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Old 04-13-2021, 06:38 AM   #1
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Is this bus worth it?

Hello all! Long time reader but first time poster here. My wife and I recently sold our converted 15 passenger van to upgrade into the skoolie domain. Our goal is not full time but to be used for camping and road trips.



After some research, I think we have narrowed down what we are searching for. A 6-7 window bus with most likely a DT466/E on a 3800 chassis and preferably an MT643 transmission, since that seems to be a good combination.


Unfortunately we are located in WV and it seems many postings in our area struggle with rust. I recently came across an 2001 International Bluebird with a DT466E (230 HP) with an MT643, air brakes, 190K miles, 13k engine hours, wheel chair lift (no need for lift but like the extra door), A/C (Not Cold though), 60 gallon tank, and I believe a speed governor at 65 mph. I have no real indicator of rust yet but it's currently at a dealer that sells school buses outside of the rust belt.



Other than being at the max of length we want, they are asking for a whopping $12K ....which seems really high to me. I messaged them asking for some information on maintenance records and such but is this honestly worth considering? The bus is 1,000 miles from me so it would still require more monies to fly and drive back.


I have read about many getting buses way cheaper but they were usually full size so I do know these shorter ones "decked out" can go for more.

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Old 04-13-2021, 11:02 AM   #2
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Edit: I can't read. $12K way too much no matter what.
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Old 04-13-2021, 11:21 AM   #3
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That's a rare size so it's probably what is driving the price. That is still just really high to me, especially considering the rust
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Old 04-13-2021, 12:33 PM   #4
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13k HOURS not miles.. thats quite a few hours.. 12k for a bus that the air conditioner doesnt even work? and not even an overdrive trans? hard pass
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Old 04-13-2021, 12:56 PM   #5
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For $12k you should get 2 buses.
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Old 04-16-2021, 10:38 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by cadillackid View Post
13k HOURS not miles.. thats quite a few hours.. 12k for a bus that the air conditioner doesnt even work? and not even an overdrive trans? hard pass

I thought the mt643 had overdrive? No?
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Old 04-16-2021, 10:39 PM   #7
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Thanks all for the comments. My gut was saying all the same things but wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.
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Old 04-17-2021, 06:30 AM   #8
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I thought the mt643 had overdrive? No?
NO its 1:1
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Old 04-17-2021, 06:35 AM   #9
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Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
NO its 1:1

THIS..


alot of people mistake the Lockup converter engagement as a "shift".. ive had more than one person tell me when we drive my 643 that its going into "4th" when its really the lockup converter engagement
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Old 04-17-2021, 08:18 AM   #10
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NO its 1:1


Quote:
Originally Posted by cadillackid View Post
THIS..


alot of people mistake the Lockup converter engagement as a "shift".. ive had more than one person tell me when we drive my 643 that its going into "4th" when its really the lockup converter engagement



Thank you for clearing this up. I will correct my notes.
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Old 04-17-2021, 08:34 AM   #11
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when driving a 643 1-2 and 2-3 feel just like a 545.. then theres a harder "shift" which is the trans going into Lockup (still in 3rd) then it goes to 4th (in lockup as well)..


to someone not familiar it feels like a 5 speed.. 1-2, 2-3. 3-3L(feels like a shift), and 3L-4L (a real shift)..
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Old 04-21-2021, 03:16 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cadillackid View Post
when driving a 643 1-2 and 2-3 feel just like a 545.. then theres a harder "shift" which is the trans going into Lockup (still in 3rd) then it goes to 4th (in lockup as well)..


to someone not familiar it feels like a 5 speed.. 1-2, 2-3. 3-3L(feels like a shift), and 3L-4L (a real shift)..
Is there a similar "shift" sequence in the 2000 series transmissions?
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