So a question for some of you savvy o/o's

New trucks are what, $150,000 plus nowadays?

You can keep running a well maintained truck for far less money. Just because a truck is new doesn’t mean it’s never going to spend time in a shop.

 

By the time you get done with depreciation it’s about the same running old or new, personally, I like my old junk, 2000 and down is the way to to go I don’t want to live in or under it, so I am able to make it working less, and spending money to do repairs correct the first time, I wouldn’t even bother with an emissions truck though, especially if you are a guy that really wants to just drive the truck I would absolutely order a new one now, you won’t get it for 2 years any way at this point

I definitely won’t buy a used trailer again if I can help it.

 

Unless you buy this truck, it cost a wee bit more lol……

 

If it was me I would order a new truck. It will take a year before you even get it so you have some time before you will be putting in some money into that truck. If you want to keep it here is a couple pointers I learned from buying a Used 500,000 2014 Volvo D13.

1. When a sensor goes out like NOx or anything related to DEF system I would just get them all replaced at the same time. The others will fail shortly after and just cause down time.
2. Make sure you clean the DPF Filter at least every 400,000 Miles.
3. Replace Air Dryer Filters every year
4. Keep close eye on EGR and Stuff related to it. Will need it cleaned earlier than you think if you idled that truck.
5. Watch for air leaks that become a problem on a regular bases. Not sure how much it would cost or time to do it but replacing all of it might be a good idea after 500,000 miles. I have had to nickel and dime myself on it since I got mine. If had to do it over I would had done it all at same time.
6. Keep at least 30K for maintenance as you will use it up fast once things start going down.
7. Alignments when changing tires like always and really pay close attention to everything under the hood and frame. You may just get lucky enough and see it before it breaks.
8. Pay close attention to how your truck sounds and fuel milage. If things change make sure to have it looked at before it becomes a bigger problem.
9. Hopefully you have a good relationship with a local shop and they can help with ideas when you bring it in for PM service to stay on top of problems.

 

Also to give you some numbers with my truck since I owned it. This also includes a little bit with the trailer on all years.
2019 This included a Rebuild on the Engine with warranty
$56218
2020
$25207
2021 So far
$21000 area

So basically look for 25K or so a year.

 

That’s definitely true. I’ve run “old iron”, I’ve run used emissions trucks, and I’ve now run new trucks. For me personally, I highly prefer new trucks as they are cheaper to run and far far less headache. I don’t have the time or the want to anymore for working on trucks. It’s just a fact, for him he should order now because it takes forever to get them, if at all. In the mean time hope that things don’t start falling apart because they do. It starts at 300 to 350k and accelerated at 500k. Just the way it is.

I was actually trying to be helpful. Oh well.

You need ATLEAST 20k in the bank. I’d like to think that you could save up all this extra money in the next year and pay cash for the new one after selling the existing truck.

 

and this is why I don’t own a used pre emissions truck

 

From what I have gathered MIDWEST TRUCKER is a pretty down to earth good man. I would not take anything he said as bashing but just giving his thoughts and advice as he has been around the block and understands a lot.