Buying a truck from Penske? DON'T DO IT!

Discussion in 'Lease Purchase Trucking Forum' started by TruckForSale, Sep 3, 2024.

  1. TruckForSale

    TruckForSale Bobtail Member

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    Apr 23, 2024
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    DO NOT BUY A TRUCK FROM THESE PEOPLE, YOU WILL REGRET IT. ESPECIALLY THE MOBILE ALABAMA LOCATION!
    My nightmare began 08/28/2023.
    I received an email that the truck was being brought in the shop for prepping. They cover their ### by saying it could take 4 to 6 weeks.
    09/01/2023. Received email from sales coordinator Nicole stating truck was coming into shop that day (BTW, Nicole was awesome throughout the entire process) and we would have a delivery date after the Labor Day holiday.
    09/05/2023. Received email with estimated ready date of 09/12/2023.
    09/13/2023. Received an email apologizing for the delay and stated they are waiting on a part. New ready date given 09/15/2023.
    09/18/2023. Received an email stating only thing left is detailing inside and out and some painting on frame.
    09/20/2023. Received an email stating truck was back from vendor and hoped to have ready next day.
    09/22/2023. Received an email stating there was an open RO on the windshield. Replied back stating that I would have the windshield repaired/replaced, I needed the truck. Received an email back stating the truck had not been paid for by the bank and they were requesting funding. Also, stated the truck was ready but there wasn't anyone available to do the final inspection.
    09/22/2023. Received an email stating funding was complete but still no one available to do the final inspection.
    09/25/2023. Received an email stating the manager had been out with the flu and truck would be ready for pick up the next day.
    09/25/2023. Received an email stating truck was ready for pick up.
    09/26/2023 09:00. Given key to truck and discovered truck was empty on fuel...literally on E, with warning light on. Asked for enough fuel to insure i make it to truckstop.
    After listening to moaning and grumbling from manager he told employee to put some fuel in it.
    09:38 got some fuel and headed out.
    Got on interstate and truck had a BAD vibration.... also pulling hard to the right to were I had to hold steering wheel to left to go straight and bracket for air deflector on top of cab had loose support bracket and deflector was shaking.
    Employee with CDL drove it and agreed there are serious issues so left it with them.
    09/27/2023. Received an email stating truck went to vendor for alignment.
    09/29/2023. Received an email stating truck was ready at alignment shop and they were picking it up and returning to repair the air deflector.
    * Side Note: later discovered the frame was bent so there was no way a proper alignment could have been done. Later I paid to have the frame straightened so that alignment could be completed by my tire dealer.
    10/06/2023. Received an email stating air deflector was getting a new insert (by an outside vendor) and truck should be back 10/09/2023.
    10/09/2023 4:47 pm. Received an email stating truck was ready for pick up. They didn't put much fuel in it first time I picked it up and I knew it had been driven to vendors for repairs so I asked them to please not give me the truck on empty.

    Picked up the truck...it was empty.

    Since taking possession of the truck I've done nothing but spend money on repairs, mostly due to poor maintenance. (A former Penske mechanic told me they pencil whip the service on their trucks and I believe it).
     
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  3. Peplow

    Peplow Light Load Member

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    Mar 28, 2010
    Ontario
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    Didn,t you look at the truck before you bought it ?



    Pete
     
    ElmerFudpucker, Eddiec and TheLoadOut Thank this.
  4. TruckForSale

    TruckForSale Bobtail Member

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    Apr 23, 2024
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    Yes I did, but they do not let you test drive it outside of their lot. The truck LOOKED good but poor service and lack of proper PMs doesn't show until you put it to work.
     
  5. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    12,495
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    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
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    Agreed - I’d never buy one in the manner you have.
     
    Diesel Dave, Crude Truckin' and Eddiec Thank this.
  6. Eddiec

    Eddiec Road Train Member

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    Feb 2, 2015
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    If they would not let you do a proper test drive - that is a walk away situation. Did you go through the maintenance history, do a ECM download, have your mechanic inspect it and get a RIGDIG report?
     
    blairandgretchen and ducnut Thank this.
  7. ducnut

    ducnut Road Train Member

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    Dec 31, 2010
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    Never buy a lease truck. They get the absolute minimum maintenance to get them through their service life.
     
    nikmirbre and Crude Truckin' Thank this.
  8. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

    10,507
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    May 28, 2009
    Rancho Mirage, Ca.
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    road test WITH a trailer, always
     
  9. lester

    lester Midwest's #1 Feed Hauler

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    Jan 2, 2012
    NW, Iowa
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    you bought a lease/rental/ fleet truck and are surprised the maintenance was minimal? are you also surprised every morning when the sun comes up?
     
  10. blairandgretchen

    blairandgretchen Road Train Member

    12,495
    64,082
    Dec 9, 2011
    South west Missouri
    0
    How much did you pay for that gem anyways?
     
  11. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

    3,188
    3,628
    Jan 12, 2011
    Levittown, PA
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    My last employer has left Penske over mega maintenance and repair issues and switched to Ryder
     
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