I'm not interested (or can afford) a new tractor as of yet, but I'm wondering about used trucks. Is this a good time to purchase? Are the prices low? Also how can you tell if a truck is of good condition/value? Lastly with cars, often the newer the better, but with trucks can an older vehicle be as reliable as a newer? Does milage matter when considering? How do you know if a truck is a maintenance nightmare? Lastly, with all the electronics now being put in trucks, how old can a truck be before your looking at something too old?
Noticed your post, and I just have to ask this question. If you're a student, why are you concerned with buying a tractor? Not knocking your curiousity, I'd be glad to offer some advice, but the first thing I'll say is that you'll need to see if you have work for that tractor long before you buy it. For those of us out here buying a truck for ourselves, you're not looking for a new truck. New trucks are upwards of $100,000.00 and trucking doesn't pay that well right now. It is a good time to purchase a truck, because sales are down across the board, and there are probably alot of good trucks that someone has lost due to the financial fallout. But here's the idea - financing is down just the same, and they're making it ridiculously hard to qualify for any truck loan even with solid credit. In my mind, buying a 2002 or older model truck is a sound idea because of the lack of 2003+ emissions equipment. I've posted this a bunch, but I'll post it here too. They're cheaper to fix, simpler, and they get better mpg. Feel free to search my other posts, as I go into more detail on it. I bought a 2005 thinking I would be better off, and I'd change that now if I could. An older truck can be more reliable, or as reliable, as a new one - it all depends on the truck model and how well it's been cared for. As with anything, simpler is more reliable. This is also where the work available comes into the question - it depends on what you plan to do with it. If you're going to lease on with a carrier, will they accept a truck that old? Mileage does matter, to a point. Most heavy trucks, when maintained properly, will last upwards of 750,000 miles before you run into major overhauls. But any truck past 600,000 miles should have some receipts already. As far as I've heard from some good sources (correct me if I'm wrong friends) most transmissions are good for about 600,000 miles; drive axles for about 1,000,000; most engines can run 1,000,000; and then there's the rest of the truck. So mileage isn't a key, but it does tell you what should be done, or what should've been done already. The way to tell if a truck is a nightmare is to find a friend that has run his own trucks, and ask him for help shopping. Without a seasoned O/O, there is no way I'd go truck shopping, and without work available, you won't know what to look for. There are so many other things to take into account, this post alone could be 5 pages long. So let's go this route - what do you plan to do with the truck? Again, I hope this helps, and best to you!
HwyPilot great answer and big thanks. You're right in that I have no business in considering a truck for my own. But I was very curious if trucks were like houses at the moment! As in too many on the market and dealers or banks just trying to dump them. I may not be ready, but I would think a few guys are wondering the same thing I am. And your answer nailed it so thanks!
I am still a newbie, however, my long term goal is to get my own truck. I know there are those of you who will tell me that I am crazy, the industry is bad and so on. Please save your fingers, I don't pay attention to those who say it isn't possible to get a truck and carve out a living. I pay attention to those who are doing and have useful advise for me. If that along the lines of what you, RonS, are thinking, then let me suggest you plan and get your training to set you up for success. What I mean, is that it may be of more benefit for you to seek being trained by an OO than just being a company driver for a big carrier. The OO will be able to show you more about the truck, and other in's and out's of the business. Good question and I am sure others are also interested.
Something to consider and thanks. I will train with Daly's here in N Georgia. Enough research has shown they are dedicated and well established. After that I assume I'll accept the best offer I get and at minimum stick it out for a year. I've found that if I work hard, honest to myself and others, I do okay. But man I've seen 2006 trucks with sleeper for sale for less than $30k, is that possible?
In school we learned on Volvos and Freightliners, 9, 10 and 13 speeds. Right out of school I started pulling reefer with a 13 speed FL. Now, I am pulling flats with a Peterbilt Falt top. Longer wheel base and maneuvers dfferently than the FL and Volvo's. I really like it, and, I think it looks cool too, LOL If I had bought a truck right out of school, I wold of probably bought a FL. It is what I was used to and all I knew. Today, I think I still have more to learn, and really want to know what I am going to be pulling before I buy a truck. Although, I am really loving the Pete and flatbedding. There is more to it than I first realized.
Great news that you got and like your job. I wish all us newbies luck and get a good start in this business. BTW Lavender, who do you drive for ?
Let's see,,it's kinda like getting drunk and picking up a prostitute,,if you are not carefull,you can get screwed,,and end up with more than you bargained for,,take someone with you that KNOWS trucks,try to get the lot to let you pull a loaded trailer if possible,,,and be sure to put at least 20 miles on it during the road test on various/different road conditions so you can notice anything that doesn't feel right..AND TURN THE STEREO/RADIO OFF!
