hiring someone to do a mechanical inspection

[c_hasbeen]

I am thinking pretty hard on purchasing a bus, it is about 8 hour drive from home, past experiences has taught me that I drive a few hours to find something totally different condition from the description.
I am seriously considering hiring a local diesel shop to do an inspection, have any others done this in the past?
thanks
*EDIT* basic health check type of things, like belts hoses, tire age and condition, fluid leaks, rust, and is it road worthy.

[EastCoastCB]

You yourself can probably do it. Educate yourself about what to look for. Look up the engine you'll be dealing with and read about the common issues.
Most everything in a bus is fairly easy to check visually.
Get a list of things to check and make yourself some reminders if needed.
That's my 2cents. You'll need to learn that stuff anyhow. You can do it!

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

You yourself can probably do it. Educate yourself about what to look for. Look up the engine you'll be dealing with and read about the common issues.
Most everything in a bus is fairly easy to check visually.
Get a list of things to check and make yourself some reminders if needed.
That's my 2cents. You'll need to learn that stuff anyhow. You can do it!

You might have missed the part about the bus being 8 hours away. I think he is trying to save time and money.

[EastCoastCB]

NO- I didn't miss that. I guess after my two day return trip in an untested bus 8 hours doesn't sound bad...
Was merely trying to encourage someone to get more acquainted with buses.

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

NO- I didn't miss that. I guess after my two day return trip in an untested bus 8 hours doesn't sound bad...
Was merely trying to encourage someone to get more acquainted with buses.

He can do that after he finds a suitable bus without wasting 16 hours of driving to look at a piece of crap plus 800+ miles, fuel, food, lodging, etc.

[EastCoastCB]

Is that what you did in Tn, Cal?

Look all I'm saying is that to make an omelet you have to crack a few eggs. You're saying to pay a stranger to inspect in lieu of a personal inspection?

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Is that what you did in Tn, Cal?

Look all I'm saying is that to make an omelet you have to crack a few eggs. You're saying to pay a stranger to inspect in lieu of a personal inspection?

No. When I went to Tennessee, I spoke with the head mechanic about every bus that was being auctioned off. I probably spent a total of an hour on the phone with him. There were only two shorter buses that I was interested in. He gave me the rundown on each bus. It is a little different than someone selling their own bus. If the mechanic will take the time to speak with you, I think you will get the straight scoop. I wasn't going to Tennessee to learn about buses. In the end, it was still a crapshoot. The bus could have been a pig when I showed up.

[c_hasbeen]

I was just thinking of some one laying eyes on it before traveling over 8 hours to make my own judgment.

[crazycal]

Originally Posted by c_hasbeen

I was just thinking of some one laying eyes on it before traveling over 8 hours to make my own judgment.

You're not part of this discussion any more...just kidding.

[bansil]

where is 8 hrs away?

Is that 8hrs at bus speed 45 mph average for trips, OR 75 mph by car

I bought mine the last day it was hauling kids...they had to remove the video equipment, I checked brake pads, E-oil, Tranny oil and kicked the tires....and off I went..

[EastCoastCB]

Is it being sold by an individual or a school district? It doesn't say in this thread but I could have sworn the op had said something about it in another thread.

[family wagon]

Where is it located? Maybe one of us is near there. Not that you should have any reason to take our word for it; we've already shown our colors.

[c_hasbeen]

I got family that will be buzzing by his place in the next few days so that is all squared away.

[EastCoastCB]

Right on, man.
That's so cool, I love when folks help each other out. Family is the best!


Is it the bus you mentioned in another thread?

[c_hasbeen]

Mhumm, yep the one!

it is not from a school district an other party has it, one of those stumble upon deals.
even a blind pig finds an acorn now and then

[EastCoastCB]

That retarder will be nice in the steep stuff.