Before the first trip

[MNbusboy]

I am looking at buying a 2003 Ford E-450 with 7.3. Its about 900 miles away and I am having a local mechanic look it over in the next few days. It was just released from the school district a few months ago, no other private owners or church/daycare, but it doesn't come with any records. What maintenance should I get done before I hit the road, to lessen the chances of ending up stranded 500 miles from home?

Thanks!!

 

[o1marc]

I am looking at buying a 2003 Ford E-450 with 7.3. Its about 900 miles away and I am having a local mechanic look it over in the next few days. It was just released from the school district a few months ago, no other private owners or church/daycare, but it doesn't come with any records. What maintenance should I get done before I hit the road, to lessen the chances of ending up stranded 500 miles from home?

Thanks!!

There's maintenance records at the school district it came from, call the garage and speak to the manager. Always seem to be very helpful and may know about that particular bus off the top of his head. They will be able to tell you what maintenance has been done and when, and now that they don't own it will tell you any concerns for that unit.

Make sure all the fluids are topped off and tire pressures checked for a long run. The mechanics checking it out should have all the answers for you.

 

[MNbusboy]

I just want to make sure the mechanic checking it out doesn't invent a few extra top offs to line his pockets.

 

[Native-SKO]

A decent mechanic will tell you what is needed, the cost, and ask permission. If it is a small amount, it may be included in the service fee. Being that it is not your bus until after the sale, he would (most likely) just tell you what is needed.