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First truck purchase

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by onetime42, Jul 31, 2019.

Page 1 of 6
  1. Jul 31, 2019 #1
    onetime42

    onetime42 Light Load Member

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    May 20, 2009
    Mobile, AL
    0
    After being a company driver for over 20 years I'm looking at buying my first truck. I have about $30K and want to buy a 379 Pete. I found one that has had quite a bit of work, 1988 379 with a 63" stand-up (inframe just under 200K ago with paperwork, rebuilt 13 speed and new rear) about the only thing it needs is a paint job. Not because it's too faded but I'm just not a fan of the color. My question is....is this truck worth it? And another thing that I'm not a fan of is the fact that it does NOT have an air ride sleeper. I'm guessing that can be converted but it'll be costly. Thanks for any honest opinions and help. Oh, I won't have to put this thing on the road right away. I'll still be a company driver for a bit so I can make whatever truck I do end up buying roadworthy. He's asking right at $30K btw. green 1.jpg green 2.jpg green 3.jpg green 5.jpg green 4.jpg green 6.jpg
     
    onetime42, Jul 31, 2019
    onetime42, Jul 31, 2019
    #1
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  3. Jul 31, 2019 #2
    OldeSkool

    OldeSkool Road Train Member

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    Jul 17, 2018
    New Hampshire
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    Sounds like the kind of deal i'd buy.
     
    OldeSkool, Jul 31, 2019
    OldeSkool, Jul 31, 2019
    #2
    onetime42 and exhausted379 Thank this.
  4. Jul 31, 2019 #3
    exhausted379

    exhausted379 Road Train Member

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    Dec 1, 2013
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    I'm an old iron fan. Take care of them and they will outlast the newer rides. You didn't list a price, but if you like it go for it.
     
    exhausted379, Jul 31, 2019
    exhausted379, Jul 31, 2019
    #3
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  5. Jul 31, 2019 #4
    onetime42

    onetime42 Light Load Member

    172
    114
    May 20, 2009
    Mobile, AL
    0
    I had to edit the post...It's up there now .$30K
     
    onetime42, Jul 31, 2019
    onetime42, Jul 31, 2019
    #4
    Intothesunset and exhausted379 Thank this.
  7. Jul 31, 2019 #5
    Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

    22,675
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    Dec 18, 2011
    Michigan
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    It depends, do a dyno and blowby and oa on all fluids to see where it is at.
     
    Ridgeline, Jul 31, 2019
    Ridgeline, Jul 31, 2019
    #5
    Intothesunset and onetime42 Thank this.
  8. Jul 31, 2019 #6
    johnnyman1099

    johnnyman1099 Medium Load Member

    362
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    Mar 13, 2017
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    Being an owner operator is about freedom and making money. The purpose truck may get 5 mpg at best. Most larger carriers will have an age limit on truck. If doing reefer and vans and lease on to a carrier, it will be hard to make money if the truck get less than 6 mpg.
     
    johnnyman1099, Jul 31, 2019
    johnnyman1099, Jul 31, 2019
    #6
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  9. Jul 31, 2019 #7
    Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    Aug 31, 2018
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    I concur. Sort of like trying to run a race while carrying a 40 lb sack. The cards are stacked against you.
     
    Midwest Trucker, Jul 31, 2019
    Midwest Trucker, Jul 31, 2019
    #7
    201 and MartinFromBC Thank this.
  10. Jul 31, 2019 #8
    Diesel Dave

    Diesel Dave Last Few of the OUTLAWS

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    Jan 20, 2010
    Hesperia, Ca.
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    Wait about till end of the year and I will sell you mine. 1994(in avatar). 3406E 550 BS file, BW stage 1 turbo. About 600k on inframe. 13 spd, 3:36 rears. Price? , same as the one your looking at.

    PS; has unibuilt sleeper(air ride cab and sleeper combined)
     
    Diesel Dave, Jul 31, 2019
    Diesel Dave, Jul 31, 2019
    #8
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  11. Jul 31, 2019 #9
    GreenPete359

    GreenPete359 Road Train Member

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    Oct 21, 2017
    Driving my recliner
    0
    With my flat top & a C-15 i get over 6mpg’s pulling a reefer trailer. It all comes down to weight, terrain, & road speed.

    Vineland, NJ to Syracuse, NY & back. 10k in the box on the way up 40-43k on the way back.

    Don’t knock the truck & tell a guy you can’t make money. You don’t know his situation or the deals he’s struck.

    Op. Looks like a sweet ride. I’d definitely do some more research on it. Get a good & trusted mechanic to check it out for you, get the dyno done, & get them fluids checked.

    As for the non air ride sleeper. Don’t worry about it. You’ll be okay without that. It’ll separate you from these sissy drivers we have today.
     
    GreenPete359, Jul 31, 2019
    GreenPete359, Jul 31, 2019
    #9
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  12. Jul 31, 2019 #10
    Pete jockey

    Pete jockey Medium Load Member

    502
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    Feb 28, 2015
    North of Pittsburgh Pa
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    Looks clean. As others said get it checked at a reputable shop.
     
    Pete jockey, Jul 31, 2019
    Pete jockey, Jul 31, 2019
    #10
    Intothesunset and onetime42 Thank this.
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