm 6'2". The length they added on the hood, I think they subtracted from the cab. The W900 is the Cadillac when it comes to driver comfort. I like the old FL Classic though, it's not as nice of truck as the KW or the Pete but it's the one we bought new and it's been babied it's whole life.

 

I wish I had Pete 379, but I'm too tall.

 

I hope someone can actually give you the answer you're looking for. I will just say get what YOU want & be happy with it. You're going to spend a lot of time in it. I made the mistake of getting a used plastic freightliner because I thought it was the "smart" thing to do. I hate it! I like the fact I have a truck but I just don't like these trucks. I do get really good fuel mileage as long as it's not real windy & I drive 60 mph. But if I try to drive the speed limit (in most states) my MPGs isn't much better, if any,than the pete you're looking at. In my opinion, It's just not worth it to drive something you're not happy with. Also my opinion, if you're financial situation dictates you get something cheaper (more truck for your buck, so to speak) or get a more fuel efficient truck in order to stay afloat, then you should reconsider being an O/O. It doesn't sound like this is the case with you though. Get what you want & enjoy it and don't be afraid to dress it up if you want. You'll catch crap for that as well from the super financial guru truckers, but it's your money not theirs. Trucking can be a hobby & a business at the same time. I see it everyday & I've seen it for 20 years.

 

I would agree but the real hardcore people are those who are aggressive in their business, not their vanity.

 

I have a 99 379 and will keep it till I retire.
I guess I bought the wrong truck according to all the posters that don't have a 379 and wish they did.
Find a 99 or older with a Detroit, buy it right and fix it like you want it.
Cats are ok but if not rebuilt right they have liner problems and puke water. Twin turbos cost about 5k, high performance turbo for a Detroit is $750.

 

A step one overhaul is under $8,000 at Detroit, with warranty.

 

I'm in the buy what you like camp. Figure out what type of work you will be doing and the best specs for that work, then buy the truck that you like with those specs.

When looking for a truck the mechanical condition is paramount but don't overlook the cosmetics. The overall condition tells alot about how it was cared for.

 

Remind me again, how many trucks have you owned? Oh that's right..your waiting to get your cdl permit.

 

That's how all those old detroits were. I've had a 238, a 318, a silver 92, and a performance built 12v92. All of them run best at high rpms.