2003 Chevy 6.0 v8 good choice?

[Jenelle]

We are going to look at a 2003 Chevy 6.0l V8 with 348,000km it’s listed for $3500 CAD, we are looking for something to live/travel in. Hoping it still has some life in it, anyone have some suggestions when we go look at it or if it would be a of option. I feel that the Kms are a little high, and a little concerned about it being a gas job. Any input would be greatly appreciated

We are hoping to put some serious miles on it but with the small price tag could invest plenty into making it last as long as possible. It’s a retired school bus so I suspect it’s been well maintained up to this point. Thank you so happy I found this forum.

[farok]

That's over 215,000 miles. From what I've understood about these, if they are well maintained, they can do much more than that, but if not, that's quite a lot of miles. That said, finding a mechanic to work on one shouldn't be an issue - they're everywhere in GM vehicles.

For mileage, a 5-6 window van cutaway would get probably 9-10mpg, maybe a little more, depending on how you drive it. A diesel would get a couple mpg more, so if you're planning on a lot of miles, it could add up in fuel costs.

There are a number of threads talking about the 6.0L gas engine, and it's a great engine if going with a smaller gas bus. Just consider the downsides. I did and ended up going with the 6.0L engine, but don't plan on putting lots of miles on either.

I'm sure some of the mechanics on this board will have more and better advice, but this is a start!

Chris

[EastCoastCB]

Can't speak to the condition of that one in particular, but the gm 6.0 is a good engine.

[Johnny Mullet]

Great engine! It will last many miles with general maintenance.

[Jenelle]

So we went and looked at it today... man is it beautiful! Started right up and the transmission shifts awesome, the undercarriage is a little rusty but it does have 348km on it. I’m a little concerned about the rust underneath but it needs to get a cvip before they can sell it so I think we might be good to go as it was a school
Bus and super well maintained. Honestly I’ve never saw such a clean engine.

[skidfrog]

I have a 2013 / same model. It gets a good 16-17 miles to the gallon ( canadian gallons ).....but I paid a fair bit to get one with just 25,000 kms. Bonus all aluminum floor and body for that year. The gas is a good idea as more places will service it if needed.....But personally....if you're sinking time and money into a conversion I'd try and find one with much lower miles.