Arrow truck sales

Arrow is the king of dealer that would put saw dust in a differential to make it quiet,,Several years ago I had a repair at a shop that does all of Arrow in Los Angels repairs,,if it need a clutch the put in the cheapest low torque clutch they could find,,if it needed and overhaul they would only replace one piston to get it by,
In 1990 a dealer I traded a truck in sold my trade to Arrow, on the way to NC it dropped a valve,,Arrow called me and wanted me to pay for the repair,I had no idea the engine would fail,,it was running fine when I traded it and I had never had any problems with the truck,
Not a good place to buy a truck

 

Good to know. I'm in the research phase of buying my first truck, and was considering Arrow Truck Sales. I think I'll stay away from them. I'd prefer to spend my money on something I can at least get a good year of service out of before I start dumping thousands into repairs into it.

 

Actually currently looking at an older KW T600. Cummins N14, 13 Speed, comes with a 48'x102" spread axle with side kit. Older truck, but in good shape and currently working. And the trailer is also in good shape. Owner is also throwing in all the equipment like chains and binders and tarps for when he had to break down the side kit for the load.

I think it's a solid deal, but I am concerned about the mileage on the engine and transmission. We're talking better than a solid million miles here, mostly hauling heavy steel loads. Generally over gross (owner is real old school. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it raises issues), hard miles. And since I'm going to be starting out as a rookie O/O, I'm wondering if this truck (reasonably priced, but major potential issues possible) would be a smart buy over something newer with lower mileage (and higher initial cost)...

Thoughts?

 

Looking at a Dyno and an oil sample prior to purchase. Gotta wait until the truck is back in the area, first. Like I said, it's a working truck. Meaning the owner is still out running freight. So at least I know the truck runs!

 

it makes a good idea to buy truck from someone that you know who takes good care of there trucks, or ask maintenance record from dealer if they have it, other way you dont know what you getting,

 

It's almost impossible to get a truck that wont need initial investment of 2-5 thousands dollars. Even from the most honest dealerships. But from personal experience i would prefferably buy an oo truck. Then you can at least tell how the truck was treated. If truck has bents here and there, broken parts of interior not matching tires stuff like that - dont expect that it was taken care of mechanically.
Ideally would be great to buy one off of someone that did preventive maintenance on it. And thats pretty easy to tell.
Just use common sence. Dont be ashamed or get your excitement to blind you. Get to every hole of the truck, go underneath, check every light and every switch, do air test. Check all reservoirs. Dont start truck right away. Check for leaks at the ground - ask when it was started last time. Right down all you noticed. Bring dealers attention to everything you noticed.
There is major repairs like overhaul, clutch, tranny, turbo, maybe injectors that cost a lot and i would avoid buying a truck that have a sign of any of those coming. But the rest like radiator, fan clutch, tires or brakes will need attention anyways down the road. I would judt use it for negotiation.
Lastly its always nice to have a good looking truck. But dont forget - thats not what gonna make you money. Plus - uglier the truck - cheaper the price.

Good luck!