Newbie In Search for the Perfect Bus =]

[Patrikus Maximus]

HELLOOOOO Good folks in the Skoolie community! I Trust that everyone is Happy and well!

I am looking at a few options and would really Love and Appreciate some advice, feedback, input, suggestions, etc. on how I should approach this. Any and all of your comments will be taken with grateful ears. Thanks in advance!


Option #1: 2006 International 72 pass bus diesel auto 279,000 k runs good electric emergency brake will not come off abs lite is on and does not drive. As is no rust body exc 4500$ CAD obo

Option #2: 1999 Blue Bird School Bus. This is a 72 passenger flat nose bus. It is powered with a front mount 24 valve Cummings engin. This bus has past it last government inspection, however that expired in August 2017, and has not been re-inspected. We have replaced this bus in our fleet. Regular wear and tear on the seats. Tires are in great shape. Engin does smoke at startup, will need some engin work, but starts and runs. Call or text if interested and I will try answer your questions. Asking $7500 CAD Obo. 450,000 k

Patrikus
Love+Peace+Health
Pathos+Ethos+Magicos

[BennysTire]

Both seem a little expensive given their faults... In my opinion.

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[Patrikus Maximus]

I forgot to mention that they are both in Canadian Dollars. =]
I will definitely use all of my deal making skills to get the price down. Thanks BennysTire!

What would you say is the right price for either one?

[Kubla]

The 2006 is going to have emissions stuff you do not want to deal with, if it has the 365 maxforce engine, run the other way

[o1marc]

First one sounds like it's starting the electrical issues prevalent with 2005 and newer electronic buses.
The second one I'm sure will have the enemic Cummins 5.9/AT545 combo. Cummins had some bad "53" blocks that issues. I recently found those blocks were manufactured for years 99-01, which sucks because it puts it right in the middle of the years i'm looking at (98-04), and unfortunately this bus also. Price on it is what you would pay at a dealer for a $3500 bus.

[Veganswandering]

Neither one sound very appealing. I just bought a 2002 BB All American 8.3 Cummins with md3060 155xxx miles for $6500 from a dealer. I almost bought a sub par bus but am glad I waited for the right bus, mostly due to this groups suggestions.

[BennysTire]

I have a 2000 Bluebird flat nose with a 5.9 Cummins/Allison 545 combo. And while I will say that it powers my 30 passenger bus (9 window) just fine... I suppose I'd question it's ability to pull a full-size around.[emoji848]



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[jjhwick119]

I just got a 1998 International 3800 11 window with dt466 and 150k miles (unknown trans) that was taking out of service January for 2050 usd out the door, and it's in running condition. You can find a better deal if you wait and keep searching.

Good luck on your hunt!

[Patrikus Maximus]

Notes:

1. These prices are too high for what is offered

2. 2006 has emissions issues and STAY AWAY from 365 Maxforce engine

3. a) Electrical issues for 2005+ models
Does this issue end at a certain year?

b) "53" blocks no good in models 99-01

c) Dealers are offering $3500 for similar buses
Are these USD prices given?

4. Veganswandering got REAL LUCKY on his purchase! Congratulations! =]

5. 2000 Blue Bird flat nose 5.9 Cummins/Allison 545 Combo may lack in pulling power (which won't be an issue for me because I'm not pulling any trailers)

6. Keep searching because better deals are out there and I will get it!

THANKS EVERYONE!
Which engine should I really aim to get?

[jjhwick119]

As a general rule of thumb that most follow, avoid most all 2004 and up due to emissions. Some 2004 models are okay depending on motor, such as t444e which wasn't made with EGR.

The Cummins 5.9 is a good engine, no matter what you read, just not the most powerful with at 545 combo. Avoid 53 block, but a lot of people end up with the 5.9 as its very common in route buses. The t444e is a similarly lower powered motor as well from what I u understand. Dt466 is a powerhouse, but also offered sometimes in low up version when paired with at545. (I think this may be the combo I got, or it's mt643 trans which is much better). Cummins 8.3 I believe is a powerhouse too. These are the most common engines I've ran Into looking at late 90s/ early 2000s.
-summed up version of what I've read while searching

Edit - and everyone gets the best deals usually by buying from auction and getting bus straight from the school district. I got mine on govdeals.com, publicsurplus.com and purplewave.com are some other options

Edit - also, you'll need to ask what the HP rating of the motor is. These engines were usually offered in multiple variants from low to high

[Patrikus Maximus]

Thanks muchos for the info jjhwick119 and for sharing the websites to shop for skooies.��
Hope you're having an Absolutely Amazing day!