Looking to buy my first truck. Help please.

I'd buy big Cat C-15 or 16. I believe parts are cheaper for the 15 3406. The Cummins is a good motor also but the Cat is like no other. I don't think Cats make a highway motor anymore because of all the clean air freaks but it wouldn't stop me from buying another. The 475 is the same as a 550. I'd get a at least a 260" wheelbase Pete with an 18spd tranny with 355's. Call me crazy but I made lots more money with my Pete than I did with any other rig I've owned even though it cost me a few more bucks. There ain't no feeling. I rent cars from time to time and the ones that are not fun to drive stay parked unless I really need to use it.

 

I wasnt being an ### at all, I even spell-checked his quote, and wished him luck, since his spelling is bad, i was trying to help also, and make sure I was clear thats all

 

Don't let the naysayers get you down, Pete's and kenworths have a good reputation, don't know a darn thing about the others. Might just want to do a google search and try to find some expert reviews instead of smart Alec comments, best of luck!

 

Forner, what you need is a Freightshaker (Freightliner) with a Detroit 12.7 or 14L It's cheaper than Cat. You said you come from overseas, my dad was stationed in Panama and i grew up down there and lived for years. The buses for transportation were bought from US Schools like thomas built buses and ford. Every Bus that arrived in Panama, the bus owner first task would be to scrap the Detroit Engine and Install a Caterpillar and a spicer transmission. Those days diesel was .75 cents a gallon. So i noticed Detroit is not considered where you come from because if you want a truck with an economical engine, and an economical overhaul, Detroit today is that engine. I have a century and a detroit 12.7 and with todays fuel prices, thats the way to go even though im a caterpillar guy any day. Nothing compares to a cat but to operate in todays economy, i settle with the Detroit.

 

Dreams, aspirations and goals are great to have! Keep them in sight as well as in perspective. As for which trucks; well like the guys stated, going to depend on what you are hauling. I myself like the classics; Freightliner Coronado & Kenworth W900, of course I may have to update my thoughts and go with something newer for obvious legal reasons, fuel economy and so on, so I guess the new T680 would definitely do the trick. Cummins 500hp, 13 speed, 3:36 or maybe 3:42 ratio, loaded to the hilt. Of course my eyes still wanna travel to the days of big hoods, big chrome and plenty of power...

Good luck!

 

Totally agree about the KW's...( i never drove a PB) which did you drive JoeT?

 

Peterbilt 387 or 386. Cummins or CAT. 450hp minimum. In these 2 trucks I named, get a 10 speed. ALWAYS look for a truck with a APU. A APU will save you money! In Kenworth, buy a T600 or a T660. Same motor and tranny as the others I posted. If you find a W900, get a 550 Cummins with a 13 speed, 3.55 rears.

 

IMO, Driver Of The Year gave some great advice. This is your first truck and your going to pull dry vans. $30k is your budget. Buy a Freightliner with a Detroit motor. Sure Kenworths and Petes are great trucks but you will spend more for them and will likely have more miles. The Detroit will get better fuel economy and be cheaper to maintain. Go out and make your money for a couple years then buy your dream truck.