I purchased a used garbage truck from TLG Peterbilt as a startup business owner. From the day I…read morepicked up the truck, I had concerns that something wasn't right. As someone new to the industry, I put my trust in TLG Peterbilt and Gabe, the salesman who handled the sale, believing they would help me find a reliable truck that would allow my business to succeed.
Almost immediately, the steering gearbox was leaking, and I pointed it out as soon as I arrived and looked over the truck. The hydraulic hoses were leaking as well. To their credit, TLG Peterbilt paid for the replacement gearbox, but I was responsible for the labor and time required to install it. Shortly afterward, I discovered the brake lights did not work properly. After a lengthy struggle, they eventually purchased the electrical parts needed for the repair, but I still had to spend countless hours tracing wiring issues and making the repairs myself.
As a first-time garbage truck owner, I did not initially recognize that the rough starting condition was a sign of a much larger problem. Because I was only operating the truck a few hours each week while building my customer base, it took time to identify the issue. I have since learned that the truck appears to have a failing head gasket, but that problem is being caused by a sunken cylinder liner. That is a major engine issue that likely existed long before I purchased the truck and is far more than just a head gasket repair cost.
TLG Peterbilt's website states, "Our business depends on your business." Unfortunately, my experience has not reflected that promise. They knew from the beginning that I was starting a new sanitation business and that my livelihood depended on having dependable equipment. Instead, I ended up with a truck that has experienced serious issues from the start.
For an established company, a major engine repair may be a setback. For a startup business, it can be devastating. Between repairs, downtime, lost productivity, and the possibility of a costly repair to address the sunken cylinder liner and head gasket issue, I am now facing expenses that may be more than my new business can absorb.
I appreciate that TLG Peterbilt assisted with some parts along the way, but I cannot ignore the fact that the truck had multiple significant problems almost immediately after purchase. I trusted their experience and expertise when making this investment, and I am deeply disappointed with the outcome.
I hope sharing my experience helps other small business owners ask more questions, get independent inspections, and carefully evaluate any used truck before making such an important purchase.
