Pete 387 or FTL Columbia for team?

[mtdewr]

What are the pros and cons of the Petes?? We have driven FTL and know about them. :? What is a better value in the 2005 models? We are just starting to look into this and any info would be great. It will be for dedicated FedEx Ground.

Thanks,
Mtdewr

[Fredog]

What are the pros and cons of the Petes?? We have driven FTL and know about them. :? What is a better value in the 2005 models? We are just starting to look into this and any info would be great. It will be for dedicated FedEx Ground.

Thanks,
Mtdewr

the resale value will be higher on the Pete. that's all I can think of

[GMAN]

I think that the Pete is a better made truck. I have driven both and think the Pete drives and rides better than the Freightliner. It will probably be more quiet and have less road noise than the Freightliner. And as Fredog stated, the resale will usually be higher on the Pete. The Pete will stand a higher chance of having better amenities than the Freightliner. Many of the large fleets buy stripped down Freightliners for their drivers. While this can also be true of the Pete, some will add better spec's to them. In any case, I would not get too hung up on brand names. When you take off the skin, most are pretty much the same. I would make a list of what is important and then start looking for a good value.

[mtdewr]

Thanks Fredog and GMAN! We are just starting to look into all of this and any info will help. :? We have a few months to get everything taken care of.

[GMAN]

Any time, mtdewr. You may want to also consider the KW2000, Volvo and International in your search. All are fairly aerodynamic in their design. Any would make a good choice for you.

[mtdewr]

We are planning on looking at them as well as Mack's.....just dont want to have to work 24/7 for the truck. It doesnt have to have all the bells and whistles..just run. We dont want a huge payment and with FedEx they have to be 5 yrs or newer. Charlotte has a few places that we are going to check out tomorrow. Need to see what the average price range is. Thanks again for all info!!!

[Mack2]

I have only had a chance to mess with one Pete 387 it was a 2003 with 430,000mi and I didn't care for the truck. Can't poit to anything specific just didn't like it.

[mtdewr]

Thanks Mack2! BTW do you drive a Mack? If so, what model and how do you like it?

[Mack2]

Thanks Mack2! BTW do you drive a Mack? If so, what model and how do you like it?

The only Mack's we have exprience with are dump trucks and a lowboy tractor and they seem to do real well but I don't think you would want one for OTR.

If you are looking at a newer Mack 2002 and up might as well look at a Volvo to because they are pretty well the same trucks.

[Mackman]

Look at the MACK Rawhide.
http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/d...E6B727C641A0F8

But since you said you aint looking for all the chrome and what not look at the CH and Vison. I drivn a Vison daycab a couple times i like it. I couldnt tell you anything about the sleepers. Right now i drive a intl. 9200i and its a daycvab and the cab is big on the insdie.

[Jackrabbit379]

Look at the MACK Rawhide.
http://www.truckpaper.com/listings/d...E6B727C641A0F8

That's one heck of a shifter. Weird. One of the pictures, there isnt one, then on the other picture, there it is.

Is that one of those automatics?

[Mackman]

you know its funny you said that JR after i posted it i looked at it and said WTF i should have put a stick picture up. I think it is one of them girly atuo shifts.

[Jackrabbit379]

Well, it threw me off. I dont know anything about automatics in trucks, but I didnt know what to think.

[mtdewr]

Thank you Mackman for the pictures. We went to Pete dealer today but after seeing the Mack, I think we will take a look at the Macks next week. The 05 Pete we looked at was really nice and plenty of room. Just keeping our options open til we see a few other makes and models. Thanks again for the info!! BTW, I am a "girlie" but prefer a 10 speed over the automatics...LOL

[ToxicWaste]

Dont forget you can write off depreciation. I'd stay away from pete, overpriced, just my opinion. They aren't the "cadillacs" everyone makes them out to be either. Most windnoise and rattles out of any otr truck I've ever driven. Chrome doesn't save you from a breakdown... Dont forget 75% of the truck isn't made by the manufacturer anyway, i.e. engine, trans, seats, rears etc. Best team truck is a volvo 670 or 770. Quiet, lots of cabinets and headroom. Very smooth riding truck as well. Volvo engines are indestructible too. Have fun out there!

[sidman82]

I'll bet ya the Mack is the most expensive. New ones I'm talking about.
Very nice truck. You should be able to find something nice 5 years or newer for $50 grand and under. It took me a year to find the truck I'll be buying next. Take your time looking, find the right deal. Rent if you have to till you find what you want. Happy hunting.

[mtdewr]

Thank you everyone for the suggestions! We will be well informed with all the great advice from the posts on here.

Have a safe trip.........Mtdewr