Noobie with some questions - Is this a good buy?

[relkourn]

Friends and I are planning to convert a skoolie to use for yearly 2-3 month road trips.

We found a deal we think is good but just looking for some second opinions. We are very inexperienced and just started research so any and all advice is welcome.

2007 International
Automatic transmission
Air brakes
Engine: VT365
Miles: ~180k
Last passed inspection in 2018

1.Would this be a good buy for about $4-5k? Accounting for rust, mileage, and overall condition of the bus.

2.Should we be concerned by the damage in the first pic? Should we get it fixed if we purchase?

3.What type of questions should we ask the seller before purchasing?

4.Any additional advice/comments/critique is welcome

[relkourn]

I’m noticing a lot of bad reviews on the vt365 engine. Here’s another bus that I’m considering:

$3500
2001 Thomas
Automatic transmission
Air breaks
Engine: CAT3126
Miles: ~120k

A noticeable downside to this compared to the first option is there seems to be a lot more rust. Will that be as big of a problem/hassle as having a VT365 engine?

If I had to choose, which of the two should I go with?

[rossvtaylor]

Don't forget that, when you're gathering specs or asking questions, you should find out what model or series of transmission the prospective vehicle's got. I think the first one with the VT365 will have a good option...either a 2000 or 3000 series. I'm not at all familiar with the VT365, so I'll defer to those in the know. Add asking about the tranny to your to-do list.

The 3126 is a good, reliable engine and probably also has a 2000 or 3000 Allison, but someone will need to check me on that as well.

As to the rust, I'm looking on my phone but it looks like surface rust. Is there flaking or spalling or penetration of the rust?

[peteg59]

Welcome to the site.
The VT365 bus has the infamous 6.0, (troublesome), engine that caused many folks to abandon their projects.
There are "fixes" for it however they come at fairly high costs, especially if you cannot do the work yourself.

Please research the issues on that engine, that are widely discussed on this site, before you buy something you could very well regret.

Good luck and post pics if you buy a bus...