Truck Purchasing Question...
 

Question... i want a 379 Pete, but most of them are kind of reasonable but there high in Miles... like 800,000 and up... do i want to avoid buying a high mileage truck??

I'd buy something that's been freshly overhauled, possibly with 0 mileage after the repair. This way you can get a cheaper truck but the one that will run - probably - like new.

I'll agree with the fresh overhaul, but be prepared to replace the clutch. The one I bought had a fresh rebuild, but 300 K later, I had to replace the clutch. About 600 K after I bought it, it started getting little oil leaks and had to replace the air compressor. (The compressor cost me a $300 tow to a shop) But, I had no problems with tranny or rears.

Yes. I wouldn't suggest a low mileage truck either, unless you got a job lined ip for it.
Sorry for being a bit sarcastic, but that's the truth.

That's a tough question. There is so many variables to used trucks. Like was said above if it's had a fresh overhaul then yes, maybe. Do they have complete maintenance file? Who rebuilt the motor? Do they have good reputation? How many different people have had their hands on the truck.

How often was the truck greased? This might sound funny but if you can't get a greasing schedule take a grease gun with you and see if the front end grease zirks will take grease. If it hasn't been greased regularly you won't be able to get any grease in there, the old grease is hardened up. Now your looking at a front end. About 2600.00

Check for slop in the fifth wheel. If it has any fancy lights that the owner installed check the connections, are they sealed up nice, does it look like a cluster f**k of wires or does it look like someone took their time to do it right.

A note about oil samples, I had one done and it came back perfect, I mean perfect, a month later a liner seal blew and I was rebuilding the motor. So don't put a lot of stock in them but it will help to get one.

Take a creeper, get up underneath the truck. What's it look like? Is it all greasy or has someone taken the time to steam clean it now and then? Look at the frame, rusty? or have they taken the time to paint it?

One thing to remember also, you're either going to pay for shop bills on an older truck or pay a new truck payment. I bought an older truck, and last year I spent as much money in repair and maintenance as a new truck would have cost. I'm on pace for same this year as well.

Just a few things to think about. Good luck.

I would not necessarily discount buying a truck strictly for having high miles. While miles are an indicator of a possible over haul, many do get upwards of a million miles or more. Many also have had an over haul or other major work performed. You can get a general idea of how well a truck has been maintained by checking out the interior and general condition of the truck. I would spend more time checking out a high mileage truck simply due to parts wearing out. As long as you do a good job of checking out the truck there is no reason why you should not get good service from the truck. On the other hand, high mileage is an indicator that you should be prepared for an over haul or other major repairs in the future. A high mileage truck could be a good negotiating tool.

Older hi mileage truck
 

I bought a 1999 Pete 379 that had 1.0 million miles on it.
Had the Engine out-of-framed (new head, rebored for the liners etc)...and that truck runs better than new (in my opinion)

I agree with others here: If the rest of the truck isn't trashed, the rear ends are in good shape, has had a good lube schedule and the truck was cared for overall...then sure I'd look at it.

There are plenty of truck out there that have been beaten and neglected.....they will only cause you problems and a lot of money to fix.

my .02

did you consider a ex knight express 379? they seem reasonably priced.

yeah actually i did.. it was nicely priced, it was 03 at around 27.000 on truck paper...at least it looked like an old Knight Truck.. i just dont want the old Werner Petes lol... but i keep these things in consideration.. i have a nice chunk of change wit me and i have no probably getting a overhaul done and other things... i see a 02 379 Pete that i'm completely in Love wit it just has 855,000... bu

i got a better suggestion. why not just lease a truck from some company? you'll probably get a NEW-USED truck with low mileage. :D