Opinon on 1999 Intnl T444

[Rod75]

1999 International Ward, T444, 260K mi , 7 rows, no rust
$3600

What's y opinion? T444 w/ 260k miles, thoughts? :Thanx:

 

[EastCoastCB]

Ward stopped in 1992. Its an AmTran.

I'd be looking at the 2000 Bluebird 8 window buses in TX on GovDeals.

https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=4022&acctid=2910

 

[Rod75]

Ok. The one I found is a FL bus, no rust. Plus, it's close to home.

 

[brokedown-SKO]

No mention of the transmission but I assume it's an AT545 until I'm told otherwise. I suggest traveling for a bus rather than getting an AT545.. If it's not an AT545 and has a reasonable gear ratio then it would be interesting.

 

[EastCoastCB]

I'm not big on FL buses. I've lived here my whole life and been into buses a lil more than 20 years and haven't ever found anything from here i'd wana sink money into. I've bid on a few but most are pretty tired and beat by the time they let them go.

On the bus you're describing I'd say it sound like on the highers side of mileage. I had a bus with a 444E and it ran ok at about 220k. Had 17k hours. I didn't hesitate to drive it anywhere. But the 444E and 545 are a crappy combo. You get a half a radiator and half an intercooler. Highway speeds require a bit of restraint as you have to keep an eye on the temp.
Its a very basic very base model v8 diesel engine. They're not bad but any straight 6 medium duty diesel is an upgrade over it.
One question I always ask about a prospective bus purchase- What's the rear end ratio?

 

[Rod75]

Really appreciate your input. I'll keep on looking

 

[EastCoastCB]

I mean look the price isn't astronomical. I'd still look at it... If its rust free and meticulously maintained with an engine clean enough to eat off of I'd be interested.
the mileage is a bit higher than I'd like, but if its IMMACULATE and mint and the seller is negotiable a bit maybe it could be a decent deal.

I'd want a 6 cylinder even if I did get a 545. My bus has a 545 and I'm not a fan of them but if you want an older shorter bus a 545 is darn hard to avoid. Can be upgraded to a 643 later but that will cost $$.

 

[Rod75]

There is another one w 116k miles for 4k. Can y give me y opinion?

https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/d/fort-lauderdale-1998-amtran-3800/7139927194.html

 

[Rod75]

There's another one w 116k miles for 4k. Can you give me your opinion
https://miami.craigslist.org/brw/cto/d/fort-lauderdale-1998-amtran-3800/7139927194.html

 

[EastCoastCB]

Looks okay, but the gauges may have been changed out. Its more common than not. Only way to verify that mileage is to hook up to the diagnostic port.

 

[Sraycwb]

If you dont mind traveling out to Texas, 28 school busses are up for auction:

https://renebates.com/a_list_m_2.php?id=257

 

[Rod75]

Thanks! Appreciate the offer, but they all got the same or way too many miles for me.to go that far.