Thinking about buying a bus?

[Northville_Psych]

Hi friends, I'm considering buying a short bus for conversion. I've found a nice bus at an affordable price, and am eager to buy. I'm just wondering.. what are the immediate next steps? Would I need a special license? Flooring? Insulation? Ripping out existing seats? I would just like an idea of the immediate steps after buying the bus!

Thanks so much! I'm new to the community and really appreciate all the help I can get!

[Johnny Mullet]

The very first step is making sure you have a place you can do the build without causing any issues with local ordinances or neighbors who will complain and ruin your dream.

Most people who buy a bus will get a bill of sale and drive it home regardless of license requirements. Cops ain't gonna mess with someone who just purchased a vehicle and is bringing it home as long as you have proof of purchase, a valid license, and current insurance on you other vehicles.

[Ninjakitty]

1. Place to park
2. Insurance
3. Trip to mechanic

[BlackJohn]

All of the above but do a head and gut check too primarily. There is a lot to consider and do when you own a bus, can be all consuming.
Are you up to it?



John

[Tootalltechie]

Do you have enough income/cash flow?

[cadillackid]

Originally Posted by Tootalltechie

Do you have enough income/cash flow?

THIS!


it takes real money to buy fuel, tires, oil, make repairs, and the like.. as well as others have mentioned, parking isnt always cheap.. sure if you work for yourself doing remote tech woprk and such you can get away with not necessarily having to be showered and in clean clothes every day, but jobs where you have to show up to an office, retail, etc will pretty much require otherwise..



its definitely pertinent to work out a realistic.. REALISTIC budget before you embark.. you dont want to be in a position where one break-down shutd your whole plan down.. and that budget should include the ability to stay in a hotel or air BnB if you have to send your bus to a shop for a couple days.. its the Rare shop that will let you sleep in your bus while they keep it overnight for parts..



-Christopher

[EastCoastCB]

Yep gotta pay to play.
hence my bus has been sitting lol.