How does the community feel about this bus?

[BusBusBus25738]

Hello! I'm new to this site, and this is my first post. I'm a college student looking to convert a school bus into a modest home for camping and travel. My initial buy budget is under $5k, and I'm looking to put around $6k into the build. I came across this bus on Facebook Marketplace, sold from Georgia in Govt Auction (My first thought is - less rust than in New England!) Could I have your opinion on how you feel this bus would be as a conversion? I haven't visited it yet, so the pictures may be grainy, but I'll write as much as I can about it!

2007 Ford E-350
Diesel
162,000 miles
Selling for $5,000 (Could be negotiated)
Might include wheelchair lift, does include liftgate
A/C in back of the bus on ceiling, one escape hatch on top
Bought from current owner at govt auction to 'transport supplies'
Owner has title and insurance for test drive

Thank you! All comments are appreciated, including build tips even though I am not there quite yet

[Simplicity]

Specifics will help.

What engine (not the type, diesel, the model)
What transmission, model.
Mileage
Appears to be a shuttle bus with fiberglass. Whole other animal than a metal school bus.
A/C is nice, but make sure it works.

The more details the better, otherwise everyone is guessing.

[BusBusBus25738]

Originally Posted by Simplicity

Specifics will help.

What engine (not the type, diesel, the model)
What transmission, model.
Mileage
Appears to be a shuttle bus with fiberglass. Whole other animal than a metal school bus.
A/C is nice, but make sure it works.

The more details the better, otherwise everyone is guessing.

Thank you Steve! It is 162,000 miles, I will try to find more about its specifics (motor, transmission, etc) and post about it!

[DeMac]

Nice looking shuttle bus, for the money. Maybe a good buy, for you. Especially, just camping. Relatively, low miles. Is there an hours meter? Is that a V8 Powerstroke?

Like Steve wrote, totally different from a steel coach, approved to transport our precious babes.
Do you already know the differences?
Can you examine a few specifics before you commit? Test drive, poke the (wood?) underside, check lubricant seals, smell it, leaks, etc.

[BusBusBus25738]

Originally Posted by DeMac

Nice looking shuttle bus, for the money. Maybe a good buy, for you. Especially, just camping. Relatively, low miles. Is there an hours meter? Is that a V8 Powerstroke?

Like Steve wrote, totally different from a steel coach, approved to transport our precious babes.
Do you already know the differences?
Can you examine a few specifics before you commit? Test drive, poke the (wood?) underside, check lubricant seals, smell it, leaks, etc.

Thank you! It is definitely just going to be for camping. I am a full time student but it is remote (no video streaming), and my partner is recently graduated, so it is just to travel for a bit. I do not know the specifics as I am not too mechanically inclined, but I'm hoping to visit and test drive next week to examine for rust or holes, damage, etc. I do know some differences but I'm brand new to the automotive world, especially inspections.

[peteg59]

If it has the 6.0 Powersmoked engine, find another bus. There is plenty of info on this site regarding that problematic Ford powerplant, and if you read up on the issues, you'll be better educated on what to look for under the hood on a prospective bus purchase.

Good luck...

[Mr4btTahoe]

Should be a 6.0.


Unless it has been studded and deleted... pass on it.


They are good engines once the "bullet proofing" has been done... but it's costly to do if it hasn't.


I'd skip it.

[EastCoastCB]

Not steel, crappy engine... not one I'd bat an eye at ever.

[s2mikon]

These fiberglass bodies are a lot like a boat. A hole in the water that you throw your money in. Keep looking.

[Kentucky Dreaming]

I noticed the rear tires are shot. Are you prepared to buy 6 tires to get it mobile?

[Danjo]

IDK. For the money I think I’d look for a Krystal Koach

[TrailsBy11]

GO FOR IT!

I did a no-build build with a foot operated sink to my E350 Shuttle bus with pretty much the same window/WCL placement you have, and I love it.

....it's a noisy ride but still I love it. I DO RECOMMEND having the window/door alarms killed though.

[BeNimble]

Do you plan to camp in cold weather or just warm weather?
A tent trailer is cheap and doesn't drip oil or have diesel exhaust, and you can spend half your budget on camping instead of building a camper you don't have time to build.