Opinions on New Truck Purchase

[pitchman]

Good morning!

I'm in the final stretch for purchasing my first truck and sure would appreciate some feedback. (Besides DON'T DO IT!!)
I've narrowed it down to 3 possible choices.

http://www.expeditersonline.com/am/listings/l0059.html

http://www.expeditersonline.com/am/listings/l0055.html

2005 INTERNATIONAL 7500
• 6 SPEED ALLISON AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
• INTERNATIONAL HT570 310hp/1050 lb/ft ENGINE. WET TYPE
CYLINDER SLEEVES
• DIAMOND LOGIC COMBINATION ENGINE AND EXHAUST BRAKE
• CB RADIO WITH DUAL ANTENNA
• AM/FM CD WITH WEATHERBAND
• AIR-RIDE SUSPENSION
• DUAL AIR-RIDE SEATS HIGH BACK WITH HEADREST
• HEATED MIRRORS
• DUAL 70 GALLON FUEL TANKS
• POWER WINDOWS AND DOOR LOCKS

Since we'll be on the road for 4-6 weeks at a time, comfort is important but so is reliability and longevity of the equipment. I've heard people mention sleeved engines or not etc. and want to make sure that with proper maintenance I will be able to maximize the use of whatever truck I choose. My budget and time situation unfortunately do not allow me wait more than 2-3 weeks to get the truck and it can not exceed $114k.

As always, the real world experience from everyone is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[merkurfan]

It's all up to you, however dual 70's might be a bit small. I know lots of guys running dual 100's or 125's.. Also sadly, a lot of drivers are looking to get out from under payments on a truck. Be sure you plan ahead to make sure you don't have that trouble. Also there are alot of used trucks that are 1-3 years old that might fit the bill for you just as well at a much lower cost. Plus, once bought, your good to go. No waiting for one to be built. 2-3 weeks is a short time to build a truck to spec and my guess is the builder might cut some corners.

 

[davekc]

If just starting as mentioned, I would go to a used vehicle. The trucks you reference are priced way too high if that is what you are going to pay. If going new, I would really negotiate these prices down.
Davekc
owner
20 years

 

[The Gibster]

They all seem like very good trucks that can keep you out there for a while in comfort, and that equates to big moohlah.

Here's our observations - we've driven all of them except the International model you're noting. An earlier model though drove great, was very solid.

I've heard issues about the Mercedes engine - not enough techs in the field at the dealerships to fix your truck if needed. That was verified by a service mgr at a frtlnr dealership, but he added it is expected to get better this year as more are trained.

We really like the visibility in the M2! But the new dashboards in the Sterlings and IH's and M2's made it hard for us to find or add storage for our clipboard, mapbooks, logbooks etc.

ALSO, the King Leisure is a walk-thru sleeper. We recently drove a Sterling with a Bentz sleeper that you had to duck and crawl thru. We're used to our 96" AA Sleeper. We bumped our heads a bunch over the week!

The Cat engine is tried and true, and the Allison's have been used in Motor Coaches successfully for years.

My advice is sit, feel, drive, judge which one you'll feel the most comfortable in for long periods. All trucks have certain flaws, and all trucks will break down sooner or later. But how you feel after 6 weeks on the road will make the difference in how you perceive your truck.

GOOD LUCK! See ya' on the road!

The Gibster

 

[pitchman]

>It's all up to you, however dual 70's might be a bit small.
>I know lots of guys running dual 100's or 125's.. Also
>sadly, a lot of drivers are looking to get out from under
>payments on a truck. Be sure you plan ahead to make sure you
>don't have that trouble. Also there are alot of used trucks
>that are 1-3 years old that might fit the bill for you just
>as well at a much lower cost. Plus, once bought, your good
>to go. No waiting for one to be built. 2-3 weeks is a short
>time to build a truck to spec and my guess is the builder
>might cut some corners.

I agree that 70's might be a little small but personally I think they went with smaller tanks to keep the weight down since they put a 96" sleeper on the truck. (I could be wrong.) Since all 3 trucks are already completed, all I need to do is make the best decision and I can pick the vehicle up immediately. Why are so many drivers looking to get out from under their trucks? Not enough freight? Gas to costly? (Both?)

 

[pitchman]

>If just starting as mentioned, I would go to a used vehicle.
>The trucks you reference are priced way too high if that is
>what you are going to pay. If going new, I would really
>negotiate these prices down.
>Davekc
>owner
>20 years

I would love to know what is a good price for the vehicle I am looking at. I have tried to get an idea but unfortunately there are no sites that will give me the dealer invoice on the trucks. When I purchased my SUV I used edmunds.com and saved almost 8k but I feel blind when trying to negotiate a good price on this truck.

Any assistance would be GREATLY appreciated!

 

[pitchman]

>They all seem like very good trucks that can keep you out
>there for a while in comfort, and that equates to big
>moohlah.
>
>Here's our observations - we've driven all of them except
>the International model you're noting. An earlier model
>though drove great, was very solid.
>
>I've heard issues about the Mercedes engine - not enough
>techs in the field at the dealerships to fix your truck if
>needed. That was verified by a service mgr at a frtlnr
>dealership, but he added it is expected to get better this
>year as more are trained.
>
>We really like the visibility in the M2! But the new
>dashboards in the Sterlings and IH's and M2's made it hard
>for us to find or add storage for our clipboard, mapbooks,
>logbooks etc.
>
>ALSO, the King Leisure is a walk-thru sleeper. We recently
>drove a Sterling with a Bentz sleeper that you had to duck
>and crawl thru. We're used to our 96" AA Sleeper. We bumped
>our heads a bunch over the week!
>
>The Cat engine is tried and true, and the Allison's have
>been used in Motor Coaches successfully for years.
>
>My advice is sit, feel, drive, judge which one you'll feel
>the most comfortable in for long periods. All trucks have
>certain flaws, and all trucks will break down sooner or
>later. But how you feel after 6 weeks on the road will make
>the difference in how you perceive your truck.
>
>GOOD LUCK! See ya' on the road!
>
>The Gibster


Everyone is telling me that the Sterling Acterra is the most comfortable and luxurious ride on the road. (But they warn me about the throw-away non-sleeved engine) In your opinion, what would be the best choice for comfort and reliability?

 

[Broompilot]

Steerling is a nice Truck. I personally Drive the KW not as luxurious, from this site nobody ever said they were unhappy with one. Time and time again I have drivers come up to me (Expeditors) I use to own one just like this and wish I never sold it.

This said I am very very pleased with the KW product and for about 14K less than what you were quoted. With many more options such as Duel 120s Auto landing Gears top of the line Van Body Bentz with everything but a shower.

You are looking at more HP than me but it has never been an issue with me or my loads.

Down side small cab but I make do. There is a picture of it on this site somewhere just do not know where.

 

[Broompilot]

Also you said time restrictions. Do not be in a rush for this. Even if you do not have a job right now. Rushing you will only be dissipointed later and the savings for waiting will far exceed the income you will loose.

Research all of your options New, Used, Financing everything. And they are right Twin 70s is to small min 100s.

 

[The Gibster]

The Aceterra can be the smoothest, and maybe not. I've driven the Sterling with the MB and a 6 speed and almost wrote to Sterling Corp to tell them it was the smoothest shifting, running and driving vehicle I had ever been in. It was fantastic. However, it was a brand new Cab & Chassis I was delivering.

This past week we drove a 2003 with a 72" sleeper, and a 22' box. It shifted smooth, but that was it. It rode like a buckboard, the SEARS airseats were soft on damping, I got beat up on every bump in the road. But the lack of storage up front and immediately around the copilot seat got our thumbs down.

Remember, it was a shorter truck than what you're talking. And much lighter. But a full gross load didn't help smooth it out.

We then drove a stretch 8 IH with a mid roof but walk thru sleeper. Tandem rear axles, Detroit 60, it was solid, comfortable, and ran!
It immediately reminded us how we missed our walk thru, and our National Seating air rides.

We almost bought a new truck, but opted out and bought a new engine as you know. But we had decided that the only way we would go new was with a walkthru and something other than MB in an M2, and preferrably not a Cummins.

If it were my choice, I'd buy the M2 with the Cat, then go to WalMart on the way home and buy a PortaPotti (you'll thank me later)

Also think about the temperpedic type foam matresses. We've been out for 3 months before and that's the only way to go.

Remember, these are my opinions, and although long winded I've tried to tell you my reasons for those opinions. It's gonna be you're money. I appreciate your asking but try to make a decision you will feel really good about.

Good luck, it's a big decision. I know, we were there just last month. It'll make ya sweat!

The Gibster

 

[merkurfan]

Earlier it was asked. why are people selling their trucks? lack of freight? High fuel costs? The awnser is both. And some just don't want to run anymore. The higher cost of fuel has cut in to profits as rates have not changed much. Can you still make money? you bet you can. But you have to know how to run a lean operation. Heck, I run a extended cargo van not a lot of room in here. With my sleeper setup I actually have a 5 foot sleeper and cab area I can stand up in! Of course with 2 pallets it shrinks to 24 inches but I still have a place to sleep. I've also got a microwave, fridge, hot plate and a small sink. All stripped from a junk RV. I *never* eat fast food any more. That saves a person a LOT of money. (not to metion inches on the waist line)

 

[LDB]

I am in the Acterra and knowing what I know now would not do it again. The ride is rough. The seats are not good. You can either put in enough air that it won't slam down and hit bottom but then it will hit top and you'll keep going up and out of the seat or you can let out enough air so you don't fly out the top but then you'll slam down and hit bottom. There's no middle area, at least not with my 5'9 200# frame in it.

It ran great the first 10k miles or so but then the power dropped off and it dropped about 10% on mpg as well. I've had it looked at 3 times and spent money on new fuel filters etc. but can't get it back where it was.

Six speeds aren't enough in the transmission. The rpm swing between gears is too great. It just shifts into 6th at about 60-61mph but if you drop back to 57-58 it drops back into 5th.

There isn't enough hp/tq when running near max gvw. You'll hear talk about how it just zooms up the hills accellerating and passing everything as it goes. Maybe someone's does but not my power lacking unit.

On the flip side I'll say the Bentz sleeper is very comfortable. In my next unit I'll go with a larger refrigerator and less cabinet space. Also, the sink needs to be on the other end of the counter in front of the window. Makes it easier to use the sink and lets you put something on the countertop without blocking the window.

Now, the biggest plus of all to this unit is you'll deal with Jon Mosier. He is a stand up guy. Last time I knew, which was only a week or two ago, they had a repo unit with only about 12k miles on it at a nice savings. Good luck to you, whatever you do.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[Dreamer]

There is a picture of it
>on this site somewhere just do not know where.


Broompilot, here's a link to the Expediter photo page that has your truck on it.. (Main link to photos is on the front page, left hand side).. pics taken before the decal change, but definately a nice ride.

http://www.expeditersonline.com/cgi-bin/ImageFolio3/imageFolio.cgi?direct=Class_7_Trucks



Dreamer

 

[davekc]

LDB wrote;
It ran great the first 10k miles or so but then the power dropped off and it dropped about 10% on mpg as well. I've had it looked at 3 times and spent money on new fuel filters etc. but can't get it back where it was.

You mentioned you had the fuel filters ect changed, but something doesn't sound right. Usually, fuel milage gets better after 10,000 miles. Did you do a dyno test?
Davekc

 

[LDB]

No, I haven't had a dyno done. I don't know where to do that. Since the last set of fuel filters it appears I am getting another .5mpg but it's still too soon to be certain. It could also be that they've changed back to summer fuel and it's really no better.

Leo
truck 4958

Support the entire Constitution, not just the parts you like.

 

[davekc]

Since you have a Mercedes I would go to a Sterling or Western Star dealer. Freightliner could do one but I have heard of mixed results with regards to service. My personal experience with Freightliner is less than stellar.
The other consideration is a Detroit Deisel location. Mercedes and Detroits are almost the same engine
This test will determine if the computer needs to be adjusted or maybe just a valve out of adjustment.
Depending on the shop, cost is roughly $200 - #250
Davekc