Opinions/what to look for, on this truck. 2012 Freightliner Cascadia.

Interesting, good idea.
I visited the Mack/Volvo dealer, International dealer, and Cleveland Bros Cat yesterday, talked to service, NOT sales, asked if any particular issues, or reliability issues, on the major motors.
Mostly, they agreed that most issues stem from DEF/DPF system or other truck issues, not so much motor issues, and idling was a major factor.
Mack said MP7-8 are pretty good, they don't see many in their shop, and surprisingly, better than Volvo, even though they are basically the same. They can now clean DPF, used to have to send them out, or replace.
Cat said Cummins (they work on all) was probably better than most, and not much Detroit support in my area. They did get the DAVY system for Paccar.
IH mechanic also said Cummins, stay away from Maxxforce, which I already knew.
Local Peterbilt dealer left area several years ago, so Paccar support is questionable, at least an hour away, and most of our current Pete's have lots of sensor and electrical issues, and seem to spend weeks at a time at Peterbilt. I found a real nice, low mileage KW, former water hauler, setup just like I want it, but Paccar motor. I'm going to try to get service records for it and see if it's a problem child.
Interestingly, IH and Mack both said new trucks were having more problems than older ones.
I need a truck that will work, not sit in the shop!
I think I'm going to bump my price range up to $50k and get something a little newer, just have to make payments a little longer.

 

Yeah, no APU, daycab.
It looks like my best option at this point is the Mack Pinnacle 505hp, 10spd, 263k, $29k. Trying to get more info on it now.
Plain Jane, but I need it to work, not impress the ladies.

 

Shouldn't need injector/cups at 263k, around 4-500k maybe, but will check.
Will check into the idler gear too, thanks.
I could spend about $10k more on a 2012 KW T660, Paccar 455, 13spd, 275k, real nice truck, was a fresh water hauler, so already set up for tanker. Nervous about the motor, not the best rep, but hopefully issues have been handled/updated. Will get records.

 

I know that Volvo/Mack are built by Volvo, but there are some other differences between them.
So far what I know about the KW is it was built 07/11, so it's an early one, and should have the 2010 emissions package, I'm hoping it is not as bad as 2014 package. Waiting for dealer to get records for me, hopefully that will tell me if it was a problem child. I will also call the previous owner, and see what they say.
They have several identical trucks, varying mileages.
Part of me says "If I'm going to go O/O, get a nice truck", the other part says "go as cheap as possible, pay it off, and make money".
Either way, the truck will be paid off in under 3 years.
I'm 61, the plan is to drive my own for 5 years, or so, until retirement. The KW should be worth more at that time, to resell.

 

Well, the search ends. I just bought a 2016 Volvo, 435hp, 10 spd. They were listing them for around $40k. Got it off auction for $25k. 514k miles, very well maintained, not abused, former Sheetz truck. Even when those annoying little issues pop up I should have enough left to pay for them. Volvo wasn't my first choice, but I've driven them and been happy, and there is a dealer right near my home.
Wish me luck.