DAF CF 85 Review
TRUCK REVIEWS
My post content
DAF CF 85 Review
Versatile Medium-to-Heavy Duty Rigid Performance
A good rigid truck needs to do more than move a heavy load from A to B. It needs to start reliably, handle long working days, remain comfortable enough for the driver, and make financial sense when the repayments are coming out of your business every month.
That is where the DAF CF 85 has earned attention from truck owner drivers. It sits in an interesting part of the market, offering the size and power needed for demanding work without necessarily stepping into the biggest heavy-haulage trucks.
If you're looking at a used DAF CF 85, don't judge it purely by kilometres or asking price. Maintenance history, engine condition, transmission performance and the truck's previous application can make a much bigger difference to its real value.
What Is the DAF CF 85?
The DAF CF 85 was developed as a versatile commercial vehicle for operators who needed substantial payload and pulling power without the size of a dedicated heavy-haulage tractor.
It has been used across a wide range of applications, including general freight, distribution, construction, tipper work, waste collection and other demanding rigid-truck operations.
That versatility is one of its biggest attractions.
For an owner driver, having a truck that can handle several types of work can be extremely useful. You may start the week carrying general freight and finish it moving machinery or bulk materials.
The CF 85 was designed with that sort of working environment in mind.
Engine Performance
The engine is one of the main reasons buyers consider the CF 85.
Depending on the model year and specification, the CF 85 was available with different versions of DAF's six-cylinder diesel engines, with power outputs varying considerably across the range.
That means you need to identify the exact engine and power rating before comparing two trucks advertised simply as "CF 85."
For Australian owner drivers, engine size and power should be matched to the work rather than chosen purely because the highest horsepower figure sounds attractive.
A truck regularly carrying heavy loads through hilly country will have different requirements from one doing metropolitan distribution on relatively flat roads.
Don't Ignore Torque
Horsepower gets plenty of attention in truck advertisements.
Torque matters too.
Strong low- and mid-range torque can make a noticeable difference when you're pulling away with a heavy load, climbing gradients or operating in stop-start conditions.
A well-maintained CF 85 should deliver predictable power without excessive smoke, hesitation or unusual engine noise.
When inspecting a used example, allow the engine to reach operating temperature and take it for a proper road test.
Don't settle for a five-minute drive around the yard.
DAF CF 85 Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is where a truck can either make or destroy your profit.
The actual fuel economy of a DAF CF 85 depends on engine specification, gross vehicle mass, body configuration, gearing, tyres, driving style, terrain and the type of work being performed.
A lightly loaded truck travelling interstate is obviously going to behave differently from a heavily loaded rigid truck spending its entire day in urban traffic.
This is why advertised fuel figures should be treated cautiously.
For an owner driver, the better question is:
What fuel consumption has this particular truck achieved in real working conditions?
Ask the seller for fuel records if they're available. If the truck has been operated by a fleet, historical fuel data can provide useful clues.
Also check whether the truck has been modified. Different bodywork, accessories, tyres and aerodynamic equipment can affect operating costs.
Transmission and Drivability
The transmission specification deserves careful attention when buying a used CF 85.
Depending on the particular truck, you may encounter manual or automated manual transmission configurations.
A good transmission should engage smoothly and behave predictably.
During your test drive, pay attention to gear changes, clutch operation, unusual noises and any hesitation under load.
If you're buying an automated truck, don't simply drive it empty around the dealership.
Try to understand how it behaves when accelerating, slowing down and climbing a hill.
A transmission problem can become an expensive problem very quickly.
Ride and Driver Comfort
Truck owner drivers spend a huge amount of time behind the wheel.
Comfort isn't a luxury when you're working long days. It can affect fatigue, concentration and your ability to finish the day feeling reasonably fresh.
The CF 85 was designed as a driver's truck as well as a load carrier, with the cab offering a practical working environment and good visibility.
The exact equipment will depend heavily on the age and specification of the truck you're considering.
When inspecting one, check the driver's seat, steering wheel, dashboard controls, heating and air conditioning.
Don't forget the small things.
A damaged seat, worn steering wheel or malfunctioning air-conditioning system may not stop the truck working, but they can tell you something about how hard it has been used.
The Importance of the Cab
Climb into the cab and look around carefully.
Does everything feel reasonably solid?
Are there rattles and signs of water entry? Do the doors close properly? Are the electrical accessories working?
Look underneath carpets and around the sleeper area if the truck has one.
Signs of dampness or previous repairs deserve investigation.
A tidy cab doesn't guarantee a mechanically excellent truck, but a neglected interior combined with poor maintenance records should make you more cautious.
DAF CF 85 for Construction Work
One of the CF 85's strengths is its ability to serve different industries.
With the appropriate body and configuration, it can be suitable for construction-related applications, including tipper work, material transport and other jobs where a rigid truck is more practical than a prime mover and trailer combination.
However, application is important.
A truck that spent its previous life doing relatively light interstate freight may be quite different mechanically from one that spent years operating on construction sites.
Look for evidence of excessive chassis stress, damaged suspension components, worn driveline parts and corrosion.
The body itself should also be inspected carefully.
Buying a Used DAF CF 85
This is where you need to slow down.
A cheap truck isn't necessarily a cheap truck.
Before buying, check:
Complete service history
Engine condition
Transmission and clutch operation
Differential and driveline
Brakes and suspension
Steering components
Chassis condition
Tyres and wheels
Electrical systems
Air-conditioning
Hydraulic equipment, if fitted
Previous operating application
Accident or repair history
Ideally, have an experienced heavy-vehicle mechanic inspect the truck before money changes hands.
That inspection could save you considerably more than it costs.
Chassis and Suspension
The chassis is effectively the backbone of the truck.
Look underneath for cracks, repairs, corrosion or signs of previous damage.
Pay particular attention to areas around mounting points and components that may have experienced heavy loading.
Suspension components should also be checked for excessive wear.
Remember that the truck's history matters here.
A CF 85 used for regular heavy construction work may have experienced considerably more punishment than an identical-looking truck that spent most of its life carrying lighter freight on sealed roads.
Is the DAF CF 85 Still Worth Considering?
For the right application, yes.
The CF 85 can make an interesting proposition for owner drivers who want a capable rigid truck with enough performance for medium-to-heavy work without automatically buying the largest truck available.
Its greatest strength is probably its versatility.
It can be configured for different industries and working conditions, which gives operators more opportunities to use the same truck across changing contracts.
But age is an important consideration.
Many CF 85s on the used market have now had substantial working lives. That makes condition and maintenance history more important than the badge on the grille.
DAF CF 85 Finance Considerations
The purchase price is only one part of the equation.
When you're an owner driver, you need to consider the entire cost of putting the truck to work.
That includes finance repayments, registration, insurance, fuel, servicing, tyres, repairs and downtime.
A truck that costs $20,000 less but requires major repairs shortly after purchase could end up costing considerably more.
Before applying for finance, work out what the truck needs to earn each week.
Then allow room for unexpected expenses.
Your business should be able to comfortably handle the repayments rather than relying on every week being perfect.
Can You Finance a Used DAF CF 85?
Potentially, yes. Asset finance can be available for used commercial vehicles, although approval will depend on factors such as the truck's age, condition, purchase price, applicant circumstances and lender policy.
For an owner driver, getting the finance structure right can be just as important as negotiating the purchase price.
It is worth discussing the truck with an experienced truck finance broker before committing to the purchase.
That way, you can establish what funding may be available and understand the likely repayment position before signing the deal.
DAF CF 85 vs Buying a Larger Truck
Bigger isn't always better.
If your work doesn't require a large heavy-haulage prime mover, buying one can simply mean carrying unnecessary costs.
A CF 85 may provide enough capacity and performance for your operation while remaining more suited to the type of work you actually perform.
The right truck is the one that earns money efficiently.
Not necessarily the one with the biggest engine or highest horsepower.
What Should Owner Drivers Look For?
If you're seriously considering a DAF CF 85, take your time.
Find out exactly what you're buying.
Ask questions about its previous work, service intervals, engine repairs, transmission history and reason for sale.
Then inspect the truck properly.
If the seller doesn't want an independent mechanical inspection, that should raise a question in your mind.
You are buying a business asset, not just a vehicle.
Final Verdict
The DAF CF 85 Review: Versatile Medium-to-Heavy Duty Rigid Performance comes down to one major point: this is a truck that can make sense when its specification matches the job.
For truck owner drivers, its appeal lies in its combination of useful power, rigid-truck practicality and versatility across different applications.
A well-maintained example can still be an attractive used commercial vehicle, particularly when the purchase price, operating costs and intended workload are properly matched.
But don't buy on appearance alone.
Check the mechanical condition. Study the service history. Test it under realistic conditions. And calculate the numbers before you commit.
The best truck purchase isn't necessarily the cheapest one sitting in the yard.
It's the truck that keeps working, earns its repayments and gives you the reliability you need to keep your business moving.
Contact Wayne Taylor on 0418 266 994 today for an obligation-free discussion and discover how the right finance solution could help move your business forward.