A 1987 Mack Box Truck Is an Older Work Vehicle With Real Maintenance Costs

A 1987 Mack box truck with a 12-foot height and 32-foot cargo box is a heavy-duty commercial hauler built to last, but you are looking at a vehicle that is now 37 years old. These trucks were engineered for logging, construction, and long-haul freight work, and many are still running because Mack engines hold up under load. The trade-off is straightforward: you pay less upfront than a newer truck, but you will spend more on repairs, fuel, and potential downtime.

Before you commit money, you need to understand what you are actually buying. A truck this age has a known service history if it was maintained, or hidden problems if it was not. The 32-foot box and 12-foot height mean this is a serious work truck, not a light-duty vehicle—it was designed to haul heavy loads, and that design is both its strength and its liability. The engine, transmission, and frame have decades of wear, and replacement parts exist but are not always straightforward to source.

Key Takeaways

  • A 1987 Mack box truck is a commercial-grade vehicle with a proven engine design, but every system—brakes, suspension, hydraulics, electrical—is 37 years old and will need inspection and likely repair.
  • Fuel consumption on a truck this size and age typically runs 5 to 7 miles per gallon, and diesel prices directly affect your operating cost per mile.
  • You must have the truck inspected by a heavy-truck mechanic before purchase, not a general shop, because Mack-specific systems require informed.
  • Insurance, registration, and commercial licensing requirements vary by state and by how you plan to use the truck, so contact your state's commercial vehicle division before buying.
  • Financing an older commercial truck is harder than financing a newer one; many lenders will not touch vehicles older than 10 to 15 years, so cash or a specialty lender may be your only option.

What a Pre-Purchase Inspection Should Cover

Do not skip the inspection. A pre-purchase inspection by a certified heavy-truck mechanic costs $300 to $600 and can save you thousands. The mechanic needs to check the engine compression, transmission fluid condition, brake system integrity, suspension wear, frame rust or cracks, and electrical system function. For a truck this age, also have them inspect the cargo box itself—rust in the floor or walls, rot in wooden components, and structural damage are common and expensive to repair.

Ask the seller for service records. If the truck has been maintained regularly, you will see oil changes, filter replacements, and major repairs documented. If there are no records, assume the truck has been neglected and price your offer accordingly. The Mack engine itself is durable, but only if it has been serviced on schedule. A truck with spotty maintenance history is a liability.

Specifically ask the mechanic about the transmission, because rebuilding or replacing a heavy-duty transmission can cost $3,000 to $8,000. Also check the air brake system—these trucks use compressed air for braking, and any leak or compressor failure is a safety issue and a repair bill. The cooling system, radiator, and hoses should be inspected for leaks and corrosion.

Fuel Costs and Operating Expenses

A 1987 Mack box truck with a diesel engine will consume between 5 and 7 miles per gallon under typical commercial use. If you are hauling heavy loads or driving in stop-and-go city traffic, expect the lower end of that range. At current diesel prices, which vary by region and season, that translates to roughly $0.40 to $0.60 per mile in fuel alone.

Beyond fuel, budget for routine maintenance: oil and filter changes every 15,000 to 20,000 miles, air filter replacements, coolant flushes, and brake service. Older trucks also need more frequent tire replacements, and commercial truck tires are expensive—$200 to $400 per tire, and you may have 10 or more on the vehicle. Factor in $0.10 to $0.15 per mile for maintenance and repairs as a conservative estimate.

Insurance for a commercial truck this age depends on how you use it, your driving record, and your state. A truck used for local hauling costs less to insure than one used for interstate commerce. Get quotes from commercial truck insurers before you buy, because insurance can add $100 to $300 per month to your operating costs.

Financing Options for a Truck This Old

Most traditional lenders—banks and credit unions—will not finance a vehicle older than 10 to 15 years, and a 1987 truck falls well outside that window. Your options are cash purchase, a specialty lender that focuses on older commercial vehicles, or a private loan from someone willing to take the risk.

If you go the specialty lender route, expect higher interest rates than you would pay for a newer truck. These lenders understand the market for older commercial vehicles and price the loan to account for the higher risk of mechanical failure. Interest rates may run 8 to 12 percent or higher, depending on your credit and the lender's assessment of the truck's condition.

Cash purchase removes the financing cost but ties up capital that could be used elsewhere in your business. If you have the cash and the truck passes inspection, paying cash eliminates the risk of owing more than the truck is worth if major repairs are needed shortly after purchase.

Registration, Licensing, and Legal Requirements

A truck this size and age must be registered as a commercial vehicle in your state. Most states require a commercial driver's license (CDL) if the truck's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) exceeds 26,000 pounds—and a 32-foot Mack box truck almost certainly does. You will need to pass a written test and a driving test specific to commercial vehicles.

Contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or commercial vehicle division before you buy to confirm the GVWR, the licensing class you need, and any inspections required. Some states require annual or biennial commercial vehicle inspections; others do not. The cost and frequency vary widely. You also need to understand whether you need a hazmat endorsement if you plan to haul certain materials.

If you plan to operate across state lines, you may need a USDOT number and may be subject to federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Even if you operate only locally, check with your state's commercial vehicle authority about what is required for your specific use case.

Pricing and Market Value

A 1987 Mack box truck with a 32-foot cargo box and 12-foot height typically sells in the $8,000 to $18,000 range, depending on condition, mileage, and maintenance history. A truck with documented service history, a clean frame, and a recently rebuilt engine will command the higher end. A truck with rust, unknown maintenance, and high mileage will be at the lower end or below.

Use that range as a starting point, but do not rely on it alone. Search online marketplaces for comparable trucks—Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and commercial truck sites like Truck Paper or Heavy Equipment Auctions. Look at what similar Mack box trucks are listed for in your region, and adjust for condition and mileage.

Remember that the purchase price is only the beginning. Factor in the cost of the pre-purchase inspection, any repairs needed before the truck is road-ready, registration and licensing, insurance, and the first few months of fuel and maintenance. A truck that looks cheap at $10,000 may cost you $15,000 or more to get on the road and keep running.

When to Walk Away

Do not buy a truck with frame damage, rust that has eaten through the cargo box, or an engine that does not start or run smoothly. Do not buy without a pre-purchase inspection, and do not ignore red flags from the mechanic. If the seller will not let you have the truck inspected, that is a reason to walk away.

Also walk away if the seller cannot or will not provide any service history. A truck this age without documentation is a gamble you should not take. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is—there is usually a reason an older truck is priced well below market.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a CDL to drive a 1987 Mack box truck?

Almost certainly yes. A 32-foot box truck with a 12-foot height will have a GVWR well over 26,000 pounds, which requires a Class B or Class A CDL depending on whether you are towing a trailer. Check your truck's registration or ask the seller for the GVWR to confirm, then contact your state's DMV.

What is the typical lifespan of a Mack engine in a truck this old?

Mack engines are known for durability and can run 500,000 to 1 million miles if maintained properly. A 1987 truck may have anywhere from 200,000 to 800,000 miles on it. Ask the seller for the odometer reading and service records, and have your mechanic check compression and oil condition to assess engine health.

Can I use this truck for interstate hauling?

Yes, but you will need a USDOT number, a valid CDL, and compliance with FMCSA regulations. You will also need to maintain logbooks, pass regular inspections, and carry appropriate insurance. Contact the FMCSA or your state's commercial vehicle division for the specific requirements in your state.

What should I do if the truck needs a major repair right after I buy it?

This is why the pre-purchase inspection is critical. If a major repair is needed shortly after purchase and the truck passed inspection, you own the cost. If the inspection missed something obvious, you may have a claim against the mechanic. Always get the inspection in writing and keep the report.

Is it worth buying a truck this old instead of financing a newer one?

That depends on your budget and your tolerance for repair costs. A newer truck costs more upfront but has lower fuel consumption, fewer repairs, and better financing options. An older truck costs less upfront but higher operating costs. Run the numbers for your specific use case—mileage, load type, and how long you plan to keep the truck.