Volvo w/N14 for first trk// Comments please

[xzostd1]

I am looking to buy my first truck which may be a Volvo condo with a N14 Cummins.
Is a N14 available in 2002 or are those all emissions motors (ISX's??)
I'm sold on the Volvo's ride and safety features and have been told that the N14 is a bulletproof and easy to maintain engine.
Also can a N14 in frame with cyl/sleeves be accomplished in a Aero style truck or are there clearance problems at the rear cylinders?

Any comments or ideas are appreciated.
Bill

[ChrisSai]

The Cummins N-14 was still available in 2002 Models. I like to sell trucks with these engine because they seem to be very reliable. The only issue that I have noticed is injector failure. I am not sure as to the ease of performing inframes on Volvo's. Why not look at a KenWorth T-2000? They have excellent access to the engine and are very spacious.

[Mr. Bighead]

I don't remember exactly when cummins stopped making N14's and completely switched over to ISX's, but it was around 2002. The early ISX's did not have emissions crap on them. That started in 2004.

I don't like N14's much, because they're a pain in the ass to work on. They seem to be pretty reliable, though. There are worse engines out there. It's kinda hard to work on the rear head of an N14 in a Volvo, but it's not all that bad. I would rather have an ISX. Better yet, I would rather have a Volvo D-12.

Don't listen to the guy trying to sell you a T2000. T2000's are evil. :evil: :evil: :evil: I once considered applying for a job at the local KW dealer, but I decided against it because it would mean working on T2000's all the time. ******* I hate those things. They're the most gawdawful, bass-ackwards, POS I've ever had to work on. I've run into a few T2000's with an N14, and I wanted to burn them. I've never run into another model of truck that is so consistantly hard to work on, no matter what you're trying to fix.

Volvos ride the best, and their engines are the most reliable. Nowadays, they also make the biggest and most powerful truck engine. Don't listen to the *****-CAT lovin' Volvo-haters. They're just jealous.

[xzostd1]

Thanks for the replies....even opposing views!
I'm trying to make an educated decision so all views and comments are appreciated.
Bill

[boneebone]

I have a 2001 Volvo VNL-770 N-14 500HP with a 13spd., with 469,000 miles. I have had zero problems with the engine and the truck, and average 7.2 mpg. You can't go wrong with it, IMO. I had a 1999 Freightshaker Century b4 that with a Detroit, Biggest POS I had. Always had electrical problems and had head gasket problems at 535,000 miles. Got rid of the POS in 2004 and now have the Volvo. I will keep it and maintain it because the newer trucks with all the EGR crap are a real POS. You"ll be lucky to get Mid 5's on fuel mileage. As you know the biggest cost of being a O/OP is fuel. Anywhere you can save a few cents helps.

[Windwalker]

The Cummins N-14 was still available in 2002 Models. I like to sell trucks with these engine because they seem to be very reliable. The only issue that I have noticed is injector failure. I am not sure as to the ease of performing inframes on Volvo's. Why not look at a KenWorth T-2000? They have excellent access to the engine and are very spacious.

Beggin' your pardon. I've had far more injector failures with a Detroit than with an N-14. One injector failure on an N-14 in 350K as compared to 7 injector failures in a Detroit Series 60 in 105K.

T-2000 tends to have a lot fo wind noise in the doors. Get a cross-wind from the left and you have to wear ear plugs to hear yourself think.

[xzostd1]

How do I decipher Volvo models??.......difference between a 660 or 770 etc.
Bill

[boneebone]

The VN 660 and 670 is a 66" condo sleeper with only vents in the sleeper for ventilation and top windowsin the upper bunk The Volvo VN770,780 and VNT 880 have a 77" condo sleeper with windows that open out in the sleeper and on the top. Also the body after the doors flares out. They are considered top of the line for Volvo sleeper trucks. When you measure the sleeper you are measuring length wise from the front firewall to back of the sleeper wall. Any more questions feel free to ask.

[xzostd1]

The VN 660 and 670 is a 66" condo sleeper with only vents in the sleeper for ventilation and top windowsin the upper bunk The Volvo VN770,780 and VNT 880 have a 77" condo sleeper with windows that open out in the

Thanks for the info, very informative. What is the difference between the
VN, VNT.

I'm shopping with CASH for a 2000 - 2002 Volvo condo. High miles are ok.
Mechanical problem or damage may be acceptable. I am based in Green Bay, WI. and would be willing to travel within about a 12 hr radius.
Bill

[duck]

Try Gunville Trucking for that Volvo. They run all volvo's and occasionaly sell them off. IIRC they are outta Niagra MI. Isn't too far north of Green Bay.

IIRC most of their trucks run either Chicago or Midwest regional.

Blue and White power units.

Sorry I don't have a phone number or anything.......

[boneebone]

The VNT 880 is the big sleeper with the long hood, long wheelbase like a Volvo-ised version of a KW W900L, a modern old school truck. It was introduced in 2006 has long hood, polished fuel tanks, Dual stacks on the side behind the sleeper. Volvo engine D-16 635hp. I own a 2001 Volvo 770. Oh the 770, 780,880 have a drivers lounge inside the sleeper, a table and two seats each side that you can make it fold down and converts into a bed. The VN series are set back front axle trucks, like a Freightliner FLD,Century, Columbia, or a KW T600, 800, 2000. the new T660 or a Pete, 377 or 387.

If you are going to buy a truck I suggest a 2000 and up Volvo 770 or 780. Get one with a 13 spd, you"ll get better fuel mileage. If you are going to be over the road you will have plenty of room inside. The 660 and 670 sleepers are narrower inside, so if you are tall you kind of have to sleep at an angle, in order to stretch out and be comfortable.

Why do I recommend a 2000 and up? Well, the earlier ones, 1998 to 1999 had a weight distribution problem. They were very front heavy, steer axle heavy, where you couldn't even haul a load heavier than a household goods load.
Volvo fixed the problem by moving the fuel tanks to the rear and putting lighter crossmembers in the frame. I haul a dry van and can scale a 44,500 pound load in the box, no problem. I usually haul lighter, but when you got to go, you got to go.

Check out the Volvo dealers first, they usually have a good used truck warranty. The TEC network of Volvo dealers is pretty large. If they don't have the truck you are looking for they can usually get one from another of their dealers. I am not endorsing them , I just know they carry alot of used Volvo trucks. Feel free to ask me any questions.

[Mr. Bighead]

I agree that 2000-2002 are the best Volvos. They started making VN's sometime in 1997, and it took a few years to get the bugs worked out. In addition to the weight distribution, they also improved the engine(if it's a Volvo engine), wiring, instrument cluster, hydraulic clutch linkage, suspension leveling valve, ... probably other stuff that I don't know about.

[Flatspot]

Personaly, I like the Volvo VE series of engnes. I don't particullarly care for the Volvo foot pedals. but everything else is great. Comfortable ride; comfortable temps; etc.

If I had my choice of my dream large car to drive, give me a Volvo with a Cat motor, respectable foot pedals, Volvo Jakes, and I'm a happy camper.

Had the opportunity a couple of years ago to travel down south (Gulf coast). Two of my three siblings met me at a truck stop. They took a tour of my Tractor (Volvo 2000 model). Had a hard time getting them out of my rig! Almost had to take them along for the rest of that schedule.

[xzostd1]

Thanks again for all the great info.
Thanks DUCK... for the Gunville lead! Since I run Roehl flats out of Iron Mountain they will be easy to checkout.
Bill

[allan5oh]

I have a 99 770 and the 5th wheel has to be about 40% of the way back for me to scale legal on the steer when I'm hauling 45k. I agree it definitely is a bit heavy, but you just move the 5th wheel and then you have no problem. I do wish the steer was lighter, then you could have a tighter air gap.

My 99's tanks are pretty far back. I have 120 gallon tanks BTW. They could be maybe 6" further back?

[xzostd1]

I'm looking at a 2001 VNL64T770 with a N14 460.
$30k 990,000 miles one owner
in-frame rebuild, trans rebuild, clutch, brakes, turbo, intercooler, done within last 60k miles

What should I pay? Also the driver still runs this truck on a 3000 mile a week run and has ordered a new trk.
I have not yet looked in person

Bring it on guys.........!!
Be critical......
Bill

[Rawlco]

$30k

I don't think it is worth much over half that with almost one million miles.

Offer $15,000, possibly dicker up towards $20,000. If he turns down $20,000 walk away and have him call you if he comes to his senses.
________________________________
Here is how I arrive at that:

2001 VNL64T770 with a N14 460. 990,000 miles

You can get these million mile trucks for about $10,000.

in-frame rebuild, trans rebuild, clutch, brakes, turbo, intercooler

I would value that about $10,000. Sure it cost more than that but that was 60,000 miles ago. You don't need to pay the labor on all those repairs from that long ago, only the value of the new parts. Parts warranties usually don't transfer from one owner to another.

[xzostd1]

You can get these million mile trucks for about $10,000.

I have been looking for listings of lower priced high mile trks. Where should I be looking staying in the 2000 to 2003yr area for these $10,000 units.
Bill

[xzostd1]

$30k

I don't think it is worth much over half that with almost one million miles.

Offer $15,000, possibly dicker up towards $20,000. If he turns down $20,000 walk away and have him call you if he comes to his senses.
________________________________
.

He came down to $25000.00 without me having seen the truck. So something between 20 and 25k should be achievable. I still feel pretty good about the tractor...a real positive is that he is using it. There are not that many 770s out there, lots of 66" narrow sleepers. I would much rather put some cash into a million mile single owner truck as opposed to spending 40k for 700 to 800k miles which may be no more dependable and may still need lots of repairs.
Bill
Bill

[xzostd1]

I'm flying to Nashville tonight to see the Volvo. If it checks out I'll be driving it back and will then be signed on as an owner operator with Roehl running flats and curtainside.
I'll be throwing out some more questions since I'm sure I'll find a few maintainence issues.
Thanks again everyone for all your help and input.
Bill