Where to start choosing your first truck in ETS 2?
For newcomers to Euro Truck Simulator 2 It’s difficult to navigate dozens of truck models from different manufacturers. The first mistake is buying the cheapest or most powerful truck without taking into account your real needs. At the start, the most important thing is not the maximum speed, but reliability, efficiency and ease of management.
In this article, we analyzed all available models according to key criteria: price, fuel consumption, load capacity, maintainability and availability of spare parts. We also took into account reviews from experienced players and tests on different types of roads - from mountain serpentines to highways. If you're just starting a career as a virtual truck driver, this guide will help you save virtual money and avoid disappointment.
Let us warn you right away: Scania R or Volvo FH16 are not the best choice to start with, despite their popularity. They are expensive to maintain and require experience. But Iveco Stralis or DAF XF can be a great first truck with the right setup.
Criteria for choosing your first truck: what to look for
Before purchasing, consider five key parameters that directly affect profitability and comfort:
- 💰 Purchase and loan costs — it’s better to choose a model before
200 000 €to pay off the loan faster. - ⛽ Fuel consumption - optimal
25-30 l/100 kmwhen fully loaded. - 🔧 Reliability and cost of repairs — some brands break down more often, and spare parts for them are more expensive.
- 📦 Load capacity - enough to get started
20-24 tons, but it’s better to take it with a reserve. - 🛣️ Controllability — a short wheelbase and soft suspension will make parking easier.
Experienced players also recommend paying attention to availability of tuning. Some models (eg Renault T) have a limited choice of cabs and engines, making future upgrades difficult. But DAF XF or Mercedes-Benz Actros can be upgraded for almost any task.
TOP 5 trucks for beginners in ETS 2: comparison of characteristics
We have selected five models that are best suited for starting a career. All of them combine affordable price, efficiency and ease of operation. The table below shows the key parameters for comparison:
| Model | Price (€) | Fuel consumption (l/100 km) | Max. power (hp) | Load capacity (t) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iveco Stralis | 120 000 | 26-28 | 460 | 22 | The cheapest, easy to repair, but weak dynamics |
| DAF XF | 155 000 | 25-27 | 510 | 24 | Balanced option, lots of tuning |
| Renault T | 140 000 | 27-29 | 480 | 20 | Comfortable cabin, but limited choice of engines |
| Mercedes-Benz Actros | 170 000 | 24-26 | 530 | 25 | Reliable but expensive to maintain |
| Volvo FH Classic | 160 000 | 28-30 | 500 | 23 | Sturdy frame, but high fuel consumption |
Important nuance: Iveco Stralis and Renault T have the lowest cost of credit (interest ~3% versus 5% for premium brands), which is critical at the start. If saving on fuel is important to you, take it Mercedes-Benz Actros, but be prepared for higher repair costs.
Before purchasing, be sure to test the model you like in the Quick Job mode. This will help you evaluate the controllability and comfort of the cabin without the risk of spending virtual money.
Best choice for different play styles
There is no universal "best" truck - it all depends on your playstyle and priorities. Let's look at the best options for different scenarios:
- 💸 Minimum investment: Iveco Stralis - cheap, easy to repair, but slow. Suitable for short routes.
- ⚡ Maximum speed: DAF XF with engine
MX-510- accelerates to90 km/hwith cargo. - 🛌 Comfortable long-distance flights: Mercedes-Benz Actros — better sound insulation and cabin ergonomics.
- 🏔️ Mountain routes: Volvo FH Classic — powerful engine and reliable brakes.
- 🔧 Easy tuning: Renault T - You can quickly improve the appearance and performance.
If you plan to play realistic mode (with damage and fatigue included), avoid Iveco Stralis — its weak frame often breaks in collisions. Best suited for this style Volvo FH Classic or Mercedes-Benz Actros.
⚠️ Attention: When buying a truck on credit, pay attention to the monthly payment. It should not exceed 30% of your average income per flight. Otherwise, you risk being left without money for fuel or repairs.
How to set up a truck after purchase: a checklist for beginners
Even the best truck will perform poorly if it is not tuned to suit your driving style. Follow this checklist to optimize performance:
Install the gearbox 12+2 or 14+2 to make switching easier|
Select motor power 450-500 hp - this is enough for most loads |
Adjust the suspension to 50% hardness for a balance of comfort and handling|
Install the tires Super Single to save fuel on the highways |
Disable the shift assistant (if you have experience with manual control)|
Paint your truck a bright color to make it easier to find in parking lots-->
Pay special attention setting up the transmission. For beginners it is better to choose automatic transmission (if available for the model) or semi-automatic with manual up/down switching. This will reduce the load at the start while you get used to the controls.
Don't forget about aerodynamic body kits! Their installation reduces fuel consumption by 2-3 liters per 100 km, which provides significant savings for long flights. In the tuning menu, look for options like Roof Deflector or Side Skirts.
How to save on fuel in ETS 2?
1. Keep engine speed in range 1200-1600 rpm - This is the optimal mode for saving.
2. Use cruise control on level roads.
3. Avoid sudden acceleration and braking - smooth driving reduces fuel consumption. 10-15%.
4. Install a larger fuel tank (1200+ liters) to stop at gas stations less frequently (saving time = saving money).
5. Monitor your tire pressure—flat tires increase drag and fuel consumption.
Common mistakes newbies make when choosing a truck
Many players make the same mistakes, which later become costly. That's what can't do when purchasing your first truck:
- 🚫 Take out a loan for the maximum period - interest will eat up all the profit.
- 🚫 Buy a truck with a more powerful engine
550 hp— you don’t need that kind of power at the start. - 🚫 Ignore fuel consumption - the difference is
2 l/100 kmfor 1000 km it gives20 litersoverpayments. - 🚫 Choose the longest wheelbase - it’s difficult to park with it.
- 🚫 Spend money on external tuning to the detriment of technical improvements.
One of the most dangerous mistakes is buying a truck with short cab (for example, Day Cab). It is cheaper, but does not have a berth, which forces you to spend money on hotels or limits the flight range. Always take a cabin type Sleeper or Globetrotter.
⚠️ Attention: If you are playing with a mod Realistic Economy, prices for trucks and fuel may differ from standard prices by 1.5-2 times. In this case it is better to start with Iveco Stralis or Renault T, since premium brands become unavailable without long-term earnings.
How much can you earn on different trucks: comparison of profitability
The profitability of a truck depends not only on its characteristics, but also on the type of transportation. We tested all the models from the TOP 5 on three popular routes:
| Model | Short flight (200 km) | Medium flight (500 km) | Long flight (1000+ km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iveco Stralis | 1 200 € | 2 800 € | 5 500 € |
| DAF XF | 1 400 € | 3 500 € | 7 200 € |
| Renault T | 1 300 € | 3 100 € | 6 300 € |
| Mercedes-Benz Actros | 1 500 € | 3 800 € | 7 800 € |
| Volvo FH Classic | 1 350 € | 3 300 € | 6 800 € |
As can be seen from the table, Mercedes-Benz Actros and DAF XF bring the greatest profit over long distances due to efficiency and load capacity. However, on short flights the difference is minimal, so Iveco Stralis may be more profitable due to low cost of ownership.
Combine for maximum profit long flights with expensive cargo (such as machinery or industrial equipment) and short shuttle routes with light loads (food, furniture). This will help you pay off the loan faster and save for an upgrade.
At the start, it is better to focus on flights of 300-600 km in length - they bring good income with minimal costs of fuel and time.
Frequently asked questions about choosing a truck in ETS 2
Which truck is the most reliable in ETS 2?
According to breakdown statistics (including mod Realistic Breakdowns), the most reliable - Mercedes-Benz Actros, is following him DAF XF. The engine and transmission are the least likely to break down, and the brake system and suspension are more likely to break down (especially during aggressive driving).
Should you take out a loan for a truck or save up money?
If you play without mods, it's better to take out a loan for Iveco Stralis or Renault T — they can be quickly paid for 5-7 flights. In realistic mods (for example, Promods + Realistic Economy) the loan becomes risky - it’s better to save at least 50% of the cost truck.
Which engine to choose for your first truck?
The best option is an engine with power 460-500 hp with torque 2000-2300 Nm. For example:
- DAF XF:
MX-460orMX-510 - Mercedes-Benz Actros:
OM 471(450 hp) - Volvo FH Classic:
D13C(460 hp)
More powerful engines (600+ hp) are not needed at the start - they increase fuel consumption and maintenance costs.
Is it possible to change the truck after purchase?
Yes, but with losses. When you sell your truck you will only receive 70-80% of its current value (depending on mileage and condition). Therefore, it is better to immediately choose a model that is suitable for long-term play. The exception is if you take a cheap one Iveco Stralis to start and plan to change it after 10-15 flights.
What mods can help with choosing a truck?
Useful mods for beginners:
Truck Physics Mod— improves the realism of control, helps to feel the difference between models.Realistic Fuel Consumption— shows real fuel consumption to compare efficiency.Dealer Mod— adds more dealerships with different prices.Engine Sound Mod— changes engine sounds to better distinguish models.
Install mods via Mod Manager in the game menu to avoid conflicts.