Good Afternoon!

[bctatwo]

After much thought and calculating I think my wife and I have decided to travel down the Skoolie Road. I just think it will be fun to create what we want and not just have to accept what someone else thinks we would like. I know my way around a table and radial arm saw as well as I have done electrical work most of my life. We live in Lakeland, Florida, right between Tampa and Orlando. When I look at Craigslist I continue to see Tampa Bus Market. Does anyone have any knowledge of them or know of any other place to look for school busses? I think I want a conventional diesel/automatic bus in the 35 foot or so range. We do not plan to go around the nation, mostly Florida weekend trips. I am really at square one and don't really know what to ask. I am looking forward to the journey and cant wait to get started!

[brokedown]

Welcome!

This is the general advice:

. Florida buses are generally rode hard and put away wet, and many people will tell you to avoid them.
. Auction prices are a fraction of the price you'll find from a "bus sale" company (looking at you, BGA!)
. Air conditioning is not optional in Florida.
. You're not far from the central florida crew, I"m sure they'll chime in right below this post.

[Dog Rescuer]

I bought my bus there - I was very happy with it - the price was a little more than I would have paid at an auction - but it was worth it - Abraham was great.
I looked at the Tampa Machinery Auction - they have some mediocre Hillsborough County Buses - but not what I wanted. There are some gov. auction sites that are good - and s few folks here - like EastCoast who can give you some tips on them - He is close to you.
My bus is about finished - I will be full time busing it as soon as I sell my house in the Tampa area.

Originally Posted by bctatwo

After much thought and calculating I think my wife and I have decided to travel down the Skoolie Road. I just think it will be fun to create what we want and not just have to accept what someone else thinks we would like. I know my way around a table and radial arm saw as well as I have done electrical work most of my life. We live in Lakeland, Florida, right between Tampa and Orlando. When I look at Craigslist I continue to see Tampa Bus Market. Does anyone have any knowledge of them or know of any other place to look for school busses? I think I want a conventional diesel/automatic bus in the 35 foot or so range. We do not plan to go around the nation, mostly Florida weekend trips. I am really at square one and don't really know what to ask. I am looking forward to the journey and cant wait to get started!

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Dog Rescuer

I bought my bus there - I was very happy with it - the price was a little more than I would have paid at an auction - but it was worth it - Abraham was great.
I looked at the Tampa Machinery Auction - they have some mediocre Hillsborough County Buses - but not what I wanted. There are some gov. auction sites that are good - and s few folks here - like EastCoast who can give you some tips on them - He is close to you.
My bus is about finished - I will be full time busing it as soon as I sell my house in the Tampa area.
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No offense meant here- but you paid full retail and had to make quite a few immediate repairs. I'd stick to the auctions. And definitely try to get a bus NOT from FL.

[BowserJournal]

I have been to several Tampa Machinery Auctions but never for a skoolie. We lucked out and got our off CraigsList and was a former Fire Department bus. The key is make sure you o lots of research before you buy.

You are right down the road from us. We live just north of Zephyr Hills. There are several skoolis in Central Florida!

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by bctatwo

After much thought and calculating I think my wife and I have decided to travel down the Skoolie Road. I just think it will be fun to create what we want and not just have to accept what someone else thinks we would like. I know my way around a table and radial arm saw as well as I have done electrical work most of my life. We live in Lakeland, Florida, right between Tampa and Orlando. When I look at Craigslist I continue to see Tampa Bus Market. Does anyone have any knowledge of them or know of any other place to look for school busses? I think I want a conventional diesel/automatic bus in the 35 foot or so range. We do not plan to go around the nation, mostly Florida weekend trips. I am really at square one and don't really know what to ask. I am looking forward to the journey and cant wait to get started!

Come out to our gathering at the end of the month in Apopka.