Bus Cost, is it worth it?

runyantribe · 11-19-2021, 09:06 AM

Hello all. I am wondering if I can get some advise on whether a bus is worth the cost. I found a 2005 International CE 300 with a DT466E and also has a driver side emergency door. It seems very mechanically sound with recent repairs of new Oil pump, turbo, egr cooler. However, it will need all new tires for inspection. And it has a ding in the passenger side of the windshield. They are asking $5000, but when I mentioned those things they said they would go to $4500. Does that seem like a good deal to any of you that already have experience with your skoolies?

PhilipE · 11-19-2021, 11:49 AM

Quote:

new Oil pump, turbo

Walk away. That engine might be on its last legs.

I would want to see if other engine repairs were done to the engine. Seeing a new oil pump without major engine rebuild is very scary.

o1marc · 11-19-2021, 12:59 PM

How many miles are on it? Who is selling it? Where did it live? $4500 these days is not a bad price if there are no major issues.

Oldyeller · 11-19-2021, 01:12 PM

Yes, hearing a bus I was looking at had the oil pump replaced would make me nervous. You might want to delve more deeply into that, or, as PhillipE suggested, walk away.

On the other hand any of the buses folks like us look at potentially have issues. This seller told you about the oil pump, the next bus you look at the seller might not, even if it was replaced. You also didn't mention the mileage, is there rust, are there maintenance records?

Do you know a diesel mechanic that could perform an inspection or perhaps a service that specializes in that. If you suggest that and the seller refuses you pretty much have your answer.

BTW, 6 new tires will cost more than $500.

Buying a bus is the hard part. After that it comes down to stamina or maybe enthusiasm . . . no it's stamina.

Zork · 11-19-2021, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runyantribe

Hello all. I am wondering if I can get some advise on whether a bus is worth the cost. I found a 2005 International CE 300 with a DT466E and also has a driver side emergency door. It seems very mechanically sound with recent repairs of new Oil pump, turbo, egr cooler. However, it will need all new tires for inspection. And it has a ding in the passenger side of the windshield. They are asking $5000, but when I mentioned those things they said they would go to $4500. Does that seem like a good deal to any of you that already have experience with your skoolies?

I paid that much for one three years newer and in better condition, with good tires. Shop around.

runyantribe · 11-19-2021, 03:32 PM

Thanks is for the info. The repairs that were done have been within the last three years, not brand new repairs. Perhaps it would be good for me to find a mechanic to go along with me. I really like the idea of having the driver side door, I haven’t seen that to much on a conventional bus, but really would like conventional, I just like the look more.

Zork · 11-19-2021, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runyantribe

Thanks is for the info. The repairs that were done have been within the last three years, not brand new repairs. Perhaps it would be good for me to find a mechanic to go along with me. I really like the idea of having the driver side door, I haven’t seen that to much on a conventional bus, but really would like conventional, I just like the look more.

You should ALWAYS have a mechanic you know and trust inspect any vehicles you want to buy unless they are new and you are getting a good warranty.

runyantribe · 11-19-2021, 04:41 PM

Yes, I know how important mechanics are in the buying process, but that cost money too, so I think it wise to first make sure it’s what I want and worth it to me, before paying for a mechanic’s opinion.

Zork · 11-19-2021, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by runyantribe

Yes, I know how important mechanics are in the buying process, but that cost money too, so I think it wise to first make sure it’s what I want and worth it to me, before paying for a mechanic’s opinion.

Well of course, you wouldn't ask a mechanic to do a pre-purchase inspection on something you don't want, but since it looks like this bus is something you do want, your mechanic should see it first. And believe me from personal experience, paying a good mechanic to do a pre-purchase can easily save you many times over the cost of the mechanic's time.

Jolly Roger bus 223 · 11-19-2021, 04:57 PM

i personally think that the 500$ off of the price of the diesel.
but none of that adds up to the cost of new tires (1800 and up without a spare)before inspection.
i would tell them i would pay that price if they did new tires and have it inspected.
of it it was years ago like 2010 maybe?
but my first bus was freshly inspected and good tires because the school district was not allowed to sell a bus that was not road ready according to there insurance.
thats why i ended up with a different one than what i picked originally.
i went and looked at them with one of there mechanics and picked an older chevy bus with a stick that i really wanted and couldnt get off of work for the day to pick it so my wife took her father in law.
they wouldnt let them have it because upper management said no its not road ready they have to pick something else.
thats how i ended up with the big bus i have.
it was picked for me but i can and cant complain but it was straight out the gate with a full inspection and full 20 plus year maitenance records including an oil analysis for from the week prior
good luck

cadillackid · 11-19-2021, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhilipE

Walk away. That engine might be on its last legs.

I would want to see if other engine repairs were done to the engine. Seeing a new oil pump without major engine rebuild is very scary.

could be an HPOP.. they are known to die on these around 150-200k miles..

Oldyeller · 11-19-2021, 07:05 PM

Cadillackid makes an excellent point. Again if you like the bus ask questions. Was the engine oil pump replaced or was it the fuel injection pump? How many miles were put on the bus SINCE the oil pump was replaced?

runyantribe · 12-08-2021, 11:32 AM

Well, I am now the proud owner of a 2005 IC CE300 with a DT 466e. Can't wait to get started on this project!

magnakansas · 12-08-2021, 11:51 AM

Did you get any lower than $4500?

william

runyantribe · 12-08-2021, 12:03 PM

I got them down to $4000. My mechanic said he did not see any issues with it, other than it needing tires. He got an oil analysis done for me and said the bus should have many more years of life left in it. It is at 183,000 and he thought I could get at least that much more.

Oldyeller · 12-08-2021, 01:20 PM

Congrats on your purchase.

AND

Now you're in for it!

magnakansas · 12-08-2021, 04:48 PM

Have fun with it. Don’t let it sit.

William

cadillackid · 12-09-2021, 07:08 AM

sweet!!! enjoy!!! be careful with cutting out wiring.. if you are disconnecting and removing things you dont need, remove one circuit at a time and start the bus ,put it in gear, disengage parking brake EACH TIME you remove an interlock circuit.. this way you wont be one of the "I ripped out my un needed stuff and now the bus wont run" people..

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