Freightliner M2 106
The medium-duty and severe-service workhorse, sold as everything from a box truck to a day cab tractor. Short wheelbase, tight turning, and set up for stop-start work rather than miles.
Fuel economy
6.5-8.5 mpg
loaded, at highway speed
Fuel per mile
$0.540
at $4.049 a gallon
Tractor weight
12,000-15,000
pounds, day cab to large sleeper
Used asking
$30k-$90k
condition moves this more than the model
What the fuel gap costs
Against the most efficient tractor in this reference, over 120,000 miles at this week’s diesel price.
$6,244 a year
Known issues
Nothing characteristic. It is a simple truck used hard, and it wears where it is used hard.
Verdict
The right truck for local and regional work and completely the wrong one for over-the-road. Judge it on the body and the drivetrain, not the badge.
Others in regional and day cab