Intermodal - How's everyone doing?

Arrow right off 55 in Bolingbrook? Did the truck come with warranty?

 

Yes warranty i do have. But both these issues werent covered.

 

Wow, that sucks. Hopefully it gets worked out quick for you man.

 

It's a used truck, the aftermarket warranties are worthless......they exclude most of what brakes, and then, what brakes the first year you buy it, are, generally, wear and tear on parts that are 4-10 years old (depending on the truck you buy)....

The first year of owning a used truck you should be prepared to spend 3-30K in delayed maintenance....these Class 8 trucks DONT like to sit........

2nd year it will be less and by the third year, your maintenance costs should stabilize......

 

You always could get a unicorn though!!!!

 

Either use the shop, or use someone else, but keep in mind these things:

1. The shop will deduct your repairs weekly from your settlement, at 0 INTEREST!!!! (Keep your reserves liquid!!!), and their shop rate of $75 per hour is competitive, especially since Joe generally only charges for time WORKED, NOT BOOK TIME!!!......and he will NEVER take more than a reasonable, mutually agreed to portion of your settlement.

2. The shop tends to specialize in Freightliner, Volvo, Detroit and Cummins....(says the odd duck who just sold a Detroit for a Cat!!!).

3. The more of a pain in the a.. you are with the shop, the less inclined they will be to accommodate you (this is for ALL shops!!!!).

4. Whatever shop you end up using, STICK WITH IT as they will know EXACTLY what's been done to YOUR truck.

5. Never, ever EVER use stealerships unless it is ABSO####INGLOUTLY NECESSARY!!!!!!!....they are HORRIBLE and will ROB YOU BLIND!!!!...on labor and parts swapping......!!!!!!

6. Joe gets VERY good pricing on parts (believe me, I've checked!!!!!).

7. Even if you end up liking whatever mechanic or shop you end up using, educate yourself on your equipment, even good mechanics don't know EVERYTHING!!!! and there will be little things you can do yourself.



Good luck!

 

WORD.

@RERM hit it on the spot.....

It makes no sense to take your truck to the dealer unless your #### is covered by warrenty. You have to be absolutely insane to take your truck to the shop if you have no warrenty. Welcome to the owner operator life brother. Also... kudos to them for letting them use a lender until you get your #### fixed.... Let everything take its place. Btw... the difference between a in-house shop and a dealer will be thousands of bucks. Dont do it. I've had my truck sit in the shop for a couple of days before... #### happens man. One issue can lead to another... and that issue will lead to another... well you get my point now, i hope. If your expecting a quick fix/temporary, then there's alot of shops on 47th street or who excel in that, LOL.

 

One more thing, and, I almost wish this was a sticky at the top of TTR....it is one thing to have a Manufacturers Warranty, it is another ENTIRELY to have an aftermarket warranty (worthless).

This is a lesson, I learned (like so many others) THE HARD WAY.

 

Class 8 trucks, especially, USED Class 8 trucks, are like little girls......you have to buy them something new almost every week!!!!

 

Currently my truck is ALMOST caught up on maintenance and updates, by the end of the year, I want to ramp up preventive maintenance (changing things that are not broken, yet)....

Honestly, if you expected to just get to the yard, turn the key and go drive, every day, without a hiccup, then perhaps this was not a good idea...You just bought a used truck, not only are there wear and tear items, but, it's a 4 year old truck that's been used, and hopefully not abused. Everything will have to be repaired or replaced over the next 5- 10 years.....

Take it easy, make some money and start a maintenance and update plan.