Looking for help on what bus to buy

Rolling_Adventure24 · 07-15-2019, 09:03 AM

Hello fellow buses,

First off sorry if this post is a little long im trying to get some quality responses and from what ive read the more details about what im looking for the better.
So Im on the hunt for my first bus to hopefully convert into a beautiful rolling home. And im looking for some help on deciding what kinds of buses you experienced bus foke would recommend. Im looking for a bus that would fit three. We are looking to use it to travel around the US. Everywhere from Alaska to Florida and everything in between. For the specifications I know I want one that’s between 30 to 35 feet, one with a high ceiling ( ive head them called high tops if that’s a real term ), one that can travel long distances on the high way and go up a hill or two ( doesn’t need to be super-fast ), running on diesel with a front engine, and if possible have it like a classic school bus not the flat front ones, would prefer a Blue bird or Thomas build but open to suggestions.
And with all that being said im also stuck in the WORST state to get a bus NEW YORK. So if you any advice as to where I should be looking (state or website) I would be so very thankful.

So to sum it all up im basically looking to see:
1) What are the best engines for a bus like this?
2) What’s the best trany for a bus like this?
3) And what state doesn’t turn buses into rust boxes?

And if you have read this far thank you and sorry if I waited a bit of your time. (hope this was posted in the right spot)

peteg59 · 07-15-2019, 10:04 AM

I can help you on your third ?:
You've got the right idea in NY is NOT the place to get your bus.
Anywhere in the "rust belt" would not be recommended.
That leaves some areas of the south east US, as well as the midwest/west coast.
Arizona would likely be the optimal search area.

In reality, most busses will have some rust regardless of where they come from. Finding one with the least amount that can be easily remediated will give you a good platform on which to build.
Website auctions are good places to find busses, but a physical inspection is really recommended for best results...

Sehnsucht · 07-15-2019, 12:20 PM

What you've described sounds pretty commonplace so I don't anticipate you having a lot of problems locating options from which to choose. As mentioned, all buses will have some degree of rust so physical inspection is best but yes some regions eat buses. I think you'll just want to get out there and see what suits you. Age and mileage may become factors if you prefer a pre-electronic engine meaning something a mechanically inclined person can tinker with and won't constantly throw check engine lights when some computer sensor fouls up.

Disbus · 07-15-2019, 12:30 PM

Rear engine, new as possible, not too long, storage boxes underneath, air conditioning,...

o1marc · 07-15-2019, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disbus

Rear engine, new as possible, not too long, storage boxes underneath, air conditioning,...

New as possible is bad advice, anything made after 2004 is a recipe for disaster.

EastCoastCB · 07-15-2019, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by o1marc

New as possible is bad advice, anything made after 2004 is a recipe for disaster.

I second this. I look for 90's stuff as clean as I can find.
LOVE my 99 Thomas 5 window.

cadillackid · 07-15-2019, 06:36 PM

+1 on 90s up to 03.. Mayube 04..

Disbus · 07-19-2019, 10:29 AM

The reason I say new as possible is for noise, handling, cruising speed.

My 03 Front engine BB 5.9 Cummins you cannot have a conversation it's so loud sometimes. Limited at 65..

A newer bus will go 75 quietly with the engine in the back.

o1marc · 07-19-2019, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disbus

The reason I say new as possible is for noise, handling, cruising speed.

My 03 Front engine BB 5.9 Cummins you cannot have a conversation it's so loud sometimes. Limited at 65..

A newer bus will go 75 quietly with the engine in the back.

Newer than an 04 may have some advantages, but the negatives of those models can certainly outweigh the benefits. The benefits aren't benefits if your bus doesn't run because of other issues.

EastCoastCB · 07-19-2019, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disbus

The reason I say new as possible is for noise, handling, cruising speed.

My 03 Front engine BB 5.9 Cummins you cannot have a conversation it's so loud sometimes. Limited at 65..

A newer bus will go 75 quietly with the engine in the back.

Year of the bus has nothing to do with speed.
My 99 will do 80. And its whisper quiet in this bus. Don't even have to raise my voice to chat with the passengers.

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