Hey guys! I'm planning on selling my 1994 Ford E-350 7.3L Diesel Mid Bus, shortie. I bought the bus for $1,000 in 2009 and put a little over $5,000 of work into it - not the best investment I've ever made. This includes a new alternator, radiator, starter, break lines/hoses, refurbished instrument cluster, and refurbished transmission (that was $3,000+). Since replacing those items, the bus has been very reliable and enjoyable on long trips with up to 12 passengers. We've had multiple trips with no break downs to Ohio and Northern Michigan (longest trip was 500 miles round trip in 1 day).
Issues I have...
1. Odometer issue... when I bought the bus, the instrument cluster said there was roughly 150,000 miles on the engine (not bad for a 7.3L). When we replaced the instrument cluster (with a used one), it also inherited the miles of whichever vehicle that cluster originated. The shop that replaced it for me informed me there was no way to roll the odometer back to the original amount. So... how do I prove the mileage, assuming the original cluster was correct? We've out about 6,000 miles on it over the last few years.
2. I'm not sure how much the bus is really worth... would it be more beneficial to scrap parts, since the transmission (alone) is very valuable, or would I get more out of the package deal?
3. I really don't want to sell it, since I'd be selling it most likely at a loss and I still enjoy owning and using the bus. I really just don't use the thing that much to be paying the insurance and maintenance costs. I also live in a condo and have the bus parked at a friends house... this means I use it even less (out of sight, out of mind). I originally bought the bus to transport my mountain biking team to different events in one vehicle, but usually this is hard to coordinate or is inefficient depending on the destination.
Interesting notes:
- gets about 10mpg
- $50/mo insurance (minimum state of Michigan coverage) through GMAC (not a perfect driving record)
- we removed the wheelchair lift (wasn't working)
- we removed the original bus seats and bolted down van benches - see picture
So I'm looking for some input... If someone wants to buy it - give me an offer - lol... I'll deliver for a nominal fee!
THANKS FOR YOUR INPUT!
NEW TRANS
Kindof hard to see, but there are 2-three passenger benches facing eachother (originally from a large SUV), then there is a 4 passenger bench seat from a passenger van facing forward. We also (not sure on legality) throw a love seat in the cargo area to get an extra 2-3 passengers seated comfortably.