Which truck would you buy?

[no_worries]

I wouldn't worry about the ISX. They had issues when the first 02-emissions came out but so did everyone else. They got their act together and are just fine. I've got one in an '06 T800 and have had very little trouble. In fact, Solo is the only person I've run into who wasn't disappointed in their Cat since they went to the twin turbo. Of course I'm partial to the T800 out of your choices 8) In fact, I know where you can get a lightweight spec T8 with a 550 and a Studio :shock: for under 6 figures

[mudpuddle]

I wouldn't worry about the ISX. They had issues when the first 02-emissions came out but so did everyone else. They got their act together and are just fine. I've got one in an '06 T800 and have had very little trouble. In fact, Solo is the only person I've run into who wasn't disappointed in their Cat since they went to the twin turbo. Of course I'm partial to the T800 out of your choices 8) In fact, I know where you can get a lightweight spec T8 with a 550 and a Studio :shock: for under 6 figures

I need info on this truck. If you have a link to an add or the name of the dealer so I can look into it I would appreciate it. I assume its new. Studio may be a little heavy so I need to talk to the dealer. Pm me please.

[no_worries]

LOL, not new 330,000 miles and it's mine I spec'd it myself so it's set up a little differently than most, also why it's not cheap...but I'd hate to see what the sticker would be on it now :shock: Stamped weight is a little under 17,250. If you have any questions about the T8 in general or this truck's specs in particular, I'll be happy to answer them.

[LexAtlanta]

We sell many trucks with the ISX engines and have had no complaints. People love them....good power and fuel mileage. We sell mainly 2001 and newer trucks though. The ISX is mostly standard in the 2003 and forward Volvos we get here.

As to the smoke smell of a used truck, that goes to the dealer. All of our trucks - I can only speak for my store - go through the detailing process and none of them smell like smoke when they are put on the front line. The detail shops we use know what we expect and they are on the ball. If a truck comes back and it is sub par for some reason, they take it back and make it right. Smokey smell = cheap, lazy dealer...IMHO. We spend more money on the reconditioning of our trucks probably them any other dealer out there, and it shows. Remember, price is what you pay, value is what you get.

I agree with the comment that the value of that new truck drops as soon as you drive it off the lot. I believe that the only way to buy a truck is to buy a used truck. I could have gone to work at a new truck dealer but I choose to work with a used dealer. A three year old truck with ~450,000 miles for about half (or less) what a new one costs is the smart way to go. Just my opinion....your mileage may vary.

Whatever you buy, good luck with it!!

[boneebone]

IMO I wouldn't buy any of them,

1. Too much money
2. Bad fuel mileage
3. Too much hit on depreciation

New trucks are nice, but take your time and find a good used truck 03 or older, and the money you save you can use it for maintanence.

[boneebone]

Greybeard I would love to buy used instead of new. I had excellent service from my last truck which I bought used but this job I am going to be running the system and staying in the truck for four or five nights at a time. This is all fine but I must have looked at thirty used trucks in the last couple of months and I did not find one truck that had not been smoked in. Every truck I look at smells like an ashtray and I cannot stand the smell. I cannot subject myself to that for so many hours.

Gman all the trucks on my list are pre 07 emission trucks. There is no way I am going to be a guinnea pig for the new engines.

Almost every truck I've driven was previously occupied by a smoker. Yes, it can be strong at first, but for me the smell always went away.

What continued after the smell was gone was the steering wheel residue. After just 10 miles, my hands would smell like smoke. I could never get rid of it in any truck.

Simple solution to that, buy a new steering wheel, problem solved.

[pigrider]

I agree with not buying new! The only new vehicle I have ever bought was a 2000 Road King Classic.

I am also in the market for a truck, but I want me a older Flat Top Pete! I can see the all the :sad: :sad: :? :? I only plan to run regional. Chicago Memphis & Dallas

My wife wants a new car, she has never had one, so I plan to buy her one, just this one time. We are only paying for bragging rights and the new car smell!!!

I have alway had good luck with pre-own vehicle.

Clean that truck up with vinegur & water, buy you a new steering wheel, and febreze it like crazy!

Good Luck!

[solo379]

In fact, Solo is the only person I've run into who wasn't disappointed in their Cat since they went to the twin turbo.

I believe, that Truckdobe, was quite happy about it too, and she know the difference...! 8)
BTW Since fuel prices jump again, I've easy it down, just a bit, and averaging 7.4 mpg for the last couple months! :P 8)

[solo379]

One more thing! I've got my 2005 T6 in may 2004, for around $105,000.
325,000 miles, 3.5 years, and about half a million gross revenue later, it's still has fair market value, of about $75,000.
And i consider those 30 grand difference, is money well spend! Just an opinion! :wink:

[no_worries]

I forgot TD had one too. She didn't have it long enough to count I can't believe how well yours is doing, seems like your mileage just keeps improving. Like I said, I run into very few who have had the success you have. Of course, most aren't as conscientious about the engine and how to drive it either. You think your truck's holding its value now, just wait until 2010. There will be a nice premium on a well cared for '05.

[mudpuddle]

I'm leaning toward the Pete 386. I went and looked at one of them today and the ISX has 1850 torque. These trucks are used only on paper. Two of them have never pulled a load they were bought and delivered but never used. The company owner apparently was drinking on his 10 hr break :wink: and got into a bad situation and lost his whole new fleet.

These trucks still have the plastic on the seats floor and mattress. They have all power accessories and are very nice. I think I can negotiate the price down to that of the 9900 IX and that would be a pretty good deal since in five years the Pete will be worth twice as much.

I am holding off as long as I can but the company truck I am in now just is not comfortable. I am sick of trying to keep ice in my cooler instead of just reaching into my refrig. I am tired of getting out to push on any hill over 2%. I am tired of oil flowing freely out of the engine in this beater making it impossible to keep the truck clean. I am tired of this crappy ten speed jumping out of gear any time i hit a bump without any torque to hold it in. I don't even like the fact that I can't get a PM as often as I would like to.

As to the used vs new debate, well I cannot find a clean truck that I can't smell smoke in. I have to live in this truck for days at a time so I will not compromise on that as smoke smell nausiates me. Also I think that the warranty coverage and the knowledge that I won't have to worry about major problems for a while is a nice consideration. I will have nice revenue pulling tanks and although I did buy used and came out well with it before I can afford the payment and I think its time to treat myself to a new truck.

[Camstyn]

Buy whichever truck you like best. The differenc ein price isn't much between any of them and you're going to be living with it for the next 5 years, so make yourself happy.

Different strokes for different folks, some say buy used but if you can get a good deal on an '07 pre-emissions truck spec'd the way you want, go for it. The 386's are a nice truck.

For what it's worth, I went from an '05 Coronado to a '07 Pete 379. I love the pete, but do have to admit there are times where I miss the openness of the wide cab. Overall though it's a small price to pay, the truck is tight, build 10x better and when you're driving down the road it really doesn't matter how high the ceiling is between the seats, or how far apart they are.

There's nothing wrong with the ISX, 90% of the trucks at my company are C15's but there are 3 guys with ISX's and they love them. I've heard from various sources that in direct competition, the ISX is more economical than the C15 and will outpull it on the hills.

Given your options, for me it would be a toss-up between your first 3 choices. Have you sat in all 3, and driven both a new ISX and a new Cat? Personally, I'm partial to the Cat I just like the way it runs and feels, and it would play strongly into my decision. What does the 9900ix have that the Pete/KW don't, interior-wise?

[coastie]

When you ask which ruck to get, your going to get a million and one answers and your still going to be the only one to decide.

Find one you like, cause it your money, your the one who has to live in it, Drive it, and depend on it.