C7 or ISC 8.3? best value for bus?

[Wallace87]

Hi crew! New here and still trying to learn what I can before I get my hands too deep in it.

I'm looking for a transit style RE/FE bus - and I have a few options on the table that I am really hoping for feedback on. I am set on a max length transit style, and have read numerous opinions on engine and transmission combinations, but I am trying to evaluate the investment dollars here between the two given their reputations. The condition of each is fine, never been converted. Assuming other details are reasonably equal to each other in condition.

135,000 mile RE Bluebird 2006, C7 with MD3060, DPF - $2,500
150,000 mile FE Thomas 2005, C7 with MD3060, no DPF - $2,000
220,000 mile RE Thomas 1997, ISC 8.3 with MD3060R - $3,500

Thanks for any tips.

 

[GWRider-SKO]

Hi crew! New here and still trying to learn what I can before I get my hands too deep in it.

I'm looking for a transit style RE/FE bus - and I have a few options on the table that I am really hoping for feedback on. I am set on a max length transit style, and have read numerous opinions on engine and transmission combinations, but I am trying to evaluate the investment dollars here between the two given their reputations. The condition of each is fine, never been converted. Assuming other details are reasonably equal to each other in condition.

135,000 mile RE Bluebird 2006, C7 with MD3060, DPF - $2,500
150,000 mile FE Thomas 2005, C7 with MD3060, no DPF - $2,000
220,000 mile RE Thomas 1997, ISC 8.3 with MD3060R - $3,500

Thanks for any tips.

Welcome to the Site. I would take the 97 Thomas with 8.3 Cummins over CAT 7. Also, anything newer than a 2003 and your maintenance and repair costs rise significantly.

 

[Sehnsucht-SKO]

Of the three, most everyone here would immediately disregard the 2006 Bluebird because of the DPF. These systems cost money to feed and maintain so they're discouraged. Beyond that, its a toss-up. Some like FE, some prefer CATs, some don't, its pretty much up to you.

One point to the 1997 Thomas if it indeed has the MD-3060R, the R designates a driveline retarder which will be a benefit in hilly driving situations. This one would be my choice of the three and if you don't buy it please send me the contact info for it! ;-)

 

[TJones-SKO]

I would stay away from the 2006 with dpf. I would take the 97 with the 8.3 over the 2005 with the c7. Check out the "adept ape" on you tube for cat engine info. He says of the engine size 3126 and later c7, the c7 is less reliable. The 8.3 of that vintage will be a mechanical engine which will be free of electrical gremlins. You also need to look at the overall condition of the bus a rusty bus with a great drivetrain is still a rusty bus.

Ted

 

[PNW_Steve]

Easy choice for me. 8.3

Any engine that motivates people to produce YouTube videos tittled "How to bulletproof your xxxxx" gives me pause.

If you are very mechanical and willing to put some time and $$$ into addressing the weak points you may be fine with the C7.

 

[Wallace87]

thanks for the input, folks. This is the direction I would like to go, as well, but my concern has been the extra $2,000. I will see if he is flexible, but it sounds like it's still the best choice.

 

[o1marc]

thanks for the input, folks. This is the direction I would like to go, as well, but my concern has been the extra $2,000. I will see if he is flexible, but it sounds like it's still the best choice.

What extra $2000 do you mean? That bus is more worth $3500 than the 2other newere models that are cheaper. All 3 are fairly priced.

 

[Wallace87]

$2000 by comparing $1500 to $3500 between two of the listed choices.

 

[o1marc]

$2000 by comparing $1500 to $3500 between two of the listed choices.

I didn't see any $1500 buses, one for $2K, one for $2500, and the 8.3 for $3500

 

[Wallace87]

my bad, i entered the info wrong.

 

[o1marc]

my bad, i entered the info wrong.

If one of the newer cheaper buses was $1500, that should send red flags by itself.

 

[Wallace87]

It's just auctions in Beaverton, Oregon.
technically they were 1,500 or 2,000 but i was adding some cost for fuel to pick one up.

https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?...e&locationType=state&timeType=&timingWithin=1

 

[o1marc]

It's just auctions in Beaverton, Oregon.
technically they were 1,500 or 2,000 but i was adding some cost for fuel to pick one up.

https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?...e&locationType=state&timeType=&timingWithin=1

Dude, you're trying to make a decision on an auction price with days to go still? Those prices are going to spike in the last 10 minutes and won't be anywhere near where they are right now. If I wanted one of those buses, I would not bid until one minute left in the auction.
A bunch of nice buses there right now. Too bad they are 05's and on the other side of the country as usual. Just about every one needs tires, an expensive need.

 

[Wallace87]

Thank you for the tip, I agree I wouldn't bid until the last moment either I'm just considering prices in the best case scenario IE cheapest prices possible as a comparison. I understand the prices could change before it is over. There are also a decent number of units available here. Regardless, I was just trying to compare the value if the final prices were as currently showing. Certainly if the prices for the c7 buses went markedly up it would be much less appealing for me. I'm happy to be patient if something doesn't pan out at the right price point. I haven't made any bids anywhere as of yet.

 

[EastCoastCB]

I bid early and low. If/when I'm outbid I move on. That way I never pay a whole lot. Its not ebay and the auction extends when you bid late so I just bid my lowball price as soon as I see one I'm interested in.

I don't have much money so this makes it fun and I can still play.