[stewey1982]

I've been away from trucking for about four years and I'm thinking about buying a new truck cash money. I was wondering if anyone can tell me if the dealerships will haggle on prices or is the sticker price the price you pay? I know some people will think I'm crazy for wanting to get back into trucking, but I want to own my own business. I know it's not glamorous or going to make me the next Warren Buffett, so please any detractors who want to opine about how foolish I am please don't respond. Please stay on topic.

[mgfg]

Buying a truck is no different than buying a car. Because you have no trade and require no financing your's will be a "clean" deal. There's lots of room for you to "stick handle" a good price, just remember the dealer needs to make a buck or two also to keep the doors open.

[stewey1982]

Okay. Next question is if they're advertising a 2009 Volvo 670 for 53995 with 440000 miles on it how much do you think I could take off the sticker price? I was thinking of offering $50000 out the door.

[allan5oh]

Start lower than that. Do a good online search, and check out the results on richie brothers auction site to get a good idea.

[stewey1982]

Allan Thanks for a reference page to get a good baseline...was wondering if Commercial trucks had something similar to NADA or KBB.

[mgfg]

www.truckpaper.com is a great reference tool also

[GMAN]

There is something similiar to NADA online for trucks. I believe that someone posted it at one time. The Truck Paper is a good resource to check pricing for trucks. Keep in mind that published prices are what is being asked. Prices are always negotiable. Richie Brothers and Taylor and Martin are two of the larger equipment auctions. If you have cash, you might find a good deal at one of their auctions, but you won't have a warranty. If you like Volvo, GE and some of the major leasing companies sell their trucks from time to time. Before buying a truck, I would strongly suggest that you familiarize yourself with the current market conditions. Prices can vary somewhat from one region of the country to another. One other suggestion. Take your time. You will get a better deal.

[stewey1982]

Gman,

Thanks for the words of wisdom. I'm sure things have changed in the industry since I last drove in early 2008. I drove for about 5 years and then got off the road, but I do know I would like to be an O/O leased to a carrier starting out, and then maybe look at getting my own authority. I've got some time before I make my decision so I'm going to continue to search the web and gather info.

[stewey1982]

I was also wondering if anyone can provide some insight as to the facts about once the truck is bought. I want to lease my truck onto a carrier, will I need to have the license plates and registration done before I lease on or is there a way that I can get the company to register the truck in the state they have their company trucks registered? I have decided I don't want to do a company lease purchase, and I'd rather go out and find my own truck as opposed to buying a used one from their fleet.

[solo379]

Originally Posted by stewey1982

company to register the truck in the state they have their company trucks registered?

Some do and some don't. You have to ask them.