Ready to Run Soon

[Jkoster59]

Hi all, my name is John and I'm from Milwaukee, WI. I've been part-timing in an old class C and I've decided that the best option for me when I retire in a little over two years is to convert a bus. I've been lurking for a few weeks and appreciate all the amazing information and help available. Im in the process of searching for a bus to buy, and I've decided on a diesel and can spend up to $8500. Other than that, I don't know squat. I'd love to find a bus mechanically in good shape from a part of the country where rust is less of a factor. Any help or direction is really appreciated. Thank you!

[plfking]

With that budget you can have the pick of the litter. My advice would be to spend a month or so reading posts.....there's a very good search engine on this site. By then, you'll know the size you need as well as the optimum drivetrains.

Good luck, and welcome!

[PNW_Steve]

Welcome John.

A couple of tips for your search.

In 2004 Stricter EPA regulations came into effect. To meet the new standards the manufacturers have had to add all sorts of emissions equipment to the engines making them much less reliable and much more expensive to repair. Stick with pretty 2004 buses.

Rust can be a huge issue. Shopping outside the "rust belt" is definitely worthwhile. Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington have a lot of nice buses.

Good luck with your quest.

[HazMatt]

Drunken digital dwarves.

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

...Stick with pretty 2004 buses...

I believe he meant, "pre-2004"
Tho pretty pretty much trounces fugly...

[PNW_Steve]

Originally Posted by HazMatt

Drunken digital dwarves.


I believe he meant, "pre-2004"
Tho pretty pretty much trounces fugly...

Yeah.....

Gotta love auto correct......

[PNW_Steve]

I overlooked it earlier. Colorado turns out some nice buses as well.

[Jkoster59]

Thanks for the welcomes and the great info. I'm going to take my time and really research. Anyone have much luck with bus resellers?

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by Jkoster59

Thanks for the welcomes and the great info. I'm going to take my time and really research. Anyone have much luck with bus resellers?

Bus resellers buy the same buses, at the same prices, from the same auctions we can. They wash them, put them on the lot, and then more than double the price. The advantage you get is that you can view and drive them without fear of rushing into bid. But is that worth $3K, not in my book.