Buying sight unseen?

[J3PO]

Hi everyone! (new here)

I'm brand new to the bus conversion process. I'm looking for a school bus without salt/rust damage that's so commonly found in my area, Wisconsin. I can scope out sizes and features that look good but ultimately the bus is sight unseen before I make the commitment to going and checking it out in person. Are there any tips for things that I should definitely be looking for as a first-time bus owner? I've bought used cars but somehow feel like a school bus is very different.

Thanks guys!
Jeff

[NowhereFast]

Rust obviously, a clean engine, and check the tires. Those can get quite costly.
Look at engine hours as well as miles. But, being buses that can sit for years. a 180k miles bus fresh out of retirement from a district is 100x better than a 60k miles bus thats been sitting in a field for years.

[oricha1984]

There is this triangle: fast, good, cheap. You can only pick two of those. Nah, just joking.
I'm new here and I'm a noob, so I'll give you my two cents. I bought my bus online, I took an educated/calculated gamble.
People here have helped with info and opinions.
I will be picking up the bus next Tuesday.

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[EastCoastCB]

For what dealers charge, buying an auction bus is totally worth the risk.
CL buses are usually the most neglected and highest asking prices.

[Scooternj]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

For what dealers charge, buying an auction bus is totally worth the risk.
CL buses are usually the most neglected and highest asking prices.

Fleabay can also be be unreasonable, and problematic. Your best bet? An government surplus site.

As for the "where"? Head west, young man. Pacific coast, Rocky Mountains and Southwest are probably your best bets for cancer-free twinkies.

[superdave]

southeast has some rust free buses, ask a local to look at it.