Looking at 1986 International bus

[pacer9203]

Hello im Gavin i am 19 and looking to get a bus that i could use to take on weekend/week trips to parks and ski resorts as well as tow a trailer behind it with fourwheels to offroad parks. I dont know what i need as far as the bus goes (thats why im here) but am looking for something dependable that i wont be wrenching on constantly. I have come across one 15 minutes from where i live and am wondering if it looks like itd be worth fixing up. Guy is asking 1900 (would be able to talk him down) he does note it needs new tires, fires up and runs good but nothing else.

If this bus is not well suited for what i am looking to do with it could you point me in the right direction (looking to stay under 10k so i can have funds to upgrade with necessities). Thanks Gavin

 

[nikitis]

With a 1980’s bus it’s gonna have problems. However even newer ones have problems as well and are more difficult to self repair. An older bus will be easier to work on.

Parts are gonna be more challenging if the part required is unique and no aftermarket replacements. You may have to start retrofitting new parts to old.

No matter which bus age you get they their own unique share of challenges so aid just go with the bus. Price is good if she starts and drives.

 

[ewo1]

No matter what bus you buy, sooner or later your gonna do some wrenching so get used to the idea.
It's just the way it is so either make the decision to learn how to wrench OR find a friend with an RV and use his when you can,,,

 

[pacer9203]

I am fine with working in it just dont want to be working on it constantly to keep it up and going. Thanks for the reply

No matter what bus you buy, sooner or later your gonna do some wrenching so get used to the idea.
It's just the way it is so either make the decision to learn how to wrench OR find a friend with an RV and use his when you can,,,

 

[Cheezewhiz]

Make sure it's a wet-sleeved diesel then. Generally speaking, they're designed to go 500k before it'll need a full rebuild. Other maintenance will crop up, of course

 

[pacer9203]

Make sure it's a wet-sleeved diesel then. Generally speaking, they're designed to go 500k before it'll need a full rebuild. Other maintenance will crop up, of course

It is indeed wet sleeve. 444 IH i believe

 

[Cheezewhiz]

It is indeed wet sleeve. 444 IH i believe

Oh good, not a CAT
Lol

 

[WRS_Mark]

Might be worth it to have a reputable mechanic take a peek at it first. $1900 is nothing compared to what a lot of components will cost to repair or replace if something critical is missed. Best of luck!