Debating purchasing one of these... need input

[Bakadev]

Let me start by saying I know absolutely nothing when it comes to mechanics, the first/only time I tried working on my car as a teenager I messed it up so bad i needed to tow it to a shop to fix. Now with that said; I (for some strange reason) am considering buying a bus for conversion. It's something my wife has been talking about wanting to do for the last year, I only recently (last 2 months) started getting into it. Every so often I check Craisglist, GovDeals, etc for anything in the area and something popped this weekend. Found a guy who purchased 10 school buses from Charlotte Catholic Schools. I went to check them out to see the interior/exterior condition - nothing stood out as terrible but I'm not sure what's best when it comes to different makes/models/engines.

We have no strong personal preference on dog nose vs flat, or even length of bus. We consider this a starter project and learning experience - HOWEVER - I don't want to this to be a $4k learning experience that doesn't run. I'm listing the ones he has for sale and based purely on make/model/engine can the community recommend or let me know which ones to avoid. I was leaning towards the 96 Ford with Cummins/Allison based on what I've read in forums but I'd rather get more informed recommendations from the group.

Thanks!!

1991 International 3800
1HVBBNKP2MH352234
Engine 5.9L L6

1995 International 3800
1HVBBAAN1SH684929
Engine 7.6 L6

1996 Ford B800
1FDXB80C0TVA12427
Engine 5.9l L6 diesel

1998 International 3800
1HVBBAAN9WH622118

2002 GMC B7000
1GDM7T1C92J512646
Engine 7.2L L6

2002 Thomas Built
1T7HR3B2X21108036
Engine 7.2L L6

2002 GMC B7000
1GDM7T1C12J512933
Engine 7.2L L

2003 ATC
4DRBRABN63B949411
Engine 7.3 V8

2004 ATC
4DRBRABN94B964292
Engine 7.3 V8

*Also I should mention, he priced them all the same at ~$3,800 but I think there's room for negotiation. In fact, I would prefer to stay at $3k. And as for usage, this would be a road trip vacation mobile, not long term stationary living.

[EastCoastCB]

Just on the info provided I'd choose this one-

1995 International 3800
1HVBBAAN1SH684929
Engine 7.6 L6

[Bakadev]

Thanks - any particular reason why?

[Carytowncat]

Your're in North Carolina?
listin the mileage would be helpful if you have that information.

I want to make a joke or comment about a guy with ten busses but i can"t think of anyhing funny.

Edit;
Wait... it just came to me....nope that's not very funny... hmmm

Edit;
Q-What do you call a guy with ten busses?
A-Lucky!

Huh? huh? I'll be here all week.

[Bakadev]

They're all at or just under 200k. I know the 96 I was looking at was 194k and the GMCs were 175k. I don't think any of the others are much lower.

[Bakadev]

Yep, Charlotte, NC

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Bakadev

Thanks - any particular reason why?

A mechanical DT466 is a great engine.