WTB: 23FT Bus - East Coast USA

PaulNeed · 04-19-2021, 02:44 PM

Looking to buy something extremely similar to this! Hopefully around the $5k range, if I'm off on that estimate let me know..

2001 Freightliner Thomas 23.5ft
5.9L Cummins

I enjoy the height/size of this style bus and would like to find one near me, but Im willing to go anywhere if the bus is right.

If you have any info for a new time buyer please let me know if I'm crazy!

Thank you all.

peteg59 · 04-19-2021, 03:49 PM

Welcome to the site.

That will be challenging to find nowadays, especially in your price range.
They're out there but it might take awhile to find exactly what you're looking for.
Patience, and close up inspection of any prospective bus is key to long term happiness!

Good luck, and post pics if you find one...

EastCoastCB · 04-19-2021, 03:52 PM

If you find one at auction you may be able to get it at around that price.

PaulNeed · 04-19-2021, 03:57 PM

Thank for the replies! Yeah I'm assuming auction is going to be the way, can ya'll point me to some? I know govdeals.com I believe it is, I look there regularly. I've been told this type is extremely rare unfortunately. I just love the ground clearance and the height inside though I'm only 5'9 ha

And I think I have a few connections to some school bus yard mechanics (also thought about calling local ones if I fly out to a buy). Hopefully that'll help!

EastCoastCB · 04-19-2021, 04:07 PM

The one you've pictured is the low headroom model. And appears to have low profile rear tires.
Here's one with high headroom and full suspension/full tires-

PaulNeed · 04-19-2021, 04:09 PM

I can see the differences, Thanks for pointing that out! Are there Identifiers I can use while searching for this type? Or just use my eyes...

EastCoastCB · 04-19-2021, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulNeed

I can see the differences, Thanks for pointing that out! Are there Identifiers I can use while searching for this type? Or just use my eyes...

On a Thomas the roof either dips down or goes up. The window line at the top is also a visual indicator.

BeNimble · 04-19-2021, 05:52 PM

My local school district has many of these..5-10 years there will be for sale at auction..
Saw one of these on the freeway doing 55, so everyone passing it, was rocking left and right rather signficantly. Really wanted to get video of it to post here, but had to drive not use phone.

I don't see the attraction, all the downsides of a full size bus without the space.
Transit shuttle same length but more space, better mph, etc, etc.

Chicken Little · 05-14-2021, 01:53 PM

look up German Luis Lopez on facebook. he has many buses in homestead, fl in and around your price range NO RUST TELL . send him a message and tell him Ibel Branly sent you

PaulNeed · 05-17-2021, 10:24 AM

I just messaged him on FB, please let him know.

Thank you!

Chicken Little · 05-17-2021, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulNeed

I just messaged him on FB, please let him know.

Thank you!

i will, whats your first name?

j2d2 · 06-01-2021, 07:27 PM

I just snagged a 23' International 3800 from Johnson City, TX. They've got a few of those freightliner shorties currently in service but they just landed a new fleet of Freightliners B2s so might be worth a call to Johnson City ISD asking if they have plans to get rid of their shortie Freightliners anytime soon. They've got air brakes too! Great looking busses!

It's a long drive back home for you, but I was incredibly impressed at their maintenance - really friendly folks too

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