Looking for advice about first bus

[Jvig]

Hey everyone,

My girlfriend and I are looking into getting a bus to convert. We found a bus that we really like and need some advice on whether or not it is a good deal. It is a 2011 e350 super duty transport van with 183k miles on it for $6,000.

We wanted to know if this was a good deal and what the lifespan was like on a e350 shuttle bus running on gas.


Any thoughts or opinions about the bus would be greatly appreciated as this is our first time getting to view a bus!

[peteg59]

See if you can get any maintenance records for it.
With that mileage, there is likely a transmission rebuild already done or one that will come up unexpectedly soon after you buy it!

Another issue with Ford gas engines in previous years, is spark plug "popping" and difficulty in removing them, (not sure if that was fixed by model year 11?).

Then there is the rust issue.
If it was used in the "Rust Belt", it will likely have rust damage. The degree of damage might be difficult to assess without tearing up flooring, etc.

The best way to get around the rust issue is find a bus that was used outside the Rust Belt.

[Jvig]

They dont have the maintenance records so that does worry me. It is a 6.8L engine and I have not asked about a transmission rebuild but I would imagine it has not been done yet.

[BeNimble]

The Ford V10 has been known to go 300,000 miles.
Is this a fiberglass shuttle bus or a metal school bus? What is your location?

[Jvig]

I believe its metal. Here's a pic of it if that helps. Also I am in Georgia. The seller says there is no rust on it.

[BeNimble]

That is a fiberglass shuttle bus. They don't rust, but if the doors or windows leak, they can rot the honeycomb core of the walls, see my shuttle bus trailer conversion thread.
$6k isn't bad if it runs well, doesn't leak oil, A/C works, has good tires, etc.

My general recommendation is don't buy a bus, buy a motorhome, and fix it instead of building one from scratch, at under $10k can get one with much less miles on it.