Quote:
Originally Posted by 57sweptside
I'm negotiable on price. Try me. This is bus is from Colorado, so you know that rust isn't going to be like those midwestern buses. I'd be interested in hearing reasonable opinions as to value. My calculation figures in the mileage, condition of the paint, tires, and the uniqueness of this bus. I've seen regular yellow school buses sell for more with more miles, so how far off am I?
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I'm new here, and this is my first post, so I apologize in advance if it's against the rules to call someone out a little bit. I am hunting for my first bus to convert, and I have been buried in auction sites and forums for almost a couple months now. For most people, it can feel like a part-time job. I am making it more of a full time thing. Hours...and hours...and hours. Just to find what direction to go in. I am sure most of you have already been there done that.
I registered here today to be able to view the pics of buses people are selling in the classified area. And I hope to be a contributing and valuable member of this forum. (and to pick the brains of all you skoolie veterans!)
57sweptside, please take the following in the nicest way possible. Only honesty intended. You asked for an opinion on your price, so here goes:
I saw this bus on an auction site so I know what you paid for it. I will not divulge the amount or the site because there is no crime against trying to make a flip happen and I'm not trying to (*ahem*cough*cough*) throw you under the bus. But, I will ask that you divulge the other mechanical issues that were stated in the original auction listing. For a Skoolie person, these could make or break your asking price, as all of us know for every dollar saved on the base vehicle, the build fund increases equally as much. But if we get something home and there are major issues to contend with...well, ya'll know the rest.
I shied from this bus on the auction because of the reasons o1marc mentioned, but more so because of those other mechanical issues that you haven't mentioned in your ad here. If the bus was in perfect running/mechanical condition, it may be worth around $4-5k retail, in my opinion. That's if you have already done some gutting/seat and cage removal. Not many people are going to want to mess with all those cages going throughout the bus, and if the A/C units are desired to be removed, it can be a real pain. (they can take up valuable high storage/cabinet space). I researched prison buses in the beginning of my quest last month (found Metaspencer on Youtube...he's hilarious and seems to know what he's doing btw) and watching his several videos on how to remove the cages and ceiling mounted A/C units was cringy, making me toss out the prison bus idea. And he only had two cages to deal with. How many does yours have? Looks like five? Just not sure how those would help in a design, limiting one to settle for what is already there. "Let's put the bathroom right there. Oh...wait, I have to cut out that metal wall first...it's right where the toilet needs to be."
You make valid points for some of the pros of having a prison bus. I have seen designs with the front and rear cages left in for security. Imagine having your rig locked up that good! Also, some already come with a black tank installed, if that is desired. And exterior under storage...couldn't tell by your pics if yours has it. But those pluses seemed to weigh a little less than the negatives of a prison bus...for me.
Question for you: Have you picked up the unit or put your own eyes on it yet? Have you started it or driven it? I noticed your pics are the same pics from the auction site.
Time is money in a build, not to mention the research of finding the base bus to get started with can be as much time spent as the build itself. So when posting one for sale, just be as honest and forthcoming as possible. You will save yourself time of answering the same hundred questions to fifty different people, and you will eliminate people like me from your buying pool, as I do not want to mess with anything mechanical/engine, etc. right from the starting gate.
I have worked in toy sales for over 20 years (motorcycles for 99% of that and more recently, RV's, which is why I know RV's are crap and I'm building a bus). To put value in something, you have to know your audience, and you don't "have to", but you should be completely honest and forthcoming, especially if you are trying to get a name in the skoolie world as a flipper/seller.
From what I gather, most skoolie people aren't afraid of hard work, and try to save money wherever possible. However, I'm just trying to wrap my head around how not having "school bus rigamarole" to remove but having cages to cut and A/C units possibly to remove puts value all the way to your asking price. Especially considering the other mechanical issues that have not been divulged. It comes across as a sales pitch more than a validation of the price.
I am sure you will find someone who wants it. I wish you only luck in selling it, and again, please take these comments with a smile. This is a long post, and it took me some time to write it, as I am definitely trying to remain diplomatic which requires lots of proofreading. Just trying to save others a bunch of time.
Will you please update your ad to contain all of the mechanical issues stated by the original auction site? Or, if you have inspected the vehicle yourself, can you confirm if anything has been fixed since the auction ended or you took possession of the bus?
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