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Old 08-29-2016, 03:43 PM   #1
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Eugene OR
Posts: 6
New Here, looking for purchase advice

Hey Everyone,
Before I jump in, I just want to say how grateful I am for everyone on this site. I started my search for a bus about three months back, and skoolie.net has been invaluable for me.
So I finally found a bus that looks great for me, but I want the advice of my skoolie elders. The details:
Price: 1800
Capacity: 27/2 (8 rows, or 6 rows and the wheelchair lift)
Year: 2003
Make: IC
Model: CE300
Mileage: 207xxx
Running Condition: Good
Engine: DT466
Transmission: Allison Automatic
Body Style: Amtran
Tires: Standard- some tread
Brakes: Hydraulic
New engine and Transmission as of 3 years ago, but don't have milage on them.
It was in service as of last year and as such it passed it's yearly inspection.
No major rust on underside.
The ABS light is on, but the selling contact said nothing seems wrong with the breaks. (I'm definitely going to get it checked out though)

That's about it, except for the kicker. The bus is in Michigan, and I live in Oregon. This means I'll be buying without being able to inspect it myself, and the first thing I have to do with it is a 40 hour cross country marathon drive with a couple buddies in order to get my new home back to its new home during my three day weekend. Actually I'm kinda stoked about the road trip with my new girl, but I'm nervous about running her that hard before I get to know the vehicle.
So, what does everyone think, is this a good buy, or should I look elsewhere?
Thanks again everyone,
B

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Old 08-29-2016, 03:59 PM   #2
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Join Date: May 2016
Location: Georgia
Posts: 2,264
Year: 2001
Coachwork: Blue Bird
Chassis: IH
Engine: T444E
Rated Cap: 14
Michigan bus? High probability of heavy rust, hence the low price. The ad *Claims* "No Major Rust" on the underside? What about the wheel-wells and arches? Back door and lower body? Photos?
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Old 08-29-2016, 04:04 PM   #3
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Posts: 115
Hi Willamette, and welcome . I am new here too, joined yesterday. Anyway it sounds like a pretty good deal to me.I payed more for mine and it is still going. Its a 1991 and some of the folks on here help me in repairs in the past and have a lot more knowledge than I do about a bus. So I am sure they will come a long and help you. Good luck to you .
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Old 08-29-2016, 04:22 PM   #4
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Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
No one living in a place out west like Oregon should be even thinking of midwest buses. That's like living next to the ocean but goin to the walmart freezer section for fish.
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Old 08-29-2016, 05:06 PM   #5
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Location: Andrews,Indiana
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Year: 1991
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: AARE
Engine: 3116 Cat 250hp
Rated Cap: Just the two of us.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EastCoastCB View Post
No one living in a place out west like Oregon should be even thinking of midwest buses. That's like living next to the ocean but goin to the walmart freezer section for fish.
I agree, have you ever seen cars from the mid west that are a few years old?
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Old 08-29-2016, 06:29 PM   #6
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Join Date: May 2016
Location: Richmond Virginia
Posts: 932
Year: 1984
Engine: 366 Big block Chevy! :) w/ Stick shift
First off great job reaching out! It is exactly that sort of thing that saves ke from such headache as i get older.

The risk of disapointment, drama, financial crisis, and catastrophy are very high here.

We would prefer to see a Michigan bus owner on here who might check it out for you, IF you still choose this direction

Good luck whichever way the wind blows you!
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Old 08-29-2016, 10:47 PM   #7
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Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lebanon, IN
Posts: 272
Year: 1998
Chassis: TC 2000 bluebird
Engine: 5.9 cummins
Rated Cap: 66
I'm in MI. Where is it at? If it's close, I could possibly take a look.

Bill
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Old 08-30-2016, 03:31 PM   #8
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Eugene OR
Posts: 6
Thanks to everyone for the quick replies. Bill, I really appreciate your offer, but the bus is in Ravenna north of Grand Rapids. I see that you are still pretty far away in Birch Run. I'm gonna see if I can get detailed pictures of the underside and the back door areas like Brad Swiftfur mentioned and see where that leads me. Thanks again.
B
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Old 08-30-2016, 06:57 PM   #9
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Oregon
Posts: 9
1992 Blue Bird bus
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Old 08-30-2016, 11:25 PM   #10
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Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Oregon
Posts: 9
Since you're hot to trot and willing to travel to save money, OTOH sounds like you're trying to bring one home over Labor Day Weekend, and getting tires on this one will take some time unless you can pre-arrange it by phone and have it ready when you arrive. What fun!
Posted 11 hours ago on RV-Bus-Skoolie Conversions, Camping, Tenting, Boondocking, etc... Facebook group]

"Bus for sale! $900 OBO
Located in Pine Junction Colorado
1990 full sized school bus for sale. Under 70k on the engine. It runs but it needs 5 new tires. It has been sitting for over 6 years and the tires are dry rotted. It would be great to park on a property and turn into a tiny home or use as storage. It would be easiest to have it towed from the property in Pine Junction where it is stored. $900 or best offer."
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