How do I Buy a truck?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Chi Town Steers, May 12, 2025.

  1. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Heavy Load Member

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    I have very little experience so I want to know what I need to look for when I buy a truck. I’ve only driven freight liners. I want to know which make model and price point is best for a used truck. I’m thinking a T680 with around 550,000 miles for $59,999. But I don’t know anything about them.

    How good of an idea is it to buy a truck right now?

    Also how easy is it to live off load boards?

    I heard on YouTube operating expenses should be under $1 mile easily.
     
    austinmike Thanks this.
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  3. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    Under $1 a mile? By the time you buy fuel and pay yourself you’ll be near $1 a mile. Then you have maintenance, insurance, truck replacement, and all your other expenses.

    Nevermind the current market, but buying an emission truck with 550k on it will be buying someone else’s problems. There’s a reason the first owner got rid of it at that mileage.
     
  4. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Heavy Load Member

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    It was a fleet vehicle.
     
  5. Gearjammin' Penguin

    Gearjammin' Penguin "Ride Fast-Truck Safe"

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    All respect, Chi, but even if the freight economy were blowing up (which it ain't) you haven't been doing this anywhere near long enough to be contemplating this path.
     
  6. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Heavy Load Member

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    How long do you think it takes before someone is ready?
     
  7. MJM

    MJM Light Load Member

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    Screenshot_20250512-162818.png
    You post this and then ask about buying a truck? Did you fall and hit your head real hard between then and now?
     
  8. Blu_Ogre

    Blu_Ogre Road Train Member

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    I do not know of any Manufacturer that will write a warranty out to 500k. Most you pay way too much to get 400k.

    That would be the reason the fleet dumped that thing.

    That is way too much money for a truck that may require about $30,000 to $50,000 engine rebuild very soon.

    Unless it has a recent documented rebuild from a reputable shop, with a nationwide warranty from that shop, I would not touch it.

    RigDig, Oil test, review of all service records, and 3rd party dyno test would still be required by me before any kind decision could be considered.
     
  9. Long FLD

    Long FLD Road Train Member

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    Even worse. It’s doubtful it’s had any preventative maintenance done on the emission system.
     
  10. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Heavy Load Member

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    No I just think I can do it cuz I’m creative and I think the capitulation is coming very soon so I want to buy at the bottom
     
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  11. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Heavy Load Member

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    Oh yikes
     
    Oxbow Thanks this.
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