Used truck talk, need purchasing input

Ya I know the pipe your hauling, I'm not a Pete guy at all they don't have much cab room and hard to see around them. My main reason I run a Freightliner is I can go get parts M-F 8am - 10pm and sat/sun 8-5 or I can go into Houston and get parts 24/7 most parts are in stock or can get next day so I never have much down time. Rush is high$$$$ and M/F 7-5 and not just down the road,When it comes down to it all trucks are really the same cat,cummins,Detroit you can get any truck with the spec's you want it all comes down to what you like.

 

Does any of you experienced driver know how many miles during its lifetime a freightliner truck can go?
Where is the best state to buy cheaper used freightliners trucks?

 

I've got alot of trucks from www.donvanordenequipment.com/

the problem is you can buy these trucks for $20,k when something goes wrong with the motor drop a valve liner cracks bull gear goes bad etc its a $15,-$18,000 fix and could be down a few weeks most just go buy another and on the road the same week. I had a 2000 that lost a motor was quoted $14,680 to inframe it truck was worth $12,-$14,k I sold it for $8,500 and just went a got another truck truck for $18,500 that's the only problem with these trucks.

 

Seems like a lot of things to take into considerations! Thanks for the clues!

 

If possible, avoid engines with exhaust gas recirculation (egr).
A 2002 or older should not have egr. Some 2003 trucks don't have egr. Some do.
I have 2003 non egr pete 379. Dry weight is 18k. With fuel , tools, tire chains , etc it weighs 21k. A little heavy.
Pulling a tanker, lighter is better.
I like a 379. But the cab is narrow. Good trucks imo.
If you plan on going to California, you are gonna need a truck with a diesel particulate filter. 2008 and newer trucks have a DPF.

 

early acerts wasn't to bad, i'd still stick with a 6nz though