Hmm. Well I can offer you a very clean '98 T800 with 1.3 million kms on the "rebuilt" cummins that was "bumped up" to a 410. In the 3 months since we paid $20,000 for this truck we've put approx $10,000 into it (cylinder head and turbo).

Oh did I forget to mention that the engine wasn't actually rebuilt it hasn't been bumped up to anything and the seller doesn't answer his cell phone?

No matter how old and honest the guy looks, never trust anyone...not even your partner who can tell a persons character by just looking at him.

When I bought my truck they wanted 45. I asked what was the best they could do and they said 39. I told them I would think about it. A week later I called and said I found another truck cheaper but liked the red one they had. I said if they would give it to me for 35 I would pay cash and come get it. They counter offered with 35,800 and I bought it.

Ouch 10k mark up.......appreciate the advice, Ill keep that in mind, yeah Steve, you did well to get them down 10k then....hmmm think Ill try to mark them down 7k and buy it if I can get 6k....hmmm the percentage think seems off then if they mark it up a standard 10k; Yeah Ive done a lot of looking Mike, and afraid those 3 prices I quoted are competitive from what I have seen, but who knows if I keep looking, heading over to Fontana here in So Cal tommorow where a few big name dealers are too like Arrow, the other 3 trucks I saw at frightliner LA

All arrow trucks are over priced. Look at truckpaper.com and compare prices why freightliner?

Yeah doesnt have to be Freightliner, just seem to get the best deals financially on those, but heard of some good Volvo deals b4, hmmm yeah Arrow didnt seems any worse or better on-line then anyone else, was just hoping since they seem to be the biggest out here maybe in person they would cut me a decent deal...dunno

My truck was for sale for like 6 months. I found out why when I went to look at it. The previous owner smoked and never opened a window. I smoke myself but this was so bad it made you sick. Everything was stained, smelled and sticky tar and nicotine stuck to everything.

A professional cleaner and a steam clean did the trick for $250. I was charged as if it was a major smoke/fire cleanup.

I'm no Joe bargain getter. I was in no rush and pretty much had the attitude I'll offer you this and if you don't come close there's plenty more trucks.

The reason for Freightliner's being found cheaper is that they don't hold their resale value. Their quality isn't all that great, and I have yet to see a Classic XL, or a FLD model which doors shut solidly. I would also steer clear of Detroit's...power leaves something to be desired..I've driven many and have a freind who's got an older W900L with a Detroit in it...they run fine flat ground, but throw a hill infront of it and they tend to run the other direction with their tails tucked between their legs. I would look for either a Cat, or maybe even a Cummins. Can't go wrong with a KW or Pete...I prefer KW, but they hold their value much better than Freightliner, and the quality is a TON better, IMO.

Part of the reason there is such a markup is because at the auction they buy As-Is. So they have to allow for repairs when they bid. If they are buying a truck a year or two old and still under warranty then the mark- up is less.

The other reason is greed. You'll find most truck dealers in So. Cal are priced pretty close to each other. They shop the competition just like most businesses. If you find the dealer that's having a slow month and needs the money you can bargain better.

BTW... trucks over 6000lbs are exempt from some of the consumer protection laws that you get when you buy a car. Be careful.

Thks Big; yeah no one wants to offer a waranty of any type either lol...I am going to give them offers of 8k less I think right off the top, I have cash so "I think I am in the stronger position, they can take it or leave it (like Steve said) I quess since freight is slow for next couple of months

Truck dealers mark up their prices because they want to make a profit, not because they're greedy.

Truck drivers refuse to haul cheap freight because they want to make a profit, not because they're greedy.