Worth looking into? Possible first bus purchase

[nikitrent]

I saw this bus online. It looks like the body and insides look good, but I am afraid to take the plunge and buy! The pertinent details of the ad are below:

I have for sale a good running 2003 International bus with only 130,000 miles on it. This bus has the very reliable and long lasting 7.3 Powerstroke motor with a automatic Allison trans.

I have read somewhere that the 2003 model International is a good bus, but would like some other opinions.

Based on the info above, would you respond with things to check and ask before I sign on the dotted line? Thanks in advance!

[SolomonEagle]

Didn't know they offered the 7.3 that late in the lineup.it also would be called the t444e in industrial applications.great engine. I would varify that is the actual engine in the bus and not some other power stroke engine loke the 6.0(crap) millage sounds good though to me.

[SolomonEagle]

Wikipedia says they used the t444e midway through 2003. So that could be corect

[nikitrent]

I was able to see an image that says T44e Engine Family

[nikitrent]

Is there a such thing as a 12 digit VIN? I thought VINs had to be 17 digits. Curious because I'm in touch with my county to make sure I can even register the thing.

[cadillackid]

the VIN on a 2003 should be 17 digits. you'll see busses up through the model year 2004 containing T-444E (7.3) as oftehn the engine / chassis was retired but the manufcturer used up stock they had on components.. so yes that 03 can easily be a 444E.
-Christopher

[Johnny Mullet]

That's low mileage for a 7.3L diesel. Keep it maintained and you can easily triple those miles without much headache. Vin should be 17 digits as already stated.

[nikitrent]

Thanks for the advice, I think we are going to check it out in person this weekend. Without seeing the bus, how much would you offer for something with these stats? Also I was able to get the full VIN. Is there a "carfax" for buses?

[Johnny Mullet]

Depending on rust and tire condition these can run anywhere from $3000 to $8000

[nikitrent]

Thanks for all the advice.

Is anyone aware of any mechanical quirks that might be associated with this model? Are there any High Dollar expenses I should prepare for off the bat ie: suspension or super expensive batteries etc?

[Johnny Mullet]

Everything on a diesel powered vehicle is expensive. These are pretty sound vehicles though.