On the fence

[MrBlonde107]

So I was curious and hoping to get some good feedback from our members here. Im trying to make a decision on a bus. I have two options. a 1980 Gillig with a 3208 CAT engine and a manual 5 speed spicer transmission transmission, new clutch and new tires. 30,000 miles on the CAT. 36' long and rust free. Or a 1989 Crown with 180,000 miles? OD in a Cummins turbo diesel? Im assuming thats the engine from what I looked up. i have attached a pic. It has decent tires as well. Its also an automatic which is appealing. I dont know much of its history nor does the seller. But Im confident of the gilligs history from its seller. The Crown is 40' foot compared to the 36' Gillig. Price is 2,000 difference with the Crown being on the higher side.

Is it that big of a deterrent for a manual with skoolies? I can drive a manual but havent driven a non syncro. Im worried about having to have someone else ever move or drive the bus being a manual. So basically bigger auto or slightly smaller 36' manual.

Any thoughts out there on pros or cons for either? There is slight rust on the crown front driver drip rails but thats about it. looks to be mostly surface rust.

[MrBlonde107]

pics from the Gillig

[Ronnie]

Have you driven both buses? How do they feel to you?

[MrBlonde107]

I have not. They are in two different areas that I have to fly to. Im not able to check out each before purchase. I am planning to purchase whichever one I go and see. I plan on making a decision by Friday and fly out Sunday to purchase. I just thought i would get more feedback through this site as far as people who have a manual to determine if that has been an issue with there choice of Bus..

But it hasnt been the case. If there are glaring issues with the bus I wont purchase. But I plan on buying when I go and check one out.

[MrBlonde107]

It would be very helpful to get some feedback from the members here as far as there thoughts and experiences...

[Ronnie]

Ok understand. I did post some comments on your other post, and only really have one more. The cummins if an 855 will last many many miles, and is just broken in at the mileage stated, so I would not be concerned about the mileage on the Crown. You should check and see what engine is really in it.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

I've driven many non-synchro transmissions. You'll pick it up easily enough with a little practice. I did, in fact, buy a bus with a 5-speed manual in it. I can honestly say I'll never have an automatic transmission failure in it.