Trucking on a budget: Freightliner Argosy

If you’re prepared to shop around and do some thorough research exploring a little deeper into our classified pages, you might surprise yourself with a bargain that will get you trucking on a limited budget. We did just that!

One model that particularly caught our eye is the Freightliner Argosy, in both First-Generation and Evolution models. Pricewise, there is a wide selection of early Evolution models with an average asking price of $66K.

To gauge what sort of a bargain price this is, compare it to a similar spec Kenworth K200 that starts at around $140K and heads north. Also, checkout the Euro COE offerings from Mercedes, Scania and Volvo, which all start around the $100K mark.

First-Generation Freightliner models start as low as $20K. Although after a quick glance at a $20K Argosy, you’ll understand why it has the cheap price tag.

A $20K truck will require a considerable investment to return it to a reliable working condition, and chances are it’s a vehicle that certainly would have seen its fair share of neglect during its life cycle.

As far as bargains go, there is probably some wise words in that age-old adage, “if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is”.

So, why are Argosys so much cheaper than competitive models? Indeed, a valid question. Certainly, the demise of the Argosy model production run at the end of 2020 plays a significant role in the current resale value.

Sadly, though, for the Argosy, it was a model plagued with electrical gremlins. These Argosy gremlins often lay dormant till the truck was edging up to the half a million-kilometre mark. Then, when the gremlins appeared, they could bring the unit to a sudden halt, and repairs were often expensive.

Still, the Argosy has one favourable arrow in its quiver, as it shares the same running gear as the much higher priced Kenworth and Western Star models. As a result, there is no shortage of parts availability for the Argosy’s running gear. In fact, you’ll enjoy the luxury of being able to shop around in this area from a wide raft of suppliers.

On the other hand, some cabin parts often require special orders from a Freightliner dealership.

Nevertheless, armed with this knowledge, a frugal operator will work around the Argosy’s weaknesses and make a reliable working unit without blowing the budget.

When the Argosy made its world debut in 1998, it pioneered a new safety standard for the trucking industry. In fact, at its first showing, it was dubbed the “Freightliner Argosy Safety Concept Vehicle”.

The most notable safety feature, being the swing-out staircase. However, the Argosy’s long list of features on the First-Generation model introduced into road transport included telematics and messaging and the first cabover with a flat floor.

In addition, the integration of the manual gear shift lever into the dashboard allowed for a more spacious cabin interior. Automated variants had Freightliner’s patented paddle shift.

According to the marketing blurb handed out at the original Argosy launch, Freightliner’s engineers focused much of their attention on making the Argosy as aerodynamic as possible.

As a result, the front of the cabin is actually slightly narrower than the rear, the windscreen slopes back at 24 degrees, and the front fairings aerodynamically guide airflow past the cabin, which dramatically reduces the amount of road grime and spray thrown up over the side of the truck in wet weather. Accordingly, this feature significantly improves vision while driving in inclement weather.

To some degree, the Argosy was certainly a truck ahead of its time. However, while it proved a popular truck here in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, the decline in market share of COE vehicles in the United States eventually paved the way for the Argosy’s demise, with production ultimately ceasing at the end of 2020.

In Australia, the Argosy enjoyed a wide range of options that enabled operators to tailor their vehicle to optimise application productivity. In addition, Argosy trucks were available with engine offerings from all three US manufacturers long after Kenworth dropped Detroit from their options list.

Consequently, it’s worth taking the time to read the specifications and pay particular attention to the options list when searching for a used Argosy, because you might land a genuine diamond in the rough.

Used Truck Guide

As we consistently reiterate, do your due diligence when looking at used trucks. Then, once you have narrowed down your search, insist on a pre-purchase vehicle inspection.

These inspections are one of the wisest investments you’ll make. It will clearly indicate the vehicle’s condition and what expenses it will require to ensure it is roadworthy and reliable.

For an older vehicle with well over a million kilometres under its belt, personally I would budget a full C-service which would include changing all fluids.

I’d even include having oil samples taken from the engine, transmission, and differentials, which will indicate the internal condition of each component.

Because the running gear is essentially the same as other US derived trucks, the R&M costs are typically the same across the board, regardless of the model or brand.

However, inspect the clutch and gear shift linkages if you’re looking at a manual version of the Argosy. When the gear linkage wear becomes excessive, changing gears becomes extremely difficult as the shift pattern requires an additional sideways movement to complete each shift.

Consequently, by the time you purchase the new parts and include labour, it will cost approximately $2500 to rectify. But don’t think that’ll you get off Scot-free with the auto Ultrashift variant either.

When you purchase an automated truck with over a million kilometres and don’t know if or when the X-Y shifter was serviced or replaced, it’s far cheaper to have it replaced than be faced with the high cost of a breakdown callout fee along the highway.

An Eaton Shifter kit (part# A8226) retails for $1320, then add a couple of hundred dollars for the installation labour.

However, as outlined earlier, Argosy models are prone to electrical gremlins, and the digital dash is one costly item that will bring your Argosy to a grinding halt when it fails.

A new instrument panel (Part#A22-61098-137) will cost approximately $3500 to purchase and install. On the other hand, you can pick up used gauge panels for around $500-$600 from most wreckers if you’re confident that you’ll get a reliable and functional one.

The plastic air manifold under the dash is another part that fails as the Argosy gets a little age on it. Thankfully this is not an overly expensive part to purchase but very labour intensive to replace. The air manifold (Part#A12-14736-003) sells for approximately $150 used or $365 new.

Below is a selection of First-Generation and Evolution Argosy models, with an average asking price around the $60K mark. Factor in a small dealer discount to offset some of the repairs and service costs, and you’d have one of these B-Double rated Argosy’s back on the road hauling freight for under $80K.

This is not too bad, considering that a similar specced new B-Double truck will set you back over $360K. The sad fact of reality in the trucking business, is that regardless of whether you subcontract to a major linehaul fleet or a minor operation, no one will pay you any extra to haul their freight with a new truck.

Most major linehaul companies will insist that your vehicle meet specific safety requirements if you’re a subcontractor. But, remember earlier, we pointed out the Argosy was a vehicle ahead of its time.

All those standard safety features included in the Argosy back in the day certainly tick the compliance boxes today.

Nor will it take too long to pay off your used Argosy, with subcontractor rates averaging $1.85/km plus fuel levy.

Check out these Argosy trucks up grabs to start you Trucking on a Budget journey.

First Generation Argosy
2004 Freightliner Argosy ($23,990)
2005 Freightliner Argosy ($35,000)
2005 Freightliner Argosy ($39,000)
2006 Freightliner Argosy ($35,000)
2009 Freightliner Argosy ($60,000)
2010 Freightliner Argosy ($69,000)

Argosy Evolution
2012 Freightliner Argosy ($53,000)
2012 Freightliner Argosy ($66,000)
2012 Freightliner Argosy ($68,500)
2014 Freightliner Argosy ($88,000)
2014 Freightliner Argosy ($66,000)