Comparing 2 buses, ready to pull the trigger.

[Laeka56]

Have no idea how I would get the 2nd bus home, 7 hours is a bit of a trip up and back again especially with a bus of unknown quality! Would it be worth it or should I go with the one that's closer? They both claim to run well etc.

What do you all think?

2003 Chevrolet Express Bus
Motor: GM 4.8L V8 gas elec
Transmission: GM automatic
Suspension: spring
Tires: LT245/75R16
Odometer Reading: 96,000 miles
Wheelbase: 140" Length: 20'8" Width: 6'9" Height: 9'4" Weight: 6,620 lbs GVW: 9,600 lbs
Added Features: runs well, single frame, air conditioning, hydraulic disc brakes.
$5,500 and 3 hours away.


2010 GM Starcraft body school bus, Dual Rear Wheel
Engine: GM 6.0L Gas
Miles: 95,107
Transmission: GM 6 speed auto
Brake Type: Hydraulic
GVW:12,300
Passengers: 24 (23+driver)
$6,000 and 7 hours away.

[cadillackid]

in my opinion the 4.8 is a bit of an orphan... I know people had them.. but the 5.3 and 6.0 were much more common.. the 6.0 is known to be a solid runner.. (5.3s werent bad).. the 4.8 is a little small for a bus unless its all fiberglass light duty.. and im not sure id want to build on a flimsy fiberglass..



others can chime in about starcraft.. I had always thought they were kind of flimsy..


-Christopher

[EastCoastCB]

I like the 4.8
I'm pretty sure they share a bunch of parts with the other chevy engines of the same era.
I can't tell a difference pulling a trailer with the 4.8 vs the 5.3. The 6.0 is king of them all.
make sure its tip top with no CEL's though.

[o1marc]

Proximity should not be involved in the equation. Your bus may never be found in your area. I went 3k miles for mine and am glad I did. Too many settle for a lesser bus because it was close and regret it later when they spend to do the repairs.

Would the 2010 have concerns about the electrics that can be problem in some newer buses?

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Proximity should not be involved in the equation. Your bus may never be found in your area. I went 3k miles for mine and am glad I did. Too many settle for a lesser bus because it was close and regret it later when they spend to do the repairs.

Would the 2010 have concerns about the electrics that can be problem in some newer buses?

There could be some like with any but it seems the cutaway busses have less fancy multiplex stuff than the full chassis, plus being a gasser, it doesn’t have the emissions for diesel stuff that made those problematic in those years..
Christopher