Thinking of buying a truck

There is no way I would take that offer. I don't know how much knowledge you have about the trucking industry. when I first thought about getting my own truck/trailer, I did not know a lot. asked a lot of questions & had a 25 year trucker/neighbor who held my hand thru the beginning. I bought a $15.000 truck. I did not know how it would work out & if it did not work out, well then I would not have that much money tied up & could probably get my money back rather quick if it was not for me, & if it did work out, I could always trade up later. a 600 cummins will get you down the highway & keep you in top gear on the hills, but it will cost you in m.p.g. and that could make a huge difference in take home pay. A truck with that many miles, has a lot to go wrong right at this time. new engine? fine. what about everything else? trans. rears, brakes,fuel lines,brake lines, there is just so much little stuff that can put you on the side of the road, waiting for a tow truck, or service truck that can cost you plenty.I am not trying to discourage you from buying a truck. I would encourage YOU to buy a less expensive truck. my guess is the looks of the w 900 has captivated you. good luck. Oh' by the way. I started out with a 95' intl coe for $1500.00 & a 94' flat bed. still have both, still trucking. over 11 years now. still have what I started out with. now THAT, i.m.o. is/was a bargain. take your time deciding. do not ever go on looks alone. best of luck.

 

What kind of fuel mileage has he been getting with that set up? It looks like he is willing to finance this if I am reading correctly. That's an awesome interest rate, that for certain.

Will you be able to get the freight to keep you going with that rig?

You'll have to figure out what your costs per mile would be to run that rig. With only 90K miles on the engine, the wrapper is barely off that thing, so as long as it is maintained properly, you won't have as much to worry about with the engine for awhile.

What other repairs/replacements have been made to the truck? Will you have the funds to set up something of a maintenance/repair account to start off with?

You have more to think about, but if you can get the freight to meet your costs and make a profit, I don't see a reason not to buy it. Ask the guy a lot of questions about the truck and trailer. Do your math to make sure you can make it work.

 

That is pretty good mileage. If the numbers work out, it would definitely be worth considering. You've been around the block enough to know the industry pretty well.

 

While 55k sounds like a lot as an entry level O/O--the payment isn't bad and the rate is good also--If this gentleman is what he is saying he is--this may actually be a pretty good bet--especially if he has some good freight and is willing to help you--the mileage on the truck would not bother me one bit especially with the newly done motor--big difference between a million mile fleet or 4x used truck and an O/O truck that has had ONE set of hands on the wheel--The big factor here--INHO--is this gentleman is 68 and has had enough--not someone going broke trying to get out from under--the payment plan interest and breakdown escrow he is offering--makes it very enticing--maybe a good way to get started without getting too beat up--I would tread lightly--defiantley get it all on paper--legally etc.(I know I hate lawyers too but in this case....just a thought?)
Just my $.02

 

I Would have him define minor and major! Sometimes minor will keep you in debt more than major. I have a 06 intl , bought truck for 23k, i did get a 2 yr warranty on engine and injectors, and a 1yr warranty on turbo. So, far i have spent 7k, for things warrany didnt cover. obtw i bought truck with 455k mi, in aug of 2010.