Looking to buy my first bus.

[The Painted Lady]

I have done lots of research and I am ready to by my first bus to convert

I live in south eastern US.
My budget is around 3k.
I would prefer around a 2000 model,
flat nose with a diesel engine,
but I will consider any prospects.

[bansil]

At least what state?

Makes a difference in where to look

Oh and welcome

[The Painted Lady]

Oops...sorry...southeast kentucky.

Am willing to drive...oh say 4-6 hours one way...btw thanks.

[bansil]

In Tennessee, bus companies put out bids to school districts and offer buses and drivers, they will use the buses for 15 years from the date of manufacture before they sell to the public so 2000 or newer will not likely work in TN and with scrap rates at $11.00 a hundred pounds your price is a little low for a 2000 bus in TN.
Also noticed that flat noses seemed to not be normal after like 1999 around here, this will be last year for my district to sell them

So start with a map, make a 300 mile radius from home and start calling bus companies and keep a log of them, buses in mid tn don't see a lot of salt, same with some other states

[kenny76]

Originally Posted by The Painted Lady

I have done lots of research and I am ready to by my first bus to convert

I live in south eastern US.
My budget is around 3k.
I would prefer around a 2000 model,
flat nose with a diesel engine,
but I will consider any prospects.

Hey this is me to a "T".

You are in luck, I have seen a ton of stuff listed in KY. Not much where I am in Georgia

[inkblots84]

Searchtempest.com allows you to search within a certain distance of your zip code, so that is a good way to look. I have figured out though that it doesn't always show all results so still check regular Craigslist, eBay, govdeals.com and publicsurplus.com too.

Seems like most states have a year/mileage rule for pulling buses out of service, so keep that in mind. In NC it's 20 years or 200k miles. The older the bus, the lower the price generally so don't be turned off by an older bus. These are diesels that if well cared for, can potentially drive a million miles. My other half wanted the newest bus we could find (as in late 90s) with the least amount of miles as close to $4k as possible, and we ended up with a 1974 Crown with almost 40' miles on it and it runs like a dream. Less than $3k. Couldn't be happier.

Best of luck finding your bus!

[bansil]

check it out

http://tricities.craigslist.org/cto/4293716044.html

Harlan, I don't know anything about this, just found it a few minutes ago