Engine Odometer vs Total Engine Run Time when buying a truck?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by sooopertrucker, Apr 25, 2019.

  1. sooopertrucker

    sooopertrucker Bobtail Member

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    Apr 12, 2019
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    Hey guys,

    When buying a used truck, how much emphasis would you put on the total Engine run time, and how would you value idle time?

    Example, I am looking at two trucks right now and here are their stats (other than stats mentioned, both are identical);

    1. 2016 Freightliner Cascadia Evolution
    Odo: 560,000 Miles
    Engine Run Time: 18,000 Hours
    Avg Speed: 31miles/hour (Assuming cruise speed of 62mph, this truck idles 50% of the time)
    Price: $48,000

    2. 2016 Freightliner Cascadia Evolution
    Odo: 480,000 Miles
    Engine Run Time: 10,000 Hours
    Avg Speed: 48miles/hour (Assuming cruise speed of 62mph, this truck idles 33% of the time)
    Price: $65,000

    What is this lesser idle time worth if anything when making a purchase?

    Secondary question: How do you test health of the after treatment system, for engine I understand you can test oil sample, blow by, compression test, and dyno. Are there any tests you can do before purchasing to similarly diagnose the after treatment system?

    Thank you
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
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  3. AModelCat

    AModelCat Road Train Member

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    How do you know it was idle time? Maybe one truck worked more regional than the other? Or spent more time pulling grades vs flat driving?
     
    sooopertrucker Thanks this.
  4. sooopertrucker

    sooopertrucker Bobtail Member

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    Apr 12, 2019
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    Both trucks are from same company, they ran usually from Toronto, ON to Greater Chicago Area.

    I understand there can be major variations, I am mostly interested in the general question; How do you value idle time, given similar circumstances and how do you test the after treatment system pre-purchase to see if the increased idle time has negatively affected the systems.
     
  5. DUNE-T

    DUNE-T Road Train Member

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    A typical first time truck buyer, chooses between half a million miles fleet dumped trucks
    (No offense OP, it's just very stereotypical)
     
  6. sooopertrucker

    sooopertrucker Bobtail Member

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    Apr 12, 2019
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    After the feedback on my first post I've actually decided to hold off on buying the truck for now, just browsing, seeing what's on the market and trying to figure out how to diagnose after treatment system prior to purchase.

    I suppose your suggestion would be to look for a o/o upgrading or getting out of the business? If so, I am looking for that elusive o/o.
     
    blairandgretchen Thanks this.
  7. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Apparently the Truck sellers have set the value, reflected in the examples. I’m assuming they’re both offered by same Party. From what I’ve heard, idle time has a very negative effect on the emmision control systems. However, I can say, I’d buy # 2 Truck, over # 1 because of price alone. And avoid idling.
     
    sooopertrucker Thanks this.
  8. Rideandrepair

    Rideandrepair Road Train Member

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    Keep looking, Soon to be some very good deals on low mileage repos and volutary turn ins. Dealers lots will be full of them. Any serious buyer will have their pick.
     
  9. Midwest Trucker

    Midwest Trucker Road Train Member

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    For the DPF there is a back pressure sensor that gives an idea of how soon until a cleaning is needed. That may be helpful to go along with a dyno. At least on a Cummins there is.

    Not a bad idea holding off as used truck prices are in the process of going down down down.
     
    sooopertrucker and Scottyotty1 Thank this.
  10. Ridgeline

    Ridgeline Road Train Member

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    This is why you get a full ECM dump, the idle hours are there to see.
     
    roshea and jammer910Z Thank this.
  11. LDLWells

    LDLWells Heavy Load Member

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    Those prices are a little high. I would keep looking
     
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