2008 thomas

[hyork3726]

Hello all!

NEW to this community, but ready to start building! I have a family friend who has a Thomas 2008 84 passenger bus that has a 176k miles and engine runs GREAT. It even has a HEUI installed by previous owner. It has stayed in TN the entire life span. There is literally no rust underneath and the current owner owns a couple of bus routes and has been working on them for 30 years so super knowledgeable.

The thing is he wanted 9500 and I was able to talk him down to 9000. I feel like after looking around and reading that 9000 is pretty high for the bus, but also i have zero experience when buying a bus.

Any input would be helpful. engine is a C7 ACERT.

He said tires would need to be replaced in the next year or so and brakes have probably half life, the oil probably in the next year too.

[o1marc]

Ya, steep asking price for a school bus. Potential EPA issues usually shy us away from anything post 03. While you may never have an issue, it is not uncommon and they are expensive to diagnose and repair. I think because of this is why we see newer models being offered after 10 years of service and not 15-20. Also noticed they can be had for less money than the pre 04 buses, So $9k is not something I would entertain.

[peteg59]

Tires alone for that bus could set you back $3~4k, so if they're in need of replacement, having that knowledge and mentioning it to him might get him to lower his asking price accordingly?

Due as much research on here as you can handle, and keep looking. There are probably better deals to be had if you have the patience to look around and thoroughly look over any prospective candidate, before jumping on the first thing that comes your way.
Good luck and post pics if you score a bus...

[hyork3726]

Thank you for the advice! Yea my main reasoning if considering the price was to use him as a knowledge resource as well. He knows a guy that can unlock the 6th gear too after bus conversion.

[hyork3726]

So you'd recommend looking for something pre 03? For what i want with it I won't need to really travel all that much. Maybe like 8000 miles in 2 to 3 years. He mostly has the knowledge base i need. Maybe I can pay him to come with me finding another bus. As mentioned he is a family friend but has the bus currently listed for 10,500 near knoxville tn

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by hyork3726

So you'd recommend looking for something pre 03? For what i want with it I won't need to really travel all that much. Maybe like 8000 miles in 2 to 3 years. He mostly has the knowledge base i need. Maybe I can pay him to come with me finding another bus. As mentioned he is a family friend but has the bus currently listed for 10,500 near knoxville tn

Figure out your real goals for the bus and what you will want in it. That will help decide what size bus, what drive train, and model you will be looking for. Then start searching for that particular setup on the auction sites.

[hyork3726]

Awesome! Thank you for the replies. Ive talked to the guy again and he said he'd throw in a spare tire i can keep around but 9000 seems steep after looking around.

I'm going to check out a 2004 bluebird with 122,000 miles for $4500 40 ft and RE!

Wish me luck! Any advice is appreciated.

[hyork3726]

So the 2004 blue bird was a flop. One look underneath and it ended up being rust city. Found out the originally got the bus from somewhere up north.

Sooo... checked out a promising 2001 blue bird with a 5.9 cummins engine, small surface rust, and great tires.

I even test drove it! (First bus drive)

My only real concern is the engine seemed to have low power. Maybe its just cause i havent driven a bus before and am not used to it.

To clarify it pulls out and accelerates great but after 55 to 60mph I have the gas pedal floored but no increase in rpm or speed.

My concern is when I hit some Colorado rocky mountains and attempt a 6% incline up 3000 ft elevation.

Any comfort or reassurance would be great. Uploaded some under carriage and engine pics

[o1marc]

It's a school route bus, they are governed to 55, you can get 60-65 on a grade, maybe. This is where it pays to learn about the different motors and transmissions in buses to pick the one that will suit your needs best. Many of us want to do a lot of highway traveling, 95% of the buses made are not intended for this type use. The 5.9, while not a bad motor, is small and not conducive highway use in a full size bus. Most likely has an Allison 545, which is a trans to be avoided for highway/mountain use.
Welcome to the site. Go to the UserCP and fill out your profile so we know where you are to better help answer your concerns.