Quote:
Originally Posted by rulesforrebels
I'm in the market for pretty much same thing as you. I'd suggest doing a search daily on SearchCraigslist.Org and eBay,.......................
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Yeah, thanks, but this ain't my first rodeo hunting or buying a bus. I too have a system......
My post here is only one of the avenues I am pursuing in search of "the right bus".
As far as driving hours ........ I do my looking using pics and good info from the seller first.
What I mean are the facts of how many good pics are taken & sent, the depth of the info given and willingness of the seller to supply these things as a guide of what to eliminate in my searches without leaving home.
These things tell you a lot about the seller as well as the bus.
Nothing worse than driving to see a bus only to find you've been lied to or neglected to be informed about issues that are readily apparent as soon as you arrive to see it.
A good seller will be happy to supply all the pics and info you want. If they act like they don't want to expend any effort to sell a bus or plead ignorant to knowing anything about it...........WELL....It's a big red flag if they don't or can't and I mark those off my list without another thought given to them.
You don't want one that is not running perfectly, has brake issues, has worn out or dry rotted tires, full and being used as storage, filthy inside, dirty oil, low and/or stale looking anti-freeze, lots of water in air tanks. These are usually signs it has been sitting for a long time and not maintained. Those things are everywhere and are money pits.
A bus worth buying will be tagged and insured and ready to test drive. If not.......
Church buses, tailgate party buses, campers in use, school inventory that's being replaced are the best bets to get a problem free bus.
That said......... I can buy a non-converted bus all day long. They are plentiful with a big assortment within an hours drive (usually school fleet inventory).
But I'm looking for one that is already at least started in it's conversion. Also one that's not the usual every day bus. I'd love to find a long time family owned bus camper or older hippie bus that's been taken care of and loved.
I've have sold several & bought several over the years.
Patience is the key.