What do you think about this bus?

[RomaniGypsy]

Here's a bus I see for auction not far from where I live, wanted your opinion on its specs.

2004 Thomas Saf-T-Liner MVP EF (whatever that means - is the "MVP" model a higher-level model of Saf-T-Liner?)

72,877 miles, Cummins 5.9 "EFISB205" engine, Allison AD2000 transmission (appears to be at least 5 speeds with lockup and overdrive from what I can tell, rated for up to 30,000 pounds, but is it a GOOD transmission?)

78" interior height, full length, front engine with flat nose, air brakes, appears to have underbody storage. The listing claims that it "started right up". Appears to have a small amount of superficial rust near the front wheel well and on the silver trim covering the front edge of each of the steps. Spent its entire life in northeast Ohio.

What are the thoughts of those of y'all who know much more than I do? Any suggestions on a good price for this bus? (The auction ends in two days. For me, I don't know if it's ideal, if for no other reason than because it's full size. I had been thinking that a mid-size bus would be better... but I suppose full size has its advantages...)

[cadillackid]

inspect it or at least get lots of pics of the underbody.. all of us here in ohio know how the authorities love to SALT! esp in the northeast snowbelt.. so rust will be your biggest nemesis.. the allison 2000 is a fine transmission, the 5.9 in a 40 foot bus will be a little anemic in the mountains but its a good engine.

also ask what rear gears it has.. overdrive means nothing if it has a 6.13 rear end gear..

-Christopher

[RomaniGypsy]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

inspect it or at least get lots of pics of the underbody.. all of us here in ohio know how the authorities love to SALT! esp in the northeast snowbelt.. so rust will be your biggest nemesis.. the allison 2000 is a fine transmission, the 5.9 in a 40 foot bus will be a little anemic in the mountains but its a good engine.

also ask what rear gears it has.. overdrive means nothing if it has a 6.13 rear end gear..

-Christopher

If it helps, the sticker says that the rear axle is Dana, with model number 19060S.

My mother in law said that her district (in northeast Ohio) washed its buses four times a year. Do buses rust out as badly as cars do?

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by RomaniGypsy

If it helps, the sticker says that the rear axle is Dana, with model number 19060S.

My mother in law said that her district (in northeast Ohio) washed its buses four times a year. Do buses rust out as badly as cars do?

That's the housing #, they can put any internal gearing ratio that's available inside.


Looky here:

[RomaniGypsy]

Originally Posted by Rusty

That's the housing #, they can put any internal gearing ratio that's available inside.


Looky here:

How would I be able to tell what gears are inside? What ratio is best, and why?

[Rusty]

Originally Posted by RomaniGypsy

How would I be able to tell what gears are inside? What ratio is best, and why?

There is an aluminum tag (usually) on the axle that specifies ratio. It may be written on the bus ID tag by the windshield, as well.

You want a ratio that works well with your engine happy RPM zone, your transmission final gearing (single or double overdrive???), your tire size and your intended use- mountains, city, towing...

calculator

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by RomaniGypsy

If it helps, the sticker says that the rear axle is Dana, with model number 19060S.

My mother in law said that her district (in northeast Ohio) washed its buses four times a year. Do buses rust out as badly as cars do?

Washing em out is a good indicator its gonna have a lot of rust in at least the floors.
Honestly- from what I've seen buses rust a little easier than a decent car.