Quote:
Originally Posted by AskTammie
I really appreciate the advise & knowledge in this group.
What do you guys think of a 2008 Thomas Freightliner, Mercedes 926 engine w/ Allison 3000, 6 speed trans & 125K miles?
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2008 means it may have a Diesel exhaust Particulate Filter (DPF). If so, steer clear, early DPF engines tended to very problematic. It will have Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) regardless if it has a DPF, the system is known to have a variety of expensive issues. It's generally recommended that prospective buyers avoid buses with emissions controls due to poor reliability and cost of repairs. This largely means buses built after 2003, and especially after 2007 when DPFs started appearing.
Otherwise the Mercedes engines appear reasonable, but parts availability is becoming uncertain due to a brand handover. The mileage feels reasonable for a bus used in a decent length route over 12 years.
The transmission is one of the best ones to find in a bus, very reliable with good maintenance. Most bus versions of the 3000 are electronically limited to 5 gears, but this can be rectified for not terribly much through reprogramming. There's a few ways to go about this, the most reliable seems to be going through a third party to reflash the TCM instead of haggling the builder and Allison.
If you're still serious about this bus despite the warnings about emissions equipment, tell us more about the model. "Freightliner" is a very vague descriptor for a Thomas, as Thomas itself falls under the Freightliner brand. Pictures would give much better advice.