Trying to decide which truck to buy

Ok, I'm not new to this forum, just finally decided to register and make a post of my own after browsing and reading it for years. With that minutiae out of the way, I have been a company driver for 8 1/2 years. I got into this industty because of a love for driving, and the fact that I can't sit in a cubicle for 8 hours every day without going postal. About a year ago, a friend of mine offered me a 50/50 load split 1099 contract driving job. Every day driving his truck has been a learning experience. In about 6 to 8 more months, I should have enough saved up to get my MC and go buy my own truck. I have a solid business plan, due to the fact that my friend lets me see all the paperwork, load pay, etc. I also have an insider's look at pm costs, repair costs, etc. My question is more on the equipment side of things. I have read plenty of posts about new guys wanting the best trucks, shiniest chrome, etc, but for me, the things I'm most concerned about are quality, reliability, mpg, and ease of repair should something major go wrong when I'm out on the road, far from my shop. I'm not going to lie, there's a part of me that wants to go with a Pete or KW, just because they seem to have better resale value, and also seem to be more reliable (I don't see them on the side of the road as often as Freightshakers, Internationals and Volvos.), but maybe that's just due to the fact that most of those are ran by company drivers that couldn't care less about when the last pm was due or what the condition of the engine was during their pre-trip. I need some of you guys that have been owner ops for a long time to weigh in and give me your two cents. Much appreciated! Thanks!

 

I guess I'll narrow it down a bit. What is the nationwide network of dealers/repair shops like for KW and Peterbilt? Main reason for asking is that this Volvo that I'm currently driving has a nasty habit of breaking down during the weekend (usually air line issues, although I did have a high/low splitter valve go out on the transmission ON the Washington bridge in NYC). It's been hell trying to find parts for this thing at times. I know that whatever truck I end up getting will be in MUCH better shape than this money pit, but it's nice to know you have a decent network to rely on...

 

All the know how wasn't going to help, when I couldn't even get the part in the first place. But yeah, I've been learning. It's a slow process converting over from a company driver mindset. Even though technically I'm still a company driver. Just with slightly better pay.

 

Hahahaha. My fiance would love to ride in that one. I'd be the one cursing every time I had to fuel, scale, or park that big ol' sob. Not to mention the fact that I don't have moving or car hauling contacts set up...