Help - Need Advice On This Rig - Might Buy

[freebird]

2000 International, 173k miles, dt466, allison 545, upstate NY bus, some rust, pics of underneath and engine coming... $2800 firm... I like since it has recommended engine (from folks here) and 3 doors (I intend to add lift for motorcycles and the door is in the back)..

I was thinking to go smaller (its 38.9ft) for better handling and national park access, etc.

Thoughts? Good Deal?

Here's link to pics: https://drive.google.com/drive/folde...TQ?usp=sharing

[IWC Bus]

Is this the bus from Craigslist? Just wondering because I was planning to go look at it also.

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[PNW_Steve]

Hey Freebird,

That is a nice looking bus from the pics.

The DT466 is likely the single most sought after motor and with the low miles on that one it is attractive.

The AT545 transmission...... Not so much. The 545 is a 4 speed, non-overdrive, non-lockup transmission. Preferred would be an MT647 (4 spd lockup) or an MD3060 (5/6spd, OD, lockup). Having the lockup torque converter and overdrive are very desireable.

Another consideration is rust. Where did the bus live most of its life? I have seen 12 year old buses that were not roadworthy because the chassis rust was so bad. A little bit of body rust is one thing but significant rust can be a bus killer.

[freebird]

Yep - its on CL, in NY - upstate. He has a few, but according to him, this is the "best one"...

I noticed folks recommended the different transmissions as well... I might just keep looking since transmission is not optimal...

[DoubleO7]

I can not imagine a 17 year old winter driven bus, likely never washed until after all the snow melts and the roads are dry only having "some rust".

[freebird]

Yeah... we wil see pics tomorrow

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[sdwarf36]

How much you figure its gonna cost you install a lift? Because a very high percentage of buses for sale HAVE lifts. Besides the fact that NY loves salt, you might want to keep looking.

[freebird]

Yeah, i thought that too... so much to consider

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[superdave]

look down in nc or tenn, lots of rust free buses. look for a trip bus, high ceiling and big motors

[Tango]

Definitely spend some time crawling under that beastie. "A little rust" sounds suspect for that part of the world.

[freebird]

Thanks for all the feedback folks... Still being patient and looking around...

[schoolbusesforsale]

I been buying buses from different states, New York I will stay away from. yes the price may be cheap but there is no cure when the rust has eat up the under carriage of the bus, that's the reason why state patrol will not pass the inspection of this buses anymore not safe to transport kids, therefore not safe at all. I don't know why people will go cheap on the purchase of a bus and yet spend a lot more in fixing then when they break down.

[freebird]

2004 International Amtran dt with Allison MD3060 - wants 5k.
Has lift (for motorcycle) - Rear engine - 90k miles.
Should I pull the trigger if he comes down a bit?

[PNW_Steve]

DT466
MD3060
90k miles
Less than $5k.

Unless it is a rust bucket or has other issues I would certainly jump on it. I am partial to RE's and that is a fantastic drive train.

[cowlitzcoach]

That is a great looking bus. It is one of the very few I have seen in the last twenty years that came from the factory with a green floor and green seat covers.

Considering the age, mileage, condition, and power package I would say you are looking at a terrific bargain. Most dealers would have that priced retail around $12K-$14K.

For some people the lift would be a plus. For others a lift would be a minus. If you are looking for a lift bus I don't think you will find a better one at 2x or 3x the price.

By the way, those front seats with panels are most likely C.E. White convertible bus seats. With the panel folded up it is a normal 3-student/2-adult school bus seat. With the panel folded down it becomes child booster seat with restraint.

[Njsurf73]

Originally Posted by freebird

2004 International Amtran dt with Allison MD3060 - wants 5k.
Has lift (for motorcycle) - Rear engine - 90k miles.
Should I pull the trigger if he comes down a bit?

I would grab it. Any idea if there are more? Lol

[EastCoastCB]

Try to see if you can actually verify that mileage.

[freebird]

Ok. Thats what i thought. Seen them for 12k+. Will verify miles and rust when I talk price today. Will also let the group know if all 3 are available. If he still has 3 more and others are real buyers we may be able to strike a good deal for all 3.

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[Tango]

I think it's worth that just to NOT have an "E" on the 466! Great combo.

[freebird]

What's the "E" o the end mean?