What to look for when buying an used truck?

That's a tough question because there's so much to look for no one could ever even put a dent in that an internet forum post.

Anything that you seriously would consider buying you really need to bring an experienced mechanic with you that knows what he's looking for. It is absolutely well worth the money.

I myself would avoid buying a truck from a dealer that you don't have maintenance records for. You really do a lot better finding an owner operator that's going out of business that took care of his truck, or maybe a small Fleet that really kept up with the truck but now they're upgrading but they have all the maintenance records for you.

 

The rule of thumb is, nobody sells a truck that’s making money. There’s some exceptions to the rule- like; someone done so good he’s retiring or someone’s selling because of health issues. Etc.

Buying used fleet trucks is a big gamble. Fully compliant emission trucks in my experience rarely make it over 600k miles with out needing medium to major engine work due to increased soot and friction issues + abandoned emission issues (3k$ dpf and doc filters), wore out expensive vgt turbos do to emission system neglect, etc. I think the best way to get a compliant emissions truck is to buy new.

Now, shopping for pre emissions is tough too. Because almost nobody sells a truck that’s making money. They keep em, and keep fixing em back up! If we were in the same place at the same time I could show you some things and probably start exposing issues if any right away.

It’s kind of one of those things that come from years in business, once you put in the time, experience and money into resolving certain issues- it’s makes it easier to spot these reoccurrences

For what it’s worth. The very first truck I got, I didn’t even know what motor I got. I just got a peterbilt because it was an x prime inc truck and I knew they didn’t idle and are fuel savers who preach driving the truck easy. I didn’t know motors, brakes, bearings, steering, tires, electrical, emissions or none of that. BUT, that not knowing stuff had to change quick.

 

Freightliner would be easier to find parts for and cheaper to work on. I think a Volvo would be a nicer truck tho. I've never ran a Volvo but if you get a Freightliner i'd recommend the FLD 120 or the 132 Classic XL. Their built tougher than a Century or Columbia. I'm sitting in my Freightliner Century right now, and its been a good truck but the interior is just built really cheap

 

Look around and when you find a prospective Truck, post it up w/ specs, miles, Maint. etc. You’ll get real life advice on potential problems, what to look for etc. Trucks and Drivelines have a wide variety of problems Today. Some just plain junk.A dealer warranty history, oil sample, dynos are good since you usually can’t hook up to a heavy load and test drive one.Keep looking, pricing and be patient, Soon you’ll Know exactly what you want and wether it’s a good deal

 

Buy something dependable at a reasonable cost. I wouldn't go steep on the price tag. When you do purchase, try to get a mechanic to come out and scope out the truck from the dealer. Obviously don't trust dealers. Test compression and all the works etc. Once you get your butt in that seat, get yourself out of debt. Operating costs of that truck will sink you if you don't manage your $$. You can make great money in trucking if you hustle. Also when you do maintenance. AVOID MECHANIC SHOPS. I found a mechanic who is old, bad back, bad hip. I love him. He teaches me everything on fixing my truck. Learn to fix your truck.

 

I agree, I bought my first truck before I started driving. It was a dependable truck, but the emissions, DPF system was a total pain in my... It's been 2 years now and the truck would have been flawless if it wasn't for the hassle of the #### DPF system.

So, I found a farmer who had an old truck in his barn. I bought cash for it and I'm rebuilding it. 1996 Peterbuilt with a 3406e 13 speed.

 

Generally speaking.The best yrs IMO 95-02. After that most improvements are just over engineered European style changes. Making repairs complicated and costly.

 

I think a good place to start is learning which Trucks not to buy. My 2cents 10 yr old Internationals with Cummins. Lots of cheap ones on market for a reason.

 

Aww man thats the perfect setup!!!! Wish I had one