What do you think of this 97 International 3800?

[doompup]

Hi all. If I'm posting in the wrong place let me know! I just joined and have been poking around for hours, haven't found what seems a better spot.

New to skoolies and going to check out a 1997 International 3800 with DT 466E engine, automatic (don't know what transmission, waiting to hear), 104K miles. Looks like it's in great shape, RV titled, seats out, walls and ceiling stripped of panels and insulation, floor stripped to wood subflooring. Seller says good tires. Close to home.

Seller is asking $5100. Maybe some bargaining room. Seems a little steep but maybe ok given low miles and work put into it? Any thoughts on price, drivetrain quality, stuff to look out for when I check it out would be appreciated. thanks!






Also I'm new to the forum, check out my intro!: http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f6/hi-...ing-19352.html

[TJones]

Originally Posted by doompup

Hi all. If I'm posting in the wrong place let me know! I just joined and have been poking around for hours, haven't found what seems a better spot.

New to skoolies and going to check out a 1997 International 3800 with DT 466E engine, automatic (don't know what transmission, waiting to hear), 104K miles. Looks like it's in great shape, RV titled, seats out, walls and ceiling stripped of panels and insulation, floor stripped to wood subflooring. Seller says good tires. Close to home.

Seller is asking $5100. Maybe some bargaining room. Seems a little steep but maybe ok given low miles and work put into it? Any thoughts on price, drivetrain quality, stuff to look out for when I check it out would be appreciated. thanks!






Also I'm new to the forum, check out my intro!: http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f6/hi-...ing-19352.html

Looks like a decent bus. The mileage may or may not be accurate if the odometer has been replaced. If your serious about buying it you may want to see if the seller will let you take it to a shop and have it looked over. The shop may be able to read the mileage off the ECM. Also oil sampling from the engine and transmission can tell if there are problems. This will give you a good idea of what your getting into.

[Mark_In_MA]

My first thought is that price is a little high, but it's got some good things going for it.

-Seemingly low mileage. I'd verify that if you could.

-Looks like a higher headroom model.

-That looks like full underbelly storage.

-RV Titled & interior has been mostly stripped.


The storage and the headroom could really be worth it.
Whatever the transmission is, you've gotta figure out how you want to use it and go from there. There are stronger and weaker transmissions out there - that is a fact. Which one you need/want is an opinion that takes up many, many pages.

[EastCoastCB]

Price is high, and yeah I'd definitely check that the mileage is correct.
Looks like a nice bus, what state is it from?

[doompup]

Well, just got a call from my seller that despite his commitment to give me first refusal this weekend, he did a showing and a buyer offered him 6500, and he sold out from under me. I guess I learned something about jumping on a deal. Also made me wonder about posting questions about potential deals....

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by doompup

Also made me wonder about posting questions about potential deals....

I sure as heck wouldn't. Obviously, it wan't overpriced.

In fact, one of the Boards I'm a member of will ban you for posting auction links to upcoming auctions. People post links to buses and Exporters say 'thanks'.

[Twigg]

Originally Posted by doompup

Well, just got a call from my seller that despite his commitment to give me first refusal this weekend, he did a showing and a buyer offered him 6500, and he sold out from under me. I guess I learned something about jumping on a deal. Also made me wonder about posting questions about potential deals....

So people here were generally saying that the price was high, and it sold for $1400 more than that!

I'd be surprised if it was anyone here ... they know better.

There are lots of buses for sale

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by doompup

Well, just got a call from my seller that despite his commitment to give me first refusal this weekend, he did a showing and a buyer offered him 6500, and he sold out from under me. I guess I learned something about jumping on a deal. Also made me wonder about posting questions about potential deals....

PLENTY of good buses out there. For less money too.

[doompup]

Well, I learned a lot. It got me to pull the trigger on registering for this forum, and I fell into a days-long internet vortex and figured out quite a bit more about what I'm looking for. Which unfortunately is exactly this bus. I'll know next time.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by doompup

Well, I learned a lot. It got me to pull the trigger on registering for this forum, and I fell into a days-long internet vortex and figured out quite a bit more about what I'm looking for. Which unfortunately is exactly this bus. I'll know next time.

You're in a GREAT state to buy buses from, just watch the auction sites and skip the middleman.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by doompup

Well, I learned a lot. It got me to pull the trigger on registering for this forum, and I fell into a days-long internet vortex and figured out quite a bit more about what I'm looking for. Which unfortunately is exactly this bus. I'll know next time.

No, you still need to be picky and patient. This isn't the best 'season' to be buying buses as districts sold all the old over Summer. There are many, many buses for that kind of good money.Conventional buses are more plentiful than flat transit style buses- 10:1 ratio

Some members got a decent bus for $1200, but that isn't the norm. My bus was around same price- $5600, i think. has 26,000 miles, raised roof, sprayfoamed and a 10K Onan diesel genny.

Be very picky- no rust.

[doompup]

Any advice on sites? I'm on a steep learning curve here...

[doompup]

Thanks for the words of wisdom y'all.

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by doompup

Any advice on sites? I'm on a steep learning curve here...

Gov deals

Purple Wave

Ritchie Brothers

But remember- if you get a better bus than me for less money, I won't like you any more.

[PNW_Steve]

Washington State surplus uses Public Surplus: Government Surplus Auctions for most of their bus auctions.

Oddly, they don't put them in the bus section. They lump them in with all of the cars under Motor Pool.