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Old 10-14-2015, 08:38 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Kirkland, WA
Posts: 58
WTB short bus in WA

It's time! After debating back and forth on size of bus I decided my 'starter' skoolie should be a shorty. I already hit up Monroe, Kirkland, and Bellevue school bus depots and none are having auctions or retiring busses until next year. If I have to wait I'll wait, but if there's someone on here that has one sitting around/abandoned project/referrals/etc I'd love to keep it in the skoolie family!

- Diesel only, automatic
- Short bus only, No cutaways (Ford etc)
- Must be driveable enough to get back to Western Washington from wherever it is
- Must have a clear title, ready to transfer
- Windshield must be intact but otherwise broken passenger windows are AOK
- Bluebird body preferred but totally not required

If you know of anything that isn't ridiculously priced (plenty of "$7k" busses on my local CL ) please let me know! Super excited to start my project and hoping I won't have to sit on my hands all winter until the local auctions open in the summer of 2016.


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Old 10-14-2015, 08:54 PM   #2
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Year: 1995
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Engine: DT408, AT545
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You mean like this?
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Old 10-14-2015, 09:13 PM   #3
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That'd be it!
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Old 10-14-2015, 09:15 PM   #4
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Like this one?

motorhome
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Old 10-14-2015, 09:24 PM   #5
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: The Lovely PNW
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Year: 1986
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner
Engine: Cat 3208
Rated Cap: 84 px
How about this one in B'ham?
1992 International Diesel - SHORT BUS
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Old 10-14-2015, 09:28 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OMGIBoughtABus View Post
How about this one in B'ham?
1992 International Diesel - SHORT BUS
Already e-mailed the guy!
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Old 10-14-2015, 09:28 PM   #7
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Join Date: Feb 2007
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Engine: DT408, AT545
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Originally Posted by YOLO_bus View Post
Like this one?

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Interesting to see a bus that old with such a tall roof.
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Old 10-15-2015, 06:27 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OMGIBoughtABus View Post
How about this one in B'ham?
1992 International Diesel - SHORT BUS
Ok, guys! I can meet this one on Monday. I need opinions. How is the price? Is this a decent bus? I'm looking for a travel vehicle, intend to put lots of highway miles on it. It's more than I was anticipating spending on an initial bus purchase but if it's worth it I'll manage.

Over the phone the guy says it runs, drives, and stops well. No leaks found. Wheelchair lift works (with emergency shutoff still intact) and the seats are in great condition. I'll be able to drive it and poke around before purchase which is at least better than a sight-unseen auction. Still... I want to be armed with info.

And I'm not attached to it, so if this isn't the right bus/too expensive/whatever please tell me!
Thanks!
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Old 10-15-2015, 06:46 PM   #9
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Engine: DT408, AT545
Rated Cap: 23 500 gvw
http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f9/so-...rst-11647.html

Whatever answers are given are guesses at best. You and the seller have provided ZERO info. What are the miles, engine, transmission, rust, no rust, etc? $4900 sounds high to me but maybe it has 20k original miles.
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Old 10-15-2015, 06:49 PM   #10
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Location: The Lovely PNW
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Year: 1986
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Chassis: Saf-T-Liner
Engine: Cat 3208
Rated Cap: 84 px
Quote:
Originally Posted by marbury View Post
Ok, guys! I can meet this one on Monday. I need opinions. How is the price? Is this a decent bus? I'm looking for a travel vehicle, intend to put lots of highway miles on it. It's more than I was anticipating spending on an initial bus purchase but if it's worth it I'll manage.

Over the phone the guy says it runs, drives, and stops well. No leaks found. Wheelchair lift works (with emergency shutoff still intact) and the seats are in great condition. I'll be able to drive it and poke around before purchase which is at least better than a sight-unseen auction. Still... I want to be armed with info.

And I'm not attached to it, so if this isn't the right bus/too expensive/whatever please tell me!
Thanks!
I think it looks like a bulldog. One of the cooler styles I have seen. I think it would be a shame to ruin the lines of it by doing a roof raise.
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Old 10-15-2015, 07:34 PM   #11
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I think they're asking about $2000-$3000 more than its worth.
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Old 10-15-2015, 08:31 PM   #12
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I think they're asking about $2000-$3000 more than its worth.
I agree with this. For ME, $3000 would be tops if it was in super condition with a drivetrain that I liked.
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Old 10-15-2015, 08:58 PM   #13
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Oh that would help! It has a... DT something engine, 171k miles. Pulled with two other busses from a school district by a single subsequent owner and kept on a lot. Had maintenance done when it was retired last year. Tires are older and will need replacing soon although the guy reckons it will make it home fine (still, to me that would suggest wiping $600 off the price right there).

And no worries, no roof raise planned! I do like the unique front style and the placement of the handicap door.
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Old 10-15-2015, 09:03 PM   #14
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The price seems inflated to me as well. I think I might have to wait until next year when the market is flooded again... Everything in a thousand mile radius (PS, Govdeals, CL) is all way overpriced. The best deals so far have been from Harlow's, although they have all gas shorties right now and I'm very firm on diesel.
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Old 10-15-2015, 09:06 PM   #15
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Year: 1995
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Chassis: 3800
Engine: DT408, AT545
Rated Cap: 23 500 gvw
$600 wouldn't even buy 6 Chinese tires. If it has a DT, it is probably a DT360.
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Old 10-15-2015, 09:09 PM   #16
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I emailed him. I can't remember anything unless I write it down... My bad! I should add it has a flat floor... No wheel wells!
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Old 10-16-2015, 01:37 PM   #17
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Updates:

7.3L International engine and Allison transmission
Odometer is 297k, I must have mixed up with another bus I was talking to someone about
Unknown brakes
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Old 10-16-2015, 03:17 PM   #18
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NUNYA
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Year: 1995
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Chassis: 3800
Engine: DT408, AT545
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Quote:
Originally Posted by marbury View Post
Updates:

7.3L International engine and Allison transmission
Odometer is 297k, I must have mixed up with another bus I was talking to someone about
Unknown brakes
I wouldn't give $1500 for the bus.
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Old 10-16-2015, 03:56 PM   #19
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I wouldn't give $1500 for the bus.
That's the max I'd pay for it.
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Old 10-16-2015, 04:05 PM   #20
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OK! If I can talk the guy down I'd take it for $1,500. If I sound informed I have a better shot than just a blind BECAUSE. What's the reasoning?
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