Looking for advice on a 2002 International T444E

[Flynt-SKO]

I have been looking at buses for a while now and recently found one on craigslist close by for $2500. Looks like it has some minor surface rust although I don't know what it looks like underneath. It has a T444E engine with an Allison transmission, hydraulic brakes, and 230k miles. Not sure exactly what transmission it has. I would assume it has an AT545 since it seems all the buses I have looked at have that. Let me know if I could be wrong though. It is a fullsized bus. I plan on taking it around the country for a few years and then buying some land to park it on. Don't plan on hauling anything. I have read a lot of good things about the T444E. Is this a reliable engine and would it fit my needs? Is that a reasonable price to pay? Any tips on things to look out for would also be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Isaiah

 

[Brad_SwiftFur]

Fair price. Mileage sounds within range. I have a T444E in my own bus. Fine engine, as far as reliability and parts availability, but not known as powerhouses. The AT545 is what it is. It'll take you around the country but wasn't really designed for it. Heat will kill it. You'll want to put a gauge on it and maybe a cooler if you run any hilly areas.


CHECK THE GEAR RATIO in the rear end, if you can (may have to see if there's a tag or label on the axle). This will determine your top speed on the highways. Something in the 5.38 ratio will limit you to around 55 MPH. Something in the 4.44 range will top out around 65. I recently swapped mine to 3.91 and it'll run about 75 now (I have yet to reprogram the speedometer).

 

[PNW_Steve]

I would spend $2000+ on a well maintained and clean bus that meets the spec you described. It there is any significant rust I would run away.

 

[o1marc]

Where did the bus live, that will tell you whether to look or run away. Go to the UserCP and fill out your profile with your location. It'll help address your concerns better.

 

[RolesvilleMarina]

If it was 2002 then that is around the "years" that the AT545 was being phased out

I have a 1998 Vista came with an AT545

I did a transmission swap and put an Allison 2000 in my vista, and I put my AT545 in the donor bus I bought.

The donor was a 2002 with T444E as well.

ask seller to take a pic of the gearshift....if it says D-4-2-1 then it's a 2000
good trans with OD

D-3-2-1 is likely AT545

so if it's an AT545 I would likely pass, but then again $2500 isn't bad in these times if its not rusted out bad... buses here in NC are going for TWICE what they were when I bought mine in 2019 oct

covid I guess

 

[Flynt-SKO]

If it was 2002 then that is around the "years" that the AT545 was being phased out

I have a 1998 Vista came with an AT545

I did a transmission swap and put an Allison 2000 in my vista, and I put my AT545 in the donor bus I bought.

The donor was a 2002 with T444E as well.

ask seller to take a pic of the gearshift....if it says D-4-2-1 then it's a 2000
good trans with OD

D-3-2-1 is likely AT545

so if it's an AT545 I would likely pass, but then again $2500 isn't bad in these times if its not rusted out bad... buses here in NC are going for TWICE what they were when I bought mine in 2019 oct

covid I guess

The seller said "Mild rust along flooring". I'm going to go take a look at it soon. Rust is a pretty big issue in my state. If its not too bad ill probably buy it. Thanks for the advice everyone!