Looking for input on first truck purchase

What rust lol. That's typical BC/Alberta right there. Even my dad's trucks (which got washed spotless, inside and out every weekend) had minor surface rust like that. I wouldn't even concern myself with a bit of surface rust like that.

 

After getting some feedback I understand it's not a lot.

I guess my main concern is how do I stop it from getting worse and is it worth it paying $1500 to have it sandblasted and painted or is it something I can handle myself.
-1500 seems kind of low and I don't know how quality the work will be, dealership says that's what it costs them to do it and they'd do it for cost.

 

Yup normal wear and tear. I was expecting rotted out doors and stuff Haha.

I just had my cab back blasted and painted with Endura, looks good as new for $1200. Dont let frame, diff, crossmember etc rust sway you from a good truck. Not saying the star is the right truck, just that rust like that is no big deal

 

Also check on the idle hrs.

 

The small acident you mentined for WS, would be a deal breaker.
I got burned purchasing a truck that was in small accident, after few months i noticed uneven tire wearing, later to find slightly bent steer axle and frame problems .
I"m not saying Volvo is better deal, im at 3rd Volvo, first was automatic, and i would never again buy automatic used truck, another reason I wouldn't touch the WS. The Eaton 13 manual on Volvo is way more reliable on long term, I just changed oil on my last one 4-5 times in 1.8 mil miles , and this one i have 1.3 mil, oil change only.
Inspect the bullgear and injectors if you go for Volvo D13, but I would keep shopping, look on kijiji, many sold by owner, risky but unlike dealers you can better negociate the price.

Volvo 780s
Kijiji Canada

Western stars
Kijiji Canada

 

Id lean toward the Volvo if those were the choices..

I really like the 5700 but hate that 15 liter boat anchor they put under the hood. I liked the dd13 a littler more than the 15, but it’s still inferior..

Not a fan of that dt12 either... it’s not even in the same league as the i shift..

I own a Volvo but am far from a fanboy..I like the 5700 and would be googly eyed for one with a big red motor in it specd right..

 

Got till monday afternoon to make the decision on the WS or lose it.

I would also pick the Volvo because of the cab and manual transmission, but the WS price is a huge contributor. In the months I've been looking for a truck I've never seen a truck 10-15k below market in this great shape.

And to throw another wrench in, just today I found a listing for a Cascadia with almost identical stats as the Volvo (730,000 Km, 80,000 price, DD15 455HP, DT12 Direct Drive, 2.64 rears)

All I ever read is that the DD15 is the king of the emissions engines, why do you think it's inferior to the DD13 and even more inferior to the Volvo motor?

When you say the DT12 is not in the same league as the I-Shift, what do you mean? I've driven the DT12 but not the I-Shift. The DT12 I drove felt smooth and shifted well.

 

What I mean is you are looking at a limited market but still very large one, so to ask about just two specific trucks seems to leave out the thousands of others on the market that could be better. To me meeting people who want to become owner operators with a couple years in the seat, they seem to get all involved with a couple of trucks and get upset when neither of the trucks are worth what they think they are.

You got the due diligence right by the way.


Oh and tell you my preference.... western star. I have owned a bunch and a couple volvos and still buy WS for my heavy work.

 

Why?

Is it sold?

Do you have an option to purchase on it?

You make decisions not in hast, if there is pressure to purchase, walk.

 

I'm looking for someone to take over my lone mountain lease. Its a 2015 prostar with 343,100 miles on it. Nothing is wrong with the truck I'm just tired of being otr. The remaining balance is $54,340. I am willing to cover down payment if they require one from new buyer. Email is grahamprecious@yaboo.com.