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08-28-2018, 09:24 PM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 6
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How do I know which bus to buy?
I'm finally at a place where I can buy my bus and start building my new home! I've been looking at different projects and different buses for sale - everything from shuttle buses to vintage school buses and even vans, trailers, trolly buses, RVs ... ugh! My gut tells me to go with a short bus but I'd love to hear what you think.
I would like the length of a short school bus or shuttle bus (usually with 4 or 5 windows down each side). Perhaps around 20-26ft? I don't think I would feel comfortable driving anything longer.
The plan is a complete gut. A roof lift. And a cross country trip (maybe two). I'd like to go as off grid as possible with solar panels etc.
I love the older vintage buses, but I would be concerned about cost for any upgrades.
My primary concern is safety (on and off the road) and durability/longevity. This will become my home so I want it to last as long as possible. Future plan is to find land and park my home.
Oh, and I'd like to go as green as possible but within a budget.
Here's the catch ... no matter how many photos of buses for sale I look at I still don't have any idea what is best. Make, model, year, mileage, condition, history, tire wear .. I could continuously look at ads and ask the experts here about each and every one .. OR .. Maybe I should look at someone helping me find it?
I'd love to hear your suggestions. Thanks for your time!
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08-28-2018, 09:35 PM
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#2
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
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If you're serious look at this like a college course. Spend the next 30 days reading every single post on this forum. All of your questions will be answered. I spent almost 5 months researching here before deciding on a bus, it really took that long to decide and find the "right one". I actually got impatient and bought one sight unseen. It had major issues and was lucky to get my money refunded, I don't think that is typical. I still read every post made here and am still learning.
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08-28-2018, 09:40 PM
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#3
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New Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 6
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I've actually been looking for a few years. I still don't know which is best.
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08-28-2018, 09:46 PM
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#4
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: Dawsonville, Ga.
Posts: 10,482
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Genesis
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466/3060
Rated Cap: 77
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Figure out what amenities you want and start drawing floor plans, that will help decide what size. Then there's another 100 criteria to decide.
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08-28-2018, 09:57 PM
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#5
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mikabe
I'm finally at a place where I can buy my bus and start building my new home! I've been looking at different projects and different buses for sale - everything from shuttle buses to vintage school buses and even vans, trailers, trolly buses, RVs ... ugh! My gut tells me to go with a short bus but I'd love to hear what you think.
I would like the length of a short school bus or shuttle bus (usually with 4 or 5 windows down each side). Perhaps around 20-26ft? I don't think I would feel comfortable driving anything longer.
The plan is a complete gut. A roof lift. And a cross country trip (maybe two). I'd like to go as off grid as possible with solar panels etc.
I love the older vintage buses, but I would be concerned about cost for any upgrades.
My primary concern is safety (on and off the road) and durability/longevity. This will become my home so I want it to last as long as possible. Future plan is to find land and park my home.
Oh, and I'd like to go as green as possible but within a budget.
Here's the catch ... no matter how many photos of buses for sale I look at I still don't have any idea what is best. Make, model, year, mileage, condition, history, tire wear .. I could continuously look at ads and ask the experts here about each and every one .. OR .. Maybe I should look at someone helping me find it?
I'd love to hear your suggestions. Thanks for your time!
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There's no universal "best". Everyone has their own ideas. I'd simply suggest the search bar and try queries like "what bus to buy".
Sounds like you want a shorty. I'd recommend the full size chassis shorties.
Here are mine-
One has a Cat 3126 and one has a DT466E. Both are good engines. The cat has a 545 transmission and the DT has a 2000. The 2000 is vastly superior. Has lockup and OD.
Look for little to no rust, good tires, etc.
happy hunting!
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08-30-2018, 07:51 PM
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#6
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New Member
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 6
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What price range?
Also I'm in BC.
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