PACCAR MX OR ISX?

Jun 24, 2012 at 09:31 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Looking for a little advice. Am going to be purchasing a new flattop 389 Peterbilt, been hearing good about the Paccar MX motor and the Cummins ISX. Just hoping you guys might be able to offer some guidance on making my decision. Any input would be greatly appreciated as this will be my first new truck after the last five having all been purchased used. Kinda nervous about a buy of this dollar amount and want to avoid any potential mistakes. Thank you in advance.

Replied on Sun, Jun 24, 2012 at 09:43 PM CST - 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I'm a yellow guy, so first I'd say niether. I have zero experience with either of those engines but if forced to pick one it would boil down to HP and torque. Take the MX if it's enough but if you need more than 480hp then the ISX is the only thing out there in a new Pete.

Replied on Sun, Jun 24, 2012 at 10:36 PM CST + 1
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I would go with the ISX. I work with a company that runs both, and the Paccar's are always in the shop, but the ISX's are all hanging in there, with the older ones going to 18000 houirs without any major issues. The only problem I know of with the ISX is the EGR valves go out around every year and a half tor them. They are doing heavy haul in the oilfield and are averaging 6.5 MPG for the fleet.

Replied on Sun, Jun 24, 2012 at 10:36 PM CST

+ 1

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

I would go with the ISX. I work with a company that runs both, and the Paccar's are always in the shop, but the ISX's are all hanging in there, with the older ones going to 18000 houirs without any major issues. The only problem I know of with the ISX is the EGR valves go out around every year and a half tor them. They are doing heavy haul in the oilfield and are averaging 6.5 MPG for the fleet.

Replied on Sun, Jun 24, 2012 at 11:08 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. i'd go with the cummins isx also; that engine has been around longer & all the bugs have been worked out of it as compared to the paccar mx engine. that engine is still fairly new on the market & would wait about another 5 yrs before purchasing one of those & then i'd still be hesitant.

Replied on Sun, Jun 24, 2012 at 11:40 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. I have had them both. I would say check out the International engine. The MX and ISX both use the same aftertreatment system exhaust. Or spend the $3000.00 on the extended warranty. Better yett, Build a glider Kit. I've checked it out and it is not much more than what I paid for my new KW.

Replied on Sun, Jun 24, 2012 at 11:45 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. For me it makes a difference in the dealer. We ordered new ultra-light KW T660's in 2009 and 2010 with ISM's, Had a 2008 KW T800 ISX. I'd like to try the new PACCAR engine, but I have CAT, Cummins, Detroit here in our small town. Our KW dealer in NE has treated us very well, but they are 150mi one way, and Peterbilt is 105mi the other. Atleast with the Cummins, I can drop it off and go back to the house. We have had the usual trouble with emissions equipment, catalysts, ect. But nothing like the 2008 ISX. I too am hesitant to purchase a new truck with the PACCAR engine (eventhough I'd love to try it) based on the location of the dealer.

Replied on Sun, Jun 24, 2012 at 11:45 PM CST

Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.

For me it makes a difference in the dealer. We ordered new ultra-light KW T660's in 2009 and 2010 with ISM's, Had a 2008 KW T800 ISX. I'd like to try the new PACCAR engine, but I have CAT, Cummins, Detroit here in our small town. Our KW dealer in NE has treated us very well, but they are 150mi one way, and Peterbilt is 105mi the other. Atleast with the Cummins, I can drop it off and go back to the house. We have had the usual trouble with emissions equipment, catalysts, ect. But nothing like the 2008 ISX. I too am hesitant to purchase a new truck with the PACCAR engine (eventhough I'd love to try it) based on the location of the dealer.

Replied on Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 05:40 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. id save my money

Replied on Mon, Jun 25, 2012 at 08:10 AM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. also what u could do is; get u a glider kit with a detroit. fitzgerald out of crossville, tn; cheaper than new epa engines & better fuel economy a friend of mine has 1 & is averaging 8.2 on fuel pulling a hopper with his mid-roof coronado

Replied on Tue, Jun 26, 2012 at 08:51 PM CST
Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member.	Posted by a private BulkLoads.com member. Thank you guys for all of your input. I would have to agree with all of you, especially the fact of the ISX being around longer is an advantage, as well as the fact of the lack of mechanics trained on the Paccar. Maybe I will just keep my '03 flattop with the 6nz around a little longer! Thanks again for all of the advice.