Non-affiliated buses for sale - thread

[devin]

Thanks for the info Chris! I'm surprised to see that the MaxxForces are being bid up higher than the DT466s, but maybe others are just more mechanically inclined (or just looking for lower mileage). I'll definitely be sticking with the pre-2004 466E.

[cadillackid]

I believe the price goes up on newer busses because once you get less than 15 years old you are bidding against smaller school districts , churches and people from emission required zones. A 2010 bus may be bought and put back into school service.

In California you can’t register a commercial bus that’s older then 2010. Some east coast zones same way.

Some states require school busses to be 15 years or newer so a small district may buy 10 year old units and run them for 5. Even if they have to in frame build an engine, for 7 or 8K, a bus bought for 8, add 8 I’m repairs over 5 years and still a lot less than 90-100k for a new one ..

No doubt a 2010 bus has nicer interior and better ride than a 1998.. but as an individual having to pay a shop 20k to rebuild an engine vs having a mechanic at a school who bought 8K in parts and machine shop work it’s better for the individual to buy something he can work on himself and that was simpler/ less inherent issues makes sense .

[UFO pilot]

Sorry if this is a repost. The ad has been updated this month so I assume its still available.


Somebody PLEASE buy this beast, document the progress on skoolie, and crush my dreams so I can go fall in love with something reasonable! I can't leave So Cal because of my job until 'they' say all clear. July at the earliest. I am lucky to have a job that is essential but if I travel for now I would be taking an unpaid "vacation" when I got home, and way too many are on that no paycheck staycation right now. So I will be a good boy.



https://www.rvt.com/ABC-Custom-BUILT-BUS-1966-MINERAL-WELLS-TX-ID5574334-UX144345

[EastCoastCB]

8 window, high headroom 8 window. rust free going cheap today.
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...28&acctid=9421

Holy crap! I bowed out at $1700. Sucker went for $4275 with the premium!

[Meganekko]

Originally Posted by cadillackid

https://www.onlinepros.com/auctions/...hicles-bw47524

Cy-Fair in texas is a district known for taking good care of their Busses, they are near houston.. a friend of mine went to this district.. my Red bus came from there. .

many bluebirds and Amtran busses pretty much all are DT466E and many will have MT643 or AD2000 transmissions..


you'll find they are very little rust and most have factory Air-Conditioning..


OnlinePros does a good job of noting the ones that dont run as need to be towed.. if you are mechanical Savvy , often those that dont run are simply in need of batteries..


there are also a couple Crown Vics and Vans for those that are looking for something other than a bus.


-Christopher

Those mid sizes do look tempting, maybe I'm just impatient

I spoke with OnlinePros who was unwilling/unable to provide transmission specs or VIN(more than last 4) or any serial numbers. I left a message with the ISD shop and haven't heard anything back.

with the prevalence of the AT-545 on smaller busses and the reputation they have on these forums, would you suggest it is even worth bidding on theses if I can't confirm a MT643 or 1000/2000 series tranny?

[MikenAmy]

I felt the same but took a chance. Got an 8 window DT466E cheap enough that I can put in the better transmission down the road with the savings.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Meganekko

Those mid sizes do look tempting, maybe I'm just impatient

I spoke with OnlinePros who was unwilling/unable to provide transmission specs or VIN(more than last 4) or any serial numbers. I left a message with the ISD shop and haven't heard anything back.

with the prevalence of the AT-545 on smaller busses and the reputation they have on these forums, would you suggest it is even worth bidding on theses if I can't confirm a MT643 or 1000/2000 series tranny?

If you want a pre-emissions short bus a 545 is just par for the course unless you're really lucky or spendy.
Mine came with a fresh reman 545. I've got an additonal cooler to mount to help keep the engine/tranny cool. If I ever destroy the 545 I'll find a 643 to take its place.

LOTS of real good buses been going every day at the auctions. quite a few 8 window buses in TX right now. IIRC they're DT466E.

[I.I.RE]

Hey y'all,

I was looking around Craigslist and found this one: https://syracuse.craigslist.org/cto/...127849761.html

So thought to share.

[awilder]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

If you want a pre-emissions short bus a 545 is just par for the course unless you're really lucky or spendy.
Mine came with a fresh reman 545. I've got an additonal cooler to mount to help keep the engine/tranny cool. If I ever destroy the 545 I'll find a 643 to take its place.

LOTS of real good buses been going every day at the auctions. quite a few 8 window buses in TX right now. IIRC they're DT466E.

Thanks for the heads up EastCoast. 8 windows is too long for me, but who knows, my dreams keep getting bigger.

[Placeholder Bus Name]

https://nashville.craigslist.org/cto...129721109.html

On Craigslist in TN. I can go look at it if someone is interested.

[TJones]

Originally Posted by UFO pilot

Sorry if this is a repost. The ad has been updated this month so I assume its still available.


Somebody PLEASE buy this beast, document the progress on skoolie, and crush my dreams so I can go fall in love with something reasonable! I can't leave So Cal because of my job until 'they' say all clear. July at the earliest. I am lucky to have a job that is essential but if I travel for now I would be taking an unpaid "vacation" when I got home, and way too many are on that no paycheck staycation right now. So I will be a good boy.



https://www.rvt.com/ABC-Custom-BUILT...74334-UX144345

Very cool looking bus. Worth keeping an eye on as the seller keeps dropping the price.

Ted

[Placeholder Bus Name]

Originally Posted by TJones

Very cool looking bus. Worth keeping an eye on as the seller keeps dropping the price.

Ted

Why were the pictures taken with a potato?

[AdamKnox]

Not mine.

https://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/rvs...137576236.html

[EastCoastCB]

some possibly decent high headroom DT466E 99' AmTrans in GA-
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...10&acctid=2950

[EastCoastCB]

Midsize with 5.9 and manual transmission. No seats!
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...52&acctid=8347

[WIbluebird]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

Midsize with 5.9 and manual transmission. No seats!
https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?f...52&acctid=8347

I even see a trailer hitch on it already!



Being a early 90s Ford it may have the dreaded Lucas-Girling brake system though. I've heard a lot of the old timer skoolie folks talk about it and I've never heard anything positive about it. Also gearing might be an issue too.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by WIbluebird

I even see a trailer hitch on it already!



Being a early 90s Ford it may have the dreaded Lucas-Girling brake system though. I've heard a lot of the old timer skoolie folks talk about it and I've never heard anything positive about it. Also gearing might be an issue too.

It has the shite brakes.

[EastCoastCB]

some sweet 8 window buses in Tx on govdeals still.
Next month 5 noobs will pose the question "where to find an 8 window".

[WIbluebird]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

some sweet 8 window buses in Tx on govdeals still.
Next month 5 noobs will pose the question "where to find an 8 window".

Then they'll post pics of their rusted out 2012 IC with the Maxxforce 7 they "scored" for $9000 and ask if it was a "good deal"

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by WIbluebird

Then they'll post pics of their rusted out 2012 IC with the Maxxforce 7 they "scored" for $9000 and ask if it was a "good deal"

Compared to the maxxjunk the lucas girling brakes are easy!