I talked to many used truck dealers in the past week or so, and Carrier Truck Centers is not the worst at all. I'm buying a very decent 2004 International 9400, Cat C15, 435 hp, 1650 lb/ft torque, 3.73 rears, hi-rise 72" sleeper (mid-roof), 13 speed tranny, 160k miles (!). I couldn't believe the miles at first, but they showed me an ECM printout and it matched. I tried a truck and it runs great. The dealer was ready to deal, and they gave me $3,000 cashback on this Cnd$64,500 truck, and the GE Financial asked for $7k downpayment (all dollars are Cnd).

The truck had a few minor things that needed to be fixed (rear mudflaps, rear wheel rims paint, nothing major) and the salesman agreed to include them in the bill of sale. I also insisted on the condition, "Truck to be approved by MacKinnon Transport" and that's where I'm going with this truck and this carrier wants to take a look at all o/o trucks. (The recruiter told me this cursory inspection once revealed an o/o applicant had a bent frame on his truck and he was not aware of that; so I believe it's actually great they're doing this.).

I also checked the VIN of the truck on CarFax and the first free check said, "This truck has 1 record in our database" meaning it can be bad and I'd better check it out. I shelled out US$22 only to learn the record in question refered to the truck being plated or registered in Mississauga, ON on March 2005. At least, the record didn't show any accidents...

The truck is super clean inside and even has an almost new CB (!)... I don't know what the previous owner had been doing with the truck but it doesn't look bad at all.

I asked the dealer if they could change the axle ratio, but they said it'd cost around 4 grand Cnd, so I'm going to have to run at 65 mph (3.73 rears!) to be fuel efficient I'm a slow driver and would really prefer to drive at 58-59 mph; believe or not.

So, far I've given the dealer $1,000 and the remaining $6k is due on getting the truck - after my will-be carrier of choice checks the truck out.

Here's the picture of the truck and some stats: http://www.carriertruck.com/usedtruc...stock_num=3796

 

Nice looking truck and a good price too. I think you get more for money when you buy a 13 letter shit spreader.

 

you could just put tall rubber on it if it doesnt already have it and lower the gear ratio

 

I'd like to run around 60 mph; with tall rubber I'd have to run faster to stay fuel efficient. I want just the opposite.

 

CAR FAX is a crock of #$#@ , tried the free trial , put in the VIN # of a vehicle I owned since new , it came back showing it had been registered 3 times within the past year. Car has been in storage for last 10.

Paid and checke 3 other family vehicles , all had irregular info.

CARRIER is a decent dealership , good luck on the 9400 , are you going FLATBED or VAN DIV ?

 

I'm going to start with a dry van, but will switch to their flatbed division after I pay off the debts incurred while buying the truck. :shock:

 

Hey Tracer, I run up in the area on occasion, I'll look for the Yellow Beast.

Nice ride, and a fair price, what do you figure you'll make mileage wise with that setup driving easy on the flats, 6-6.5mpg??

 

I just drove the truck from Woodstock to Guelph and at 95 km/h it had 1,300 rpm in 13th. I was bobtailing, but if I could stay around 1,300 rpm with a loaded trailer, I hope I can make 6.5 mph at least.

 

Question for Tracer:

Have you owned a truck of your own before?

Where did you drive previously? Company driver in Ontario or Alberta?

Why did you decide to become an Owner/Operator?

I'm going to drive in the States for my rookie experience, and then who knows? I can work in both Canada and the USA.

I had 'heard' it's tough taking on the O/O business side of things.

Good luck!