The idea that Cats cost more to rebuild is complete BS spread by people that have never priced parts from other brands. An actual Detroit head is almost $2000 more than
Cat. Cummins parts are almost always higher.
Cat injector is $100 cheaper each. Maxxforce in any size is the biggest pile on the road. The easiest way to tell what’s good is look at selling prices. There is a reason the Mack/Volvo/Maxxforce powered trucks sell just over scrap price. Internet option is one thing but when people are asked to put their money where their mouth is honesty comes out.
You get a truck with a Cat/Cummins you can get parts and Service anywhere. Try that with a Volvo. And to make matters worse the only way to get a Volvo Motor is to drive a Volvo.