I'm in the market for a Tractor Trailer

kangar0085 · Jan 28, 2007

I'm shopping for a tractor and I would love to get everyone's input on these forums because there are some experienced owners and drivers here. I'm leaning toward getting a new tractor because I believe getting a used one will hurt me in the long run. Anyone thinking otherwise please post your opinions. What are the best new tractors Freightliner or the Volvos? Why should I consider buying a used tractor and which ones used are most reliable? All suggestions are appreciated.

davekc · Jan 28, 2007

Unless you REALLY know what your revenue stream is, I would drive for someone for a short while, or buy a used one. Then you can buy a new one that meets your budget and the job your doing.
Much safer than a deep plunge into the unknown.

Davekc
owner
22 years
PantherII
EO moderator

flatbedin · Jan 28, 2007

The general term tractor is not enough info.. Before I would give an oppinion I would want to know what you are hauling, Team/Solo, regional runs, cross country?? There are too many variables when buying a tractor other than just the name on the front of it..

babs3361 · Jan 28, 2007

We bought a used 2000 Frtliner tractor in Nov. 2002 with 300,000 miles. It has a detroit 500 60 series. We have been O/O for 17yrs now but this was our first time in expediting. We have always bought used trucks and have found that it works very well for us. Look around for a good one. OOIDA has list of what buyers should look for in a used truck. We just hate the big tax and depresation (sp)on a new one. Its like throwing money out the window. On this truck we have spent very little money on repairs only general maintence. We have 979,000 and just did a rebuild on it because it was getting tired and using some oil. Also if you get a detroit rebuilt before a 1,000,000 miles you get a 2 year parts and labor warranty with it. We run team. Everyone has there preference on what to do but the most important thing is to now your cost of operation and knowing what you can afford in payments. We always pay cash for our trucks, so when things get rough out here we know we will have our most important tool to keep running the truck. Good luck in whatever you decide.

arkjarhead · Jan 28, 2007

ryder has some good used tractors for sale with warranty on some. freightliners are good rides but i'd steer clear of buying one from their selectrucks div. heard to many horror stories. dad got a truck thru barloworld freightliner got a good deal and has been treated good.

nightcreacher · Jan 28, 2007

There are alot of different opinions between new and used
1st and foremost,if your just getting into expedite,I would go with an owner for few months to get my feet wet,expedite is nothing like you've ever done before.
Now about the truck,my accountant hates when I buy a new truck,more write off on used,but also more down time.
In this day and age,the smart truckers depreciate over three years,and trade also in three years,of course,thats with a new truck,then your down time is less,and and you dont have to worry about on the road breakdowns.
Granted if you buy used,the payment is less,but the upkeep is much more,and you never know when something is going to break
Hard to sit away from home,getting truck fixed,wandering where next payment is going to come from

snowbird74365 · Jan 29, 2007

hi,
i prefer the volvo's they are the safest truck out there. they ride nice,

snowbird

kangar0085 · Jan 31, 2007

Nighcreacher has convinced me. I don't plan on expediting I plan on going solo cross country to keep it running. I'm still an amateur so I don't know where requirements are gonna take me but I would prefer solo over team.