Need advice getting my 1st truck

I'm a Pete or KW guy. But I agree with others on here, at this point in time the older trucks are much better for o/o purposes. A well taken care of pre-egr motor, will make your life so much easier.

 

The only trouble is finding a good pre-egr truck. I know a guy right now with a well maintained priced to move '04 Coronado with a 14L EGR detroit that, were I in the market for a tractor, I would not hesitate to buy. The '03 thru '07 are also good trucks. Detroit any year, even later model emissions laden, never a bad choice imo.

 

Do you really only have 1 year experience and you want to spend your entire savings on a used piece of junk. What is the hurry? There will be cheap freight to haul when you get a little more experience. You have more savings, and your credit looks better. What's the deal with so many of you rushing into being an owner operator? Is it the money you think you are going to make. After 1 year you haven't even realized how shady this industry is.

 

Look around locally. Talk to people. Not all units for sale are advertised.

I bought an 01 T2000 for $12,500 locally, had an 00 Sterling lined up, and stumbled on an 02 FL Classic - for less than 15k - all within 100 miles, 2 of the 3 were not advertised. All pre EGR trucks, good condition.

 

When you get your truck whatever it is youll feel a boom hit your wallet

 

hey if your making at least 40 cent a mile and a you get garunteed 2500 miles a week ill atleast save for about 3 years atleast save about a 1750 a month

 

Pay off those debts first. $10K is not enough. Get to where you have that much after the down payment. A new truck won't be any more reliable than a used one. Maybe. Lots of emission problems with new trucks, electrical, fuel, so maybe shop very, very carefully for a good used truck. Not a fleet truck. Maintenance history, repairs and upgrades, be careful as you can. Best to you - owning as an O/O or I/C is so much better than a company driving gig it's hard to describe. Just clear those debts and get some cash even if you have to wait a little longer. If you don't need it, you'll be smiling. If you do, you'll be covered. Remember. The Superior Man always uses Protection.

 

I know i'm going against general opinion but here's my 2 cents.

You have limited cashflow.
Not enough savings.(should have the downpayment and at least 10 000$,preferly 20 000$ in savings)
I would not go with a older truck.
You have yourself stated that you cannot work on it yourself.
A new truck will give you around 3y to save up before the maintenance/repairbills have to be paid by you.(get a good warranty)
And are you shure you will not run CA or the ports who have restrictions?

Whatever you do in at this point in time your calculator is your most important tool.
Do the maths.
And before you sign on the dotted line with Lone Mountain,go see some dealers,they might have special deals.