Which year of truck is good/reliable?

4 months combined experience and you want to buy a truck.

I'm going to be at 4 years of experience in March and while I'm interested in buying one, I don't think I'm ready for that yet.

 

Hey guys, I don’t mean to hijack this thread, but I was wondering...

I rode a train at the zoo yesterday and it was pretty cool. Was thinking about buying one and starting my own railroad company. Do you guys recommend a diesel locomotive or should I go with an old steam engine to avoid all the modern electrical problems?

 

I bought a 2000 Freightliner, Cat C12 with 1.4M miles, no overhaul. 70K later, still no major repairs.

 

Mechanical diesels were around in the 40s. Maintaining a steam boiler is cost prohibitive these days, due to the lack of qualified service facilities and parts suppliers.

 

Steam they look cooler

 

Your post got my load interest. Why is 2004 the optimal year for Western Star? I spent about four hours going over a 2000 with a 3406e CAT. I declined to go forward with the purchase, because it had sat in a field for years (rat turds throughout the engine and in the cab).

Seems to me the best years would be before 2000, with verified pedigree (maintenance) AND a good result on a Dyno test. I would jump on such a deal if it had a CAT 3406b, Detroit Series 60, or Cummins N14.

 

Well said Driver!!!

 

Thanks for your input!

How many LED chicken lights do you think I could put on it without sacrificing power output?

 

That’s great advice and all, but how could a steam engine be difficult to maintain? Don’t you just pour water in it and turn it on?? I thought they were kind of like a tea kettle with wheels.