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