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05-31-2017, 07:35 PM
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#1
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 25
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Looking to purchase - first one - partially converted, full
I am looking to purchase my very first bus to convert, finish converting or get in and go. Will be traveling around the US with two labs (my babies). I unfortunately don't have a HUGE budget for the actual purchase of the vehicle. Any leads, known buses for sale, I welcome tips, tricks, recommendations, etc. I am located in Massachusetts but willing to travel to pick up if bus can be driven back.
Thank you (If this is the wrong place for this post I apologize as I am new to this forum).
Denise
niserae@gmail.com
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05-31-2017, 07:46 PM
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#2
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Montana
Posts: 581
Year: 2000
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Denise! Welcome. You re in the right place. There are many options and many opinions on where an how to get a bus.
The first thing to decide is on the type of bus - and then start looking into auctions.
I found some good deals on Public Surplus: Government Surplus Auctions - but ended up at a used Bus Depot. I paid a little more - but was able to test drive it.
Some have been posted on craigslist - not too sure the results of those - like with anything - you can get good deals in the oddest of places - and bad deals in the simple places.
But this is a place to ask - I have learned a lot just looking through the threads - and posting questions.
I am converting a 28 foot - 8 window bus to travel the country with my three dogs.
- Roger
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweetD
I am looking to purchase my very first bus to convert, finish converting or get in and go. Will be traveling around the US with two labs (my babies). I unfortunately don't have a HUGE budget for the actual purchase of the vehicle. Any leads, known buses for sale, I welcome tips, tricks, recommendations, etc. I am located in Massachusetts but willing to travel to pick up if bus can be driven back.
Thank you (If this is the wrong place for this post I apologize as I am new to this forum).
Denise
niserae@gmail.com
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05-31-2017, 07:58 PM
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#3
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,497
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 72 pax
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SweetD
I am looking to purchase my very first bus to convert, finish converting or get in and go. Will be traveling around the US with two labs (my babies). I unfortunately don't have a HUGE budget for the actual purchase of the vehicle. Any leads, known buses for sale, I welcome tips, tricks, recommendations, etc. I am located in Massachusetts but willing to travel to pick up if bus can be driven back.
Thank you (If this is the wrong place for this post I apologize as I am new to this forum).
Denise
niserae@gmail.com
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Welcome. I am in Massachusetts too.
Westfield. When you find your bus, anything I can do, just ask.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
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05-31-2017, 10:35 PM
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#4
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 25
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Roger,
Thank you so much for the information. Looks like we have the same idea in mind - travel, simple living, fun, and with no better company then our fur babies
I will check out the info you provided and safe travels and good luck.
Thanks again for sharing!
-Denise
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05-31-2017, 10:36 PM
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#5
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 25
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Thank you. Good old western, MA. I have friends who went to Westfield state (years ago, lol). I appreciate the reply and offer.. Good to know there are other people near by
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05-31-2017, 10:42 PM
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#6
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,497
Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: Bluebird
Engine: 5.9 Cummins 24v
Rated Cap: 72 pax
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Your welcome. I am in the early stages myself. Had the bus since April. My build is all about a family camper that will allow us to bring our pets. I am tired of boarding them and worrying. I haven't found a place yet that can handle my pup, and my cat is the epitome of a house cat, she needs to be with people.
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
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06-02-2017, 02:33 PM
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#7
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 25
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Roger, you mentioned that you ended up getting your bus at Bus Depot... Could you send me the link to that site? I found a bus depot but it looks like it sonly parts UNLESS I am not searching right (which is definitely possible).
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06-02-2017, 02:43 PM
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#8
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Bus Nut
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Montana
Posts: 581
Year: 2000
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The Bus Market was a good experience because I could browse - test drive and look at the bus - plus the guy fixed anything up that looked like it needed to be fixed.
TAMPA BUS MARKET INC - Home
The other local one is around here is not recommended - as many here may agree. I have not seen any bus there that was not at least $5,000 - $15,000 over priced...
http://www.wesellschoolbuses.com
They are both in central Florida area - I know there are others up North - I am just not sure where.
If I were to do it again - I would save up a little extra and take my chance at a Public Auction.
- Roger
Quote:
Originally Posted by SweetD
Roger, you mentioned that you ended up getting your bus at Bus Depot... Could you send me the link to that site? I found a bus depot but it looks like it sonly parts UNLESS I am not searching right (which is definitely possible).
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06-02-2017, 03:17 PM
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#9
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 25
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You sir are the best. Thank you so much I will take a look.
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06-02-2017, 07:22 PM
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#10
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Bus Geek
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Columbus Ohio
Posts: 18,830
Year: 1991
Coachwork: Carpenter
Chassis: International 3800
Engine: DTA360 / MT643
Rated Cap: 7 Row Handicap
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I know if you are lookinfg for a dealer up north, there is Don brown bus sales in New york..
Don Brown Bus Sales, Inc - Home
they tend to be priced more reasonable than other dealers.. their site tends to be a bit outdated too so i would call and talk to them about what you are looking for..
of course up north you ru nthe risk of rust-buckets. so you'll want ot look carefully or have LOTS of pictures sent of any bus you are looking at.
and of course there are the auctions that are mentioned all over this board where many here have gotten their busses. (and the percentage rate is high of people who get good running / driving busses from auctions).
-Christopher
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06-08-2017, 01:52 PM
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#11
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2017
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 28
Year: 2001
Engine: DT466
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SweetD
Roger, you mentioned that you ended up getting your bus at Bus Depot... Could you send me the link to that site? I found a bus depot but it looks like it sonly parts UNLESS I am not searching right (which is definitely possible).
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Hi Denise,
I'm in the process of buying and after searching everywhere, I found the best option in my local district and a couple of prospect with a local company. I just have to wait until classes finish at the end of the month.
Call your school districts in the area. By law they are only able to use their buses for a limit of years (here in jersey is 15 years) and after that they sale it.
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06-13-2017, 02:34 PM
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#12
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Gunnison, CO
Posts: 15
Year: 1989
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: International
Engine: DT466
Rated Cap: 66
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Hi Denise!
Just posted our bus up on Skookie: http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f14/19...tml#post208867
I am originally from NH and buying/converting a bus had always been a dream of mine. As you have probably found, many of the retired school buses from New England are rusty. That's one major reason we ultimately bought ours from a school district in Colorado.
I am so sad to let our bus go, but my partner and I went through a breakup. . .which is why we are selling her prematurely
We had two pups - a border collie and a husky. Built a "den" under the bed for my border collie, Chi, because he has never liked riding in moving vehicles of any sort.
Anyways, I will email you as well. Good luck on your search!
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06-13-2017, 10:52 PM
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#13
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 25
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I am having trouble finding the right contact #for the local companies that take the out of fleet buses. I have called all the school districts, they give a # to call and that person is little to no help or just gives me another number. I live south of Boston and good old MA in general is a headache nevermind trying to find people to give you the correct info,.
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