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Old 12-09-2016, 09:33 PM   #1
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Houston Texas
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WTB: Running Bus

Just joined the site and it's awesome. I am a father of 2 with twins on the way. The wife and I would like a bus to convert. We are looking for something between '90 & '95 and as long as possible. Preferably between 64 & 84 passenger. Any assistance is appreciated. Thanks and happy travels.

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Old 12-09-2016, 10:49 PM   #2
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
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Rated Cap: 15
What's your location? Budget?
What are you going to use it for?
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Old 12-09-2016, 11:06 PM   #3
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Sorry forgot to mention. Houston, Tx area willing to travel to drive it back. Budget is Max 1500 not including conversion. Will be used for full time living.
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Old 12-10-2016, 06:27 AM   #4
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you can find buses that cheap but your more likely to pay 3000 for a good bus. cheap is not always better when buying a bus. take a look at some of the threads on engine/tranny combos and how people lay out there bus. lots of school districts get rid of buses in the spring. craigs list is a good source along with auction sites. good luck
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Old 12-10-2016, 08:50 AM   #5
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Plenty of very good buses in the Houston area but don't expect to find one worth converting for $1500 unless it is a total fluke. You will be much better served searching for one that has what you need, is mechanically sound and has good tires at a reasonable price. "Reasonable" being anywhere from $2500 to $4000 for a genuinely solid bus. Heck...tires alone can cost $1500 for a set of six. And anything with a choice engine and tranny combination is going to demand a higher price because they are worth it.

If you are planning on full-timing...start with the very best platform you can afford.

Best of luck on your hunt.
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:03 AM   #6
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Hello, You were given some very good advise. Keep reading every thread you can. You will learn quite a bit and save thousands in money and hours of frustration. You will enjoy.
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Old 12-10-2016, 09:51 AM   #7
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Thanks for the help guys. Really appreciate it.
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Old 12-19-2016, 11:11 AM   #8
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Gabe, I've got a few that are the size you are looking for but they will run you around $8000. Let me know if you want a list.
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Old 12-19-2016, 03:26 PM   #9
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
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Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tango View Post
Plenty of very good buses in the Houston area but don't expect to find one worth converting for $1500 unless it is a total fluke. You will be much better served searching for one that has what you need, is mechanically sound and has good tires at a reasonable price. "Reasonable" being anywhere from $2500 to $4000 for a genuinely solid bus. Heck...tires alone can cost $1500 for a set of six. And anything with a choice engine and tranny combination is going to demand a higher price because they are worth it.

If you are planning on full-timing...start with the very best platform you can afford.

Best of luck on your hunt.
$1500 for a set of six new bus tires is a STEAL!

Keep an eye on the auctions, and be ready when a good bus pops up. CL, Ebay, and dealers are not where you're gonna find any bargains.
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Old 12-19-2016, 04:22 PM   #10
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Location: SE Florida
Posts: 1,108
Year: 2003
Coachwork: International
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 65 pax
Gabe,

Welcome! I found my very awesome, 2003 for just over $2000 at this site: Public Surplus: Auction #1682539 (that's the link to my bus)... I was able to speak to the person I was buying from via email and phone.

I was happy getting a bus recently out of school service, as they are well taken care of. Mine came with service records!

I'm living on my full time for a couple of months now and love it!

Good luck on your search!

Sandi
www.thismidwifetravels.com
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