Trying to decide between two single axle International day cabs. Opinions?

Discussion in 'Ask An Owner Operator' started by giannid, Feb 6, 2016.

  1. giannid

    giannid Light Load Member

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    Dec 6, 2015
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    I found two single axle day cabs for sale that are priced about the same and I'm torn between which one to get. Both of the trucks are in Alabama and clean. The first one is a 2009 International Prostar with 425 hp isx cummins engine with an Eaton 10 speed auto. It's off of a Penske lease and has been maintained well from the records they have. The truck has 522k on it. The second truck is a 2010 International 8600 with a 330 hp ISm cummins engine with an Eaton 10 speed in it. It's one of Kellogg's trucks and has hauled light trailers around all it's life. No service records on it but it seems well maintained. This truck has under 350 k on it. I know these weren't the best years for emissions but I'm probably going to have that omitted on them anyways. I really don't need 425 hp for this application as the load won't be that heavy. Just trying to debate if I should buy the higher mileage truck with the better engine/chassis or the lower mileage truck. I really don't need fancy but rather have something that's going to be better in the long rong. I'm turning one of these into a dump and probably will see 10 k miles a year mostly hauling light loads of gravel and occasionally pull a tag trailer with a machine. What do you guys think? Both are priced the same and will serve the purpose well.
     
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  3. mugurpe

    mugurpe Medium Load Member

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    Having driven those two myself, I'd opt for the 8600. I liked the dash/visibility/etc better. I think they also share interior and cab parts with the 4300 and other medium duty trucks so better for scrounging used parts when you need them. I think the 8600 was more developed for your application than the pro-star so there may be some unforeseen advantages. I also bet the 8600 has a tighter BBC measurement which may or may not matter for your application but always matters to me.
     
  4. sdaniel

    sdaniel Road Train Member

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    ISM I think doesn't have some of the issues of the ISX?
     
  5. giannid

    giannid Light Load Member

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    I was thinking the ISX is a better engine and that's why I might choose it over the other truck. The 8600 does seem like it's more suited for a city/short haul truck though. But the prostar sure is pretty.
     
  6. mugurpe

    mugurpe Medium Load Member

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    Arlington, MA
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    Ask your mechanic what's going to be cheaper for him to keep running for you. If there's no appreciable difference between the trucks value-wise, then you'll at least have buttered up your mechanic by taking his advice which is probably worth something at the end of the day...
     
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