Have we found our bus:

[FreedomRiders]

Newbie needing some input... Been researching/reading about doing a skoolie for 2 years and now we are in a spot to get started. Recently found a 2001 International with a DT530 and Alison 3060. Has 210,000 miles on it. It's an AZ bus. New tires etc, etc. In the process of inspecting. Originally I was thinking of the DT466 but then this one came along. $4500
Thought??

[plfking]

Originally Posted by FreedomRiders

Newbie needing some input... Been researching/reading about doing a skoolie for 2 years and now we are in a spot to get started. Recently found a 2001 International with a DT530 and Alison 3060. Has 210,000 miles on it. It's an AZ bus. New tires etc, etc. In the process of inspecting. Originally I was thinking of the DT466 but then this one came along. $4500
Thought??

Certainly appears you've been performing your due diligence.

Sounds like a good deal to me, if it runs well, no rust, no major damage, no mother-in-law hiding under the rear seat, etc. If you bought an 'average' $2000 bus with a T444 and an AT545, you wouldn't be able to upgrade with a top-of-the-line DT AND a 3060 AND new tires for an additional $2500....tires alone would run about 2 grand.

The only thing that would make me pause for even a second would be the mileage, but that's about average for that year. And you know you're getting at least 275 horses under the hood, so I'm sure the gearing is good.

Well worth looking at in person.

[Mark_In_MA]

Sounds like a solid choice to me.


Good engine, trans, no rust, and new tires.
Mileage sounds fine to me, I think 200k is fairly standard with enough life left.

[peakbus]

My Arizona bus had plenty of tread on the tires but the sidewalls were cracked from age and sun. Just something to watch and consider. Best of luck. Sounds nice!

[HappyInTN]

Originally Posted by FreedomRiders

Newbie needing some input... Been researching/reading about doing a skoolie for 2 years and now we are in a spot to get started. Recently found a 2001 International with a DT530 and Alison 3060. Has 210,000 miles on it. It's an AZ bus. New tires etc, etc. In the process of inspecting. Originally I was thinking of the DT466 but then this one came along. $4500
Thought??

The Dt466 and Cummins 5.9 are widely considered to be the best in this application but I haven't heard any negativity about the 530. If everything else fits your needs/wants list... I'd say go for it. There are threads hear just for dt series engines... lots of international experts on here.

[EastCoastCB]

The 530 is mostly the same as a 466, only with more displacement.
more is better.

[Kinson]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

The 530 is mostly the same as a 466, only with more displacement.
more is better.

^^
The 530 is just a 466 block with some performance mods.(pistons, stroke, etc) I'd say it has the same pro's as the 466 with MOAR POWWA. $4350... you might be able to get him lower. I wonder what he paid for it.