Question before I buy - International T444E

[Tristinw524]

Hi all,

I am new to this forum and relatively new to the skoolie world. I am looking for some opinions on a bus that I am currently considering buying, specifically regarding the mileage of the bus. I apologize if this thread is posted in the wrong place.

The bus I am considering is a 36’ 2002 International T444E with automatic Alison transmission. It looks like a great bus, and it fits the type of configuration/setup that I’ve been looking for. All in all, a good candidate for what I’d like to get. I am just a little concerned about the mileage.

The bus currently has 256,xxx miles and 13,331 engine hours. To me, that seems a little high, but I am no diesel expert, so I am hoping that someone here may have a better ability to speak on this. I have always heard the family of 7.3L engines spoken highly of in regards to their durability and longevity.

To add to this, I do get the sense that the current owner is knowledgeable about the bus he owns. It appears that he has kept up on proper maintenance. He has shared that the high pressure oil pump was replaced in 2022, and other recent maintenance includes a fresh oil change, coolant change, and new air dryer cartridge. Brakes replaced, new tires and alignment also done in 2022.

I’m hoping that someone with more knowledge that me can share their opinion. Is the mileage too high? Is this something I should steer clear from?

Realistically, I don’t intend on getting the bus and driving all over the country nonstop, pounding out tons and tons of miles. It would take me a long time to even reach 300k miles. But at the same time, I do want to make sure that I have a bus that’s capable of driving from one side of the country to the other if I do choose to make a trip like that.

Thanks to anyone who can share a knowledgeable opinion on this!

 

[ewo1]

Welcome to the madness.

First things first, sellers will always talk about how great the bus was for them.
You can ‘t bank on that !

First things first , all diesels engine will give you some sort of trouble.

Question that only you can answer, will i take the time to learn about my motor and will i fix it myself or simply pay a mechanic ?

A simple oil change is a couple hundred bucks.
Quality tires can run upto $500 bucks a piece.

Busses when they sit too long get funky at times, and shop labor rates will kill you, unless your rich !

Right after that is the build…. Electrical, plumbing, carpentry. If your gonna do it yourself get ready for lots of learning and doing !

Ok now that i stepped on your future brake pedal, no just kidding, your asking the right entry level questions…

Me personally i prefer the six cyl dt466 motor.
Parts are everywhere for this motor and they are quite easy to work on.

Transmission- everyone will say it has an allison, but which one ?

The preferred highway trans is the allison 3000 series, stay away fron the allison 545 tranny !

There are more threads here with the same question as yours. Get ready to do some reading because building a skoolie requires it !!!

 

[Rucker]

Sounds like high mileage to me. What's your budget? How many other buses have you considered?