Build or buy? Need advice

[RTOspeedwagn]

I have been looking at used trucks vs new and the prices range from mid six figures to way on down. I recently passed on a $10K FL Columbia tandem axle with 800K, dry box.It moved before I could inspect,Oh well... I am thinking this is rock bottom, pricewise, even if it needed work, in-frame etc. I have gotten some quotes to stretch a road tractor and put a box on it. Seemed high. What I am asking is with current prices would I be better off to build and spec/stretch a tractor or buy a used expediter, even if it needed major work, like $10K range repairs. Has any forum member made a recent purchase of a used expediter and or stretched a decent tractor? PS Do expediting companies have age limits on trucks like some OTR contracters do?

 

[Tempest]

We have 2 Columbias ( 1 '01 and 1 '04) and a Century ('04) that were stretched and 22' boxes added. We found the conversions to be well worth the money. As for 10k trucks, well, I would have to get it looked at by a trusted mechanic and even then would have to think long and hard before buying. Age is an issue. Panther is 10 years many others are 5 years.

 

[RTOspeedwagn]

Thanks Joe. I was quoted 15K$ for stretch and box. That seems high, but I dont have any clue to what labor and materials is involved.

 

[x06col]

RTO, there are combo's out there that are very, very economical, if you take time to look, and are patient. The last truck I fielded I "found" a 1992 9700 International flatop with 229,000 miles, factory built straight truck. Previous life wuz a chicken hauler, an recent life wuz a hauler of lighting equipment to the tune of 9000 miles a year. They are out there.