Used Scania R-series: 12 issues to look out for

Click here to view the full range of used Scania R-Series tractor units we have in stock.

Scania’s R-series Topliners are, in the main, indestructible. Call the vast majority of those operating and/or maintaining these vehicles to ask what problems they’ve had and the answer you will get is mainly: “None at all. They’re bulletproof.” They really do all use that same word. Bulletproof. The R-series had such a good reputation, in fact, that we can point you in the direction of multiple hauliers who lined up to order the last few of these trucks before the next generation came in, because they were gutted production of the model was coming to an end. With this in mind, while we did come across some issues it’s worth used buyers being aware of, they’re all pretty minor and some apply only to the very earliest trucks.

Hover over and click on any of the points on the photo to find out more...

1. Wiring:

Wiring between the door and mirror can corrode and cause wearing where it passes through the door mirror.(Back to image)

2. Seats:

Leather drivers’ seats, especially the squab, can suffer premature wear to both stitching and interior foam, despite being well cared for. A replacement is then needed.(Back to image)

3. Stereo:

The stereo sometimes freezes when a phone is connected to the system. The unit shows three to four bars of volume, but no sound comes out. Check this by connecting your own phone before buying.(Back to image)

4. Temperature gauge:

Exterior temperature gauges on the dashboard sometimes fail for no obvious reason.(Back to image)

5. AdBlue system:

The AdBlue system can experience generalised faults.(Back to image)

6. Clutch:

There have been reports of clutches needing replacement around 250,000km when the vehicle is routinely used over harsh terrain.(Back to image)

7. Gearbox:

Gearboxes can suddenly “go slow” on up-changes. Check the vehicle history for this.(Back to image)

8. Bell-housing:

Check for small oil leaks around the bell-housing area on older models – it can come slack and cause major time and effort to resolve.(Back to image)

9. NOx sensor:

Issues of repeated NOx sensor faults have been reported, triggering limp-home mode. Check whether this has been an ongoing occurrence on any vehicle being considered.(Back to image)

10. Battery:

There have been some cases where battery replacement has been required after sudden failure.(Back to image)

11. Shifter:

On 3-pedal Opticruise versions, there have been reports that the shifter/ selector within the gearbox wears, causing a failure to select. This happens with very little warning, the tell-tale sign being that the box is slightly slower to change in manual mode, doing so with a very subtle “clunk”.(Back to image)

12. Theft:

Parts on these trucks frequently get stolen, both in the UK and abroad. Headlights, side skirts and wingtops are most often involved. Examine if these parts have already been more firmly secured by previous owner and, if not, do so before dispatching away from base.(Back to image)

Click here to view the full range of used Scania R-Series tractor units we have in stock.