What do you get for your money

Higher resale value. As a business person, you MUST keep an eagle eye not only on expenses but on something called ROI, or return on investment. Equipment is an investment, and one of the considerations you have to keep in mind is the ongoing value of said equipment.

For example, a new O/O may look at an older Freightliner Columbia as a "starter" truck to get the business off the ground. Once he develops a reseanable net profit, he may look into an equipment upgrade (a newer truck, perhaps a Pete or KW). Now he has two trucks and will often look into offloading the extra rig. While he has earned profit from using the older truck, he will most likely take a loss on the sale of the older rig simply because old Freightliner Columbias do not hold value. They are cheap trucks, and common as dirt.

On the other hand, same O/O in the same situation who started with a higher end Pete or KW prior to upgrading will either take a smaller loss on the sale or even sometimes see a profit, depending upon model, condition, and buyer's desire for the truck.

It all comes down to your business plan and starting capital. If it was me, AND I had the capital, I would look into the highest quality truck I could get my hands on with the best resale value. Every aspect of your business needs to be considered on a cost vs. benefit (or profit) basis.

 

Every time I see them online with their high mileages all I can think off is that they're overpriced - rebuilt - and that they will need a lot of TLC. I like those trucks but I don't know crap about how to fix one myself so I'm not going to invest in equipment that needs babying. Newbies like me will be better off with something between 380k-680k original miles on the odometer. But anyways, I've seen 2008/9 peterbuilts with c15's that have mileage in the 6/700's for as low as $70k. Maybe the real world value would come from how well you take care of it and how much profit it brings you while still looking like a Boss!

 

The reason for the emboldened above is simply that those are the first years of the whole DPF/ emissions crap, and are known as some of the worst years EVER for hoods. I used to drive an '08 and the #### thing was in the shop almost monthly.
OTOH, anything older, and not only pre-emissions crap, but also less computerized the older you go. So not only easier for somewhat mechanically-inclined to work on, but those older engines were as close to bomb proof as one could get, IMHO.
YMMV.

 

FWIW, I'm currently in a '98 KW W900, and she's still able to burn the mile posts, with over 1.5 mil on the odometer.....

 

Don't just walk away from an 08-09 with a C15 in it run as fast as you can. Those motors have broken more than one fleet owner. The SDP cats were absolute pieces of ####.

 

Good to know!

 

""""Do these trucks have better materials used in producing them?
Are the more easily maintained?
Better corrosion resistance?
Better components?
More durable? """

Did some quick research:

Yes, corrosion resistant cab made from aircraft grade aluminum alloy with fiberglass roof.

Electrical wiring, plumbing, and hoses are installed in areas of the frame and around the engine to avoid corrosion, heat, and abrasions.
You've got aluminum cross members and gussets, easy add-ins.
The power distribution box is made simpler for you to work on.
Left hand side battery cradle for "maximum start voltage"
Huckbolts, torque hose clamps, stainless steel piano hinges on the bulkhead doors, all to keep it from rattling like a plastic modern truck.

I'd say yes, this truck was, is built to last for many years.

Last but not least, the thing a lot of people on this site mention is that working on a truck with these hoods allows them to get into the engine better to work on it.

Cons: heavier frame, more winddrag under cab.

Pros: better insulated cab, bolts on pannels for easier repair access.

Now let's wait for W900 owners for real life input!

 

Go buy an old international with a N14. You can get one for about 15 to 20k. I drive mine all the time while my 'show' truck sits in the barn. Since you're going older get one pre 99 so you can run paper logs.