Hi all! From Co

Joemad · 06-22-2015, 11:00 PM

I finally have all my finances in check so I can finally go mobile!!!

Still trying to properly navigate myself through this forum without being redundant so please point me in the right direction if I am

....Annnyway, I found this lil gem on FB and wanted to know your first impressions for a conversion?!?!

2002 BLUE BIRD SCHOOL BUS 7.3 DIESEL 120,401 MILES

It's just me, no pool, no pets, I ain't got no cigarettes hah When I camp it is usually either backpacking or in my Forester so space is not an issue. Just things to look out for or maybe even red flags on the post...seems legit to me, but hey you are the pros!!

crazycal · 06-23-2015, 12:43 AM

A little high. This one has rear air.

~~ 2000 E350 E450 7.3 diesel 15 passenger 100k miles 20 MPG ~~

EastCoastCB · 06-23-2015, 07:11 AM

Could buy two or three of that bus for the asking price.

sdwarf36 · 06-23-2015, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazycal

A little high. This one has rear air.

~~ 2000 E350 E450 7.3 diesel 15 passenger 100k miles 20 MPG ~~

20 mpg- Twenty? Real 5280 ft miles? Real gallons? Not a f'in chance in hell.

crazycal · 06-23-2015, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdwarf36

20 mpg- Twenty? Real 5280 ft miles? Real gallons? Not a f'in chance in hell.

That's funny because that is what I told my friend that sent me the ad. The exchange went on for about 10 emails. We can to the conclusion that 20 mpg could be accomplished if the motor was off and it was pushed down a very steep grade.

**Polarweasel** · 06-23-2015, 05:39 PM

But only if it doesn't run into anything at the bottom and rupture the tank. Otherwise, it might be gallons per mile.

Seroflorus · 06-23-2015, 07:10 PM

"in house financing" is always a good sign that there's a mark up...that and the business sign out front...
anyway, if you're interested in it, go stand inside it and make sure its tall enough.

Joemad · 06-23-2015, 08:37 PM

HA Im sensing this isn't a good deal. Finding a good diesel short bus is a little harder than expected.

Hey Polarweasle, we're in the same neck of the woods do you know of any good retailers around here other than craigslist?

....ohhh and I believe it's "20 Meters Per Gallon"

Seroflorus · 06-23-2015, 09:27 PM

You could print out this thread and take it with you to negotiate the price down even further...tell them you need group concensus!

Joemad · 06-23-2015, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Seroflorus

You could print out this thread and take it with you to negotiate the price down even further...tell them you need group concensus!

Totally true! If there is one thing I know it is that used car salesmen are always looking out for the customers best interest!!

EastCoastCB · 06-23-2015, 11:11 PM

CL has the least amount of decent deals on buses. At least that's what I've seen. Mostly beaten-on buses that were bought cheap at auction then used hard with little maintenance, and the owner wants a PROFIT off the sale.
Ebay is a little bit better, but nothing beats going local and finding a deal through a school or auction.

**Polarweasel** · 06-23-2015, 11:16 PM

Around here, nope, not that I've seen. There's a dealer in Monument, but they seem pretty proud of their inventory. Or maybe just fond of it, and want to keep it where it is?

Public Surplus and GovDeals are good to watch. Roller Auctions in Denver may have something once in a while, along with Purple Wave (no-reserve auctions, seems to be mostly Kansas and area). Someone mentioned IronPlanet the other day, too: so far just junk, but it looks awfully promising.

And 20 meters per gallon might just be accurate. Check for holes in the tank.

(Oh, and speaking of CL: there's a Thomas pusher in the Springs right now, asking $5k for the last month or two. Turns out it's got an AT-545 transmission in it, so I'd stay away from that one.)

crazycal · 06-24-2015, 02:28 AM

As far as real mileage, the 98 E450 I had got about 12-14 MPG.

Tango · 06-24-2015, 01:09 PM

For anyone looking at or living with a 7.3...below is a handy little article.

9 Common Problems With 7.3 Power Stroke Diesel Engines, And How You Can Fix Them | Diesel IQ

sdwarf36 · 06-24-2015, 04:29 PM

Good places to find shuttle buses:
Near airports- look in the back lot of any " park& fly" places.
Larger senior centers. Day trip buses are plentiful.
Small city motor pool. An example I see all the time- Middletown ,Ct. Pop. Maybe 50k. I see the lot they park their shuttles in- I bet they have at least 30 of them.
Larger hotels. ( where mine came from)

Joemad · 06-27-2015, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polarweasel

Around here, nope, not that I've seen. There's a dealer in Monument, but they seem pretty proud of their inventory. Or maybe just fond of it, and want to keep it where it is?

I totally agree that place is just ridiculous!

I have been searching for a while now and can't seem to find anything it's driving me nuts

May decide to go for a full size bus they seem to cost the same. It's a little more space than I want but I could make it work. Is bigger better ?

Also, thanks for all the replies you guys are really getting my gears turning. This forum is awesome!!!

Timelord · 06-27-2015, 11:18 PM

Short bus, long bus, they are about the same price and will get very roughly the same MPG. The bus will be the cheap part of the conversion no matter which way you go.

Nobody has ever complained they had too much space in their RV.

dbsoundman · 06-28-2015, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polarweasel

(Oh, and speaking of CL: there's a Thomas pusher in the Springs right now, asking $5k for the last month or two. Turns out it's got an AT-545 transmission in it, so I'd stay away from that one.)

It's also got a CAT engine, aka the most expensive possible engine to maintain (at least in terms of common engines that I can tell).

Joemad · 06-30-2015, 12:22 AM

These are all great ideas to find a bus!! Thanks!

I have been HOPING to find one before my lease is up at the end of July. Not looking too promising ATM but I'm still hopeful. w00t

CAT engine? What do you people prefer? I'm not into brand loyalty but in an unbiased (as possible) opinion whats the best?

The Ford E450 7.3 Power Stroke seems like a legit motor after some google research. Also, from what I have read I don't expect much from CL but here is an example.

2002 FORD E450 7.3 POWER STROKE YELLOW SCHOOL BUS LOW MILES

Any suggestions on webpages, videos, or skoolie forums on buying a diesel bus ?
Generally I work a bunch, would love to research myself but have been backed up during our busy season

c_hasbeen · 06-30-2015, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polarweasel

There's a dealer in Monument, but they seem pretty proud of their inventory. Or maybe just fond of it, and want to keep it where it is?

I sniffed around that lot and they do have prices for sure, no warranty as is and from what I have heard no support after.
I did however see a 4x4 amtran there a while back, never made it by to take a look though.
kinda wish I had seen it in person

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