Hi, I am.. Michael!

[mrmchoohaa]

Just wanted to introduce myself. I'm in Austin, Texas. I am in the process of seeking a short bus to replace my Nissan Altima.

I may have found one, but being new, wanted some input...in case you have opinions.

How much would you pay for a late 90's International 3800 with a 7.3 engine?

It is rust free, and it has a wheelchair lift. I've seen wildly different prices online.

I'd hate to be screwed over wit my first experience.

I can't tell you how exciting this is!

Love reading the posts here.

Michael

[Johnny Mullet]

I have a 96 International 3800 with the 7.3L and automatic. Mine is not totally rust free, but in really good shape. The 7.3L is an awesome engine and works well with the shorter bus body compared to a full sized bus. Pay anywhere from $2500-$5000 depending on overall condition and mileage.

[mrmchoohaa]

Thank you for the info!

That's good to know about the engine. A mechanic friend told me to seriously investigate this one because the engine is excellent.

*fingers crossed*

Michael

[mrmchoohaa]

Just subscribed to your YouTube page, by the way.

Michael

[Robin97396]

If you can post some pics of your prospective bus it will get careful scrutiny here.

[mrmchoohaa]

Sure thing! Please don't swoop in and take my future home from me. I'm literally scraping together my life savings here.

Originally Posted by Robin97396

If you can post some pics of your prospective bus it will get careful scrutiny here.

[Dog Rescuer]

That is one pretty mid-sized luxury short bus! I love it!

[Dog Rescuer]

Those tinted windows are so very cool!

[mrmchoohaa]

I think that's just the reflection from the mighty old oak trees. Hahah.

Michael

Originally Posted by Dog Rescuer

Those tinted windows are so very cool!

[mrmchoohaa]

I like your bus! That is what I want to do.

I'm so scared of making a terrible mistake... ugh.

I've been researching this for years, but doing it is another thing entirely. I travel all over the US and Canada, so the prospect of being stranded/up to my eyeballs in sudden expenses is a wee bit terrifying.

I can't waste my purchase.

Michael

[BlackJohn]

Very nice find Michael. Love the dark glass, a/c, and w/c lift. Gotta start somewhere with price..low as possible works but it might demand more money to acquire. Have you heard it run, driven it yet?
Mileage, tranny, tires make etc helps determine price.
Make it your home man!

John

[cadillackid]

its almost like my red bus!! shows A/C inside, but I dont see the compressor units and hoses under the hood... makes me wonder if under-hood picture is the same bus??
-Christopher

[mrmchoohaa]

I have a mechanic checking it out for me. I'm super excited, but also super terrified.
I just can't imagine paying 5600 for it.

It looks nice, but that seems much higher than ones I'm finding online that are comparable.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

$5600 may seem a little steep, is this a dealer, auction, private seller, or what?

How are the tires? A full set of new tires can run $2000 and up so if it's on 6 brand new "virgin" (not recapped) tires that will affect the value accordingly.

What service was done on it recently? Oil and fluid changes, recharge the A/C's, new brakes?

If we're talking about 6 brand new tires, recent brake job, fully functional A/C units (that you plan to keep and use; you'd be surprised how many folks remove them), tinted windows, radio? These increase the value of the bus.

[mrmchoohaa]

My mechanic is checking things out for me while I'm out of state. I feel like I'm jumping the gun. Maybe this isn't right for me? I really want the shorter bus, but am willing to compromise and go slightly larger.

My head is spinning. For someone with anxiety and all kinds of financial fears, this is crazy talk.

I'm excited, terrified, worried, nervous...etc.

Also, as someone that drives all over the U.S. and Canada, will I have any issues getting anywhere? I was even nervous crossing into Ontario earlier this year in an Altima.

Damned nervous personality.

I just want assurance. I hope my mechanic finds a great situation.

Michael Duvic
https://michaelspetandhome.wixsite.com/mdpetandhomecare

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

$5600 may seem a little steep, is this a dealer, auction, private seller, or what?

How are the tires? A full set of new tires can run $2000 and up so if it's on 6 brand new "virgin" (not recapped) tires that will affect the value accordingly.

What service was done on it recently? Oil and fluid changes, recharge the A/C's, new brakes?

If we're talking about 6 brand new tires, recent brake job, fully functional A/C units (that you plan to keep and use; you'd be surprised how many folks remove them), tinted windows, radio? These increase the value of the bus.

[Robin97396]

Don't settle for something you don't want. At the same time you'll never find yourself complaining about having to much space inside your bus.

If you've got a short bus in mind, hold out for what you want.

[mrmchoohaa]

Don't get me wrong. I'd be super happy with this medium size, provided I don't end up broken down in the middle of the Canadian Rockies.



The tires are 'okay', but they're certainly not new.

It's a nice bus.

Originally Posted by Robin97396

Don't settle for something you don't want. At the same time you'll never find yourself complaining about having to much space inside your bus.

If you've got a short bus in mind, hold out for what you want.

[Tango]

Good idea to check the date stamp on tires. They can "look" OK as far as tread but be 10 years out of date. Some on my shorty were were about 40 years out of date.

[BlackJohn]

To ease your anxiety....no vehicle, used or new is perfect, that any of us can likely afford. We all hope we don't break down on the road. if we do, well, you fix it there or get a tow. Worried about money...why? All money is debt to somebody, we are compelled to use it so.. you either fix the vehicle or sell it at a loss, or for parts and scrap if need be.
You only live once. We all have obligations financially till death and then some.
If you are lacking in mechanical knowledge re buses, engines, cars etc, then this is probably not what you should be doing. But you can learn as much or as little as possible if you want to.
If you think you can buy a bus and just drive it like a car with little to no attention to maintenance then bow out now.
Feel the calm?


John

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by BlackJohn

To ease your anxiety....no vehicle, used or new is perfect, that any of us can likely afford. We all hope we don't break down on the road. if we do, well, you fix it there or get a tow. Worried about money...why? All money is debt to somebody, we are compelled to use it so.. you either fix the vehicle or sell it at a loss, or for parts and scrap if need be.
You only live once. We all have obligations financially till death and then some.
If you are lacking in mechanical knowledge re buses, engines, cars etc, then this is probably not what you should be doing. But you can learn as much or as little as possible if you want to.
If you think you can buy a bus and just drive it like a car with little to no attention to maintenance then bow out now.
Feel the calm?


John

I cant drive my bus like a car? I went to starbucks and then got groceries in it a day before I left on my work trip.. only reason i didnt drive it here is becausse the hotel already had 2 45 Vanhools parked in their large vehicle parking this week...
-Christopher