Should I buy!?

[ejboyed]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

If you find a nice bus with a Cat 3126 and a non-545 transmission I'd suggest taking a look.
The 3126 is a fine medium duty engine. I put the DT ahead of it due to displacement and wet sleeves but I've got a 3126 in my shorty and its a nice engine. Its smoother and quieter than the Navistars I've had.

Okay so I have found some new options with the CAT3126 and have made some calls. Thoughts on whether a MD3060 or AT2000 or AT25000 is best? Also could you give me some pointers on what to check out next on the bus? I know to check for rust and tires are pricey if old but what are the next things to be on the look out for?

[Sdferrell]

Hi ways got the 3126 2000 transmission love it she runs great

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by ejboyed

Okay so I have found some new options with the CAT3126 and have made some calls. Thoughts on whether a MD3060 or AT2000 or AT25000 is best? Also could you give me some pointers on what to check out next on the bus? I know to check for rust and tires are pricey if old but what are the next things to be on the look out for?

3060 is best, but the 2000 is a fine transmission as well. The 3060 is the heavier duty of the two and has an extra OD that some have had success at unlocking.
One haggle point is tire condition. How old are they? There are DOT codes on the tires that will tell you the age.

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

3060 is best, but the 2000 is a fine transmission as well. The 3060 is the heavier duty of the two and has an extra OD that some have had success at unlocking.
One haggle point is tire condition. How old are they? There are DOT codes on the tires that will tell you the age.

I've seen some posts on the school bus forums about how 2000-series transmissions tend to go bad around 150K. Since my bus has a 2000-series and 152K, I really hope this isn't true.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

I've seen some posts on the school bus forums about how 2000-series transmissions tend to go bad around 150K. Since my bus has a 2000-series and 152K, I really hope this isn't true.

I've not heard any 2000 series horror stories, just 545.
My last bus had 182k on a 2000 and it was shifting like new when I sold it.

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

I've not heard any 2000 series horror stories, just 545.
My last bus had 182k on a 2000 and it was shifting like new when I sold it.

I hope mine is still shifting like new, but this is the only bus I've ever driven so I have no idea what a new one feels like. It seems kind of slow to downshift on hills (we have some pretty steep ones where I live).

[ejboyed]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

3060 is best, but the 2000 is a fine transmission as well. The 3060 is the heavier duty of the two and has an extra OD that some have had success at unlocking.
One haggle point is tire condition. How old are they? There are DOT codes on the tires that will tell you the age.

Great I'm going to look into the options around me and see what the transmissions and tire conditions are. Thank you for everyone's feedback...

[Free Bird]

If you are planning to create a motor home out of a full size bus in your spare time it will likely take you a few years. If that is the case then your tires will be that much older when you need them. What I'm getting at is that a good deal on a bus with old rubber may not be such a bad thing.

[Dirtdoctor]

Dt466 is a good engine the 466e just means it’s computer controlled. I’d prefer the 3060 transmission over the 545. E engine has some cool adjustable stuff that the computer equipped shop can play with to get more HP and efficiency stuff. But who cares about miles per gallon when you’re driving something with the aerodynamics Of a dung beetle? I like the 466, and really love the 3060 transmission. The truck I bought with the 530e and the new world 3060 trans was a 5 and auto- until the shop mechanic asked if I wanted a 6 th gear! Click on the keyboard and it’s now a 6 speed.
Cheers