Quote:
Originally Posted by soultrain_58
8) I am considering buying a peterbilt only because that is what I want. Everyone says they are not good trucks.Can I get some advice?
Soultrain_58, Peterbilt makes a good truck. I have owned one along with several other brands. If you can afford to buy one, then more power to you. However, there are other brands that you can buy and get more for your money. Most Peterbilts get fewer miles per gallon than many of the other brands, because of the aerodynamics. You can get a good truck that will get higher mpg's for much less money than what you will pay for the 379. Other than the looks, I don't think Peterbilt has much to offer, if you are looking at the business aspect of owning a truck. On the positive side, the long hood makes it easy to get to the engine compartment to work on it. Keep in mind that you can get identical engine and drive train specs with most trucks. The only thing you are paying extra for is the skin. Personally, I don't think it is a good idea to start with an expensive truck that gets lower fuel economy than many other brands. There is less usable room in the sleeper than in my International, Freightliner, Volvo or some other brands. Closets are small. I think Peterbilt could do a much better job of designing the sleeper. They drive good, but you will need at least 260" or more wheelbase to get a decent ride. I prefer either a 265" or 270" wheelbase for the ride. I never got more than 5 mpg on my Peterbilt. Some have posted that they get close to 6 mpg. Some say they get better than 6. You will probably spend about 20% more for fuel with a 379 than an aerodynamic truck. With fuel being as high as it is, that is a lot of money to spend just to own a Peterbilt. You can buy a good used truck for less than $20,000. You are not likely to be able to buy a Peterbilt for that amount of money. It is rare to find one for less than $25,000. Most comparable to the $20,000 truck in another brand will likely cost between $35-45,000 in a 379. I might consider buying another Peterbilt if I got an exceptional deal, but would look at other brands before buying the Pete. You can get more for your money in another brand.