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Who said size doesn't count?
Page 72
Page 73
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Big cab, big engine, low mileage. Is this the embodiment of the perfect used vehicle?
Read on to find out.
Scania leads the way in residuals. Well certainly at the top end of its range. the Swedish truck builder enjoys an industry-wide reputation for producing desirable trucks that ooze respect and professionalism.They aren't every one's cup of tea though, and Scania does not lead the market in sheer volume of sales. But if you have the cash a Topline with a 14-litre lump might only be exceeded by its successor fitted with a 16-litre driveline.
This week CM visited independent Scania dealership Keltruck, in West Bromwich, and its general sales manager David Morgan:There are quite a few trucks at the depot just off the M5, but the used examples available to the operators are the ones around the back of the site — the others are in for repair, servicing or to be recycled.
Sitting among the available stock is W758 (ISO. Or to give it its full title R144LA 6X2NA530 trailing axle tractor, first plated on the 3 July 2000. It has one previous owner based in Scotland. He was under-using it on local work, and decided that he had to downgrade, so sold it directly to Keltruck.
It has less than 230,000km on the clock which, for a four-year-old tractor of this type, is rare in its own right. Even Keltruck checked to see whether another tachograph had been fitted.
Scania ceased production of the 14-litre engine in 2001, replacing it with the 16-litre version. The 530hp V8 turbocharged engine was the top power on offer from Scania — there was also the 460hp version.The more powerful engine boasts 2,300Nm torque and is fitted with the direct drive GRS900 14-speed synchromesh transmission.
The cab spec isTopline, with two bunks, aircon, traction control and an electric sunroof. The spotlights above the windscreen are optional and the truck is fitted with Hyva wet kit.As you might have guessed "trailing axle" means tag, and where there was once an abundance of these on the market the numbers have declined enough to allow demand and supply to even out. Unless you need the tag, mid-steer/lift is the preferred option. W758 GS0 has been fully resprayed by Keltruck and is tested until April next year.
On the road We took it down the M5 and around Smethwick to see what it was like under first impressions. Running bobtail is a little like testing a toaster with no bread, but at least we got a feel for the handling and a chance to spot any obvious glitches that might crop up.
At 530hp it barely got itself out of bed for our 20-minute trip, but it has to be said the gear changes were smooth and the driveline sounded fresh.The cruise control worked. but more remarkably, so did the air conditioning.
The interior is clean with no blemishes easily detectable.The previous owner doesn't seem to have slept in it and both footwells look like any occupants have had to leave their boots outside. Being aTopline it doesn't have the flat floor coveted by many,but we were able to get a six-foot fiveinch used vehicle sales executive in the shape of Chris Purvis to stand up straight and still have room for a hard hat. It also has the top bunk at the front over the two seats.
The chassis is clean and the mudguards and slider fifth wheel have been steamed clean ready for the next owner. The only addition from the previous owner is a small orange container to the right of the tipping gear, something Keltruck is leaving on. •