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Old 01-29-2017, 02:24 PM   #1
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Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Outer Banks, NC
Posts: 6
Should I buy this bus?

We're not about to jump as it seems a over priced to me. Just looking for some opinions from more experienced skoolies. Also and advice on questions to ask or things to pay attention to for first time bus buyers would be very helpful. Thanks

It's a 2001 Thomas.
Here's the Craigslist link: http://norfolk.craigslist.org/cto/5946328868.html

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Old 01-30-2017, 01:43 PM   #2
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Year: 2002
Coachwork: Bluebird
Chassis: All American RE (A3RE)
Engine: Cummins ISC (8.3)
Rated Cap: 72
Welcome Minitoba,

From the single picture in the ad I see what appears to be a pretty clean bus.

The seller does not give much detail on the drive train. 8 cylinder Cat and an automatic transmission. My best guess (I am NOT Cat person) is a 3208 and Allison MT545. Do a little reading here and you will find that the Skoolie community tends to avoid Cat due to the cost of maintenance.

If the bus is as clean as it looks with low miles and already painted white I would probably pay $5k for it IF:

It had an International DT466 or a Cummins 8.3 and and Allison MD3060 AND I could drive it to a qualified mechanic for a successful inspection.

Just my $0.02. I am sure that some with a little more knowledge in the Cat arena will have more detail.

Good luck!!
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Old 01-31-2017, 12:20 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PNW_Steve View Post
. Do a little reading here and you will find that the Skoolie community tends to avoid Cat due to the cost of maintenance.
The cost of maintenance items isn't so bad, it's the cost of parts when you break something that tends to hurt because typically you will need to get them from Cat dealers only.

Personally I like Cat motors......but I am biased, I work for Cat
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Old 01-31-2017, 10:26 AM   #4
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Location: Orange County, CA
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Year: 1990
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Chassis: Crown Supercoach II (rear engine)
Engine: Detroit 6V92TAC, DDEC 2, Jake brake, Allison HT740
Rated Cap: 37,400 lbs GVWR
I'd be very surprised if a 2001 bus had a 3208 engine. Hadn't they been superseded long before then by the 3116? I think the "8 cylinder" part of the Craigslist ad may be wrong.

John
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Old 01-31-2017, 10:31 AM   #5
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Year: 1946
Coachwork: Chevrolet/Wayne
Chassis: 1- 1/2 ton
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" I think the "8 cylinder" part of the Craigslist ad may be wrong."

Nah...CL is like the Internet. If it's on there...it MUST be true.
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Old 02-05-2017, 10:36 AM   #6
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Thanks for the help y'all! After looking at it in person, we decided to keep looking. It was in great condition though. And the current owner is very helpful. Unfortunately, the power train isn't what we're looking for currently. Very minimal rust and engine in good condition. Again thanks for the help! Looks like we'll be headed to Tennessee to find a bus for our needs.
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