Freightliner M2 112 sport chassis

Over priced

 

In my opinion, the mbe 4000 mercedes engine is a pos. Run away. I own one and it is garbage. Rebuilt at 560k, through a rod at 720k, overhauled used engine 33 grand installed. It's definitely not a million mile motor especially pulling any weight and I think the mountains will dig it an early grave.

 

Wow that's crazy expensive. That's Cat c15 money

 

Isn't that the truth. I bought a Volvo midroof with Detroit and super 10 for under 10k, put about 4k in it right away and ran it over a year trouble free pulling a Miller 7 car and it averaged 7.4 mpg over that time. An inframe is 8-10k from a Detroit dealer with nationwide warranty. It doesn't need one yet but I wonder how many of those it has already earned in that time? A few I'd say

 

Well considering that the repo yards are overflowing, looks like they're not. Other than that, the guys that are leased on to a big company seem to be doing OK in these crap times.

 

I can tell you what has worked for me. Work for others until you have kind of figured some things out specific to car hauling. Then only spend what you can afford. In my case I was planning to buy a used $100,000 refurb, but those plans changed along the way. I ended up building a new rig for just shy of $300,000. I owe nothing on the rig which helps take away the stress that comes with debt. I am not so sure that debt related stress wouldn't be a good thing for most people because it would definitely cause you to work harder. Many owner ops with my company financed their rigs and are still making a very good living. In my opinion if a company can finance a rig, pay drivers salaries, maintain a rig that is being driven by someone who may not care about its profitable operation and still make a profit then a business minded owner operator can also. It is a business and you have to try to do the things that the successful companies are doing. While I didn't really like working for Cassens Transport, I took notes while I was there and greatly respect their business model. Other than using a Peterbilt tractor, I built the type of car hauler that Albert Cassens would think could make him the most revenue. It has payed off in my case as I have a rig that will haul most every load that a Cassens truck could haul.