Been stalking...finally joined. Think I'm ready to purchase, but would like advice...

Tony_108 said:
Got it!:thumb: You guys are awesome! Thank you! The local school district auctions should be opening up next week, once the lockdown lifts, so I'm hoping I can find something there. I've been seeing the same buses for sale, day after day after day...all ones I've already ruled out. So, I'm feeling a little hopeless. I've gotten everything set up, financially, to get the build done and hit the road...a little frustrating that the only thing holding me up is finding a bus! Lol
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be sure and check govdeals and public surplus as well.
 
They don't list the mileage on these? EastCoastCB, the condition says "Fair." Do you think that's more directed toward condition of seats, etc.?
 
Although I really am inclined to buy a school bus, shuttle buses seem to be a dime a dozen. I've gone back and forth and tried to get as much information as possible about the differences, but I would love to hear your thoughts. :smile:
 
Tony_108 said:
They don't list the mileage on these? EastCoastCB, the condition says "Fair." Do you think that's more directed toward condition of seats, etc.?
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Nah. They're just not really sales people. Some lady or fellow at a desk at a school board makes the listings. get ahold of the contact number provided for a given auction and see what you can find out.
The vagueness of the listings keeps the prices low a lot of the time! :wink1:
 
Hey there Tony
Welcome

Keep in mind if you are not planning a roof raise it sure is nice to find something with a taller roof. If it is not detailed in the listing you can usually tell from side view pics, the window lines on a Thomas will be higher than the door or driver window and you can see a bump up in the roof line. Makes a ton of difference if you're a taller guy.
My bus recently came from Clover Park school district just south of Tacoma and they were fantastic to deal with, I was invited to the shop/yard for test drive and see the service records before buying it. Low miles and no rust is the way to start, I sure didn't want to put tons of time and money into dealing with rust before even gettin started on the build.
Good luck with your search.
 
EastCoastCB said:
I like this one- https://m.publicsurplus.com/sms/auction/view?auc=2571118
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aucdoc


looking at the pic it sure looks like a nice bus. 8 window, high headroom. Looks straight and not rusty, but only the one pic. 466E is good. Even if it goes for more money its a better buy than the vista.
 
Hi Oscar1! Thanks for the tip on the roof! Fortunately, my boyfriend and I are on the shorter side, so I don't think the height will make or break it for us. I'm about 5'6" and he's about 5'10". But, of course, more height equals more space, so it would "feel" bigger.
 
EastCoastCB, how many feet do you think that bus is? Also, from what I'm gathering the dt466 is a good engine, but what it is combined with as far as the transmission is important. Also, what do you think the max price should be? I'm going to try to call them tomorrow to get more info on the transmission, mileage, etc. Thanks!
 
I bet that bus is 28-30ft. looks similar to my bus. I was reading your thread and was thinking of recommending this bus to you as well. Bend school district takes care of their fleet. I bid and lost on a bus from them. I inspected it as well.

Tony do you have an account on public surplus? see the questions and answers section. mileage is 240k. Tranny is MT643. with the DT466 it is a good combo.
 
Rovobay, thank you! I had created an account, but had not received my text confirmation code. Just received it a few minutes ago. So, I was able to login and see the additional pictures as well!

28-30 feet, huh? That's a little long...Lol. Makes me a little nervous!
 
In this kind of market with em going for more money, I'd probably spend a bit for a bus like that. $3500 or so.
If I didn't currently own a bus that's the one I'd be after right now.
I wouldn't sweat it Tony. Its not really that much longer than that vista. Mine's a 5 window. 8 isn't bad and would have a lot more usable interior space.
 
That is the size of my bus. see the pics. I think my bus is 28 or 29 feet bumper to bumper. the turning radius is great. a full sized crew cab pickup with an 8ft bed is around 23ft. Install a backup camera for extra confidence. I am sure you'll feel comfortable after driving it for a bit.
 
Tony_108 said:
Got it!:thumb: You guys are awesome! Thank you! The local school district auctions should be opening up next week, once the lockdown lifts, so I'm hoping I can find something there. I've been seeing the same buses for sale, day after day after day...all ones I've already ruled out. So, I'm feeling a little hopeless. I've gotten everything set up, financially, to get the build done and hit the road...a little frustrating that the only thing holding me up is finding a bus! Lol
Click to expand...
If traveling for the right bus doesn't bother you, check out AAA bus sales and service in Phoenix. Lots to choose from and good reputation.
 
EastCoastCB said:
In this kind of market with em going for more money, I'd probably spend a bit for a bus like that. $3500 or so.
If I didn't currently own a bus that's the one I'd be after right now.
I wouldn't sweat it Tony. Its not really that much longer than that vista. Mine's a 5 window. 8 isn't bad and would have a lot more usable interior space.
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Yeah...I suppose I would get used to it. I pull a 24 foot boat with my Tahoe, but that's a bit different, and still creates some obstacles!
 
Rovobay said:
Yeah Tony, read the questions and answers. according to maintenance records it is around 240K. The instrument cluster has been worked on several times. When I bought my bus I got the entire service records for my bus a stack of papers over 6 inches tall!
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What do you think about 240k on the engine?
 
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