Hello from Maryland..GMC Savana G3500 Bus

[EternalWinters]

Hello All..

I am new to this forum and have found the information available to be incredibly helpful! I am ready to purchase a bus and have found one that meets all of the wants on my list. I'm hoping to get some feedback from more experienced skoolies on this particular bus, here is what I know:

2002 GMC Savana G3500
6.5L Detroit Diesel
Transmission unknown
176k miles
Handicap Bus

Has had the following repairs in December 2017:
New fuel filter
Oil change
Drag lines replaced
All four ball joints replaced (upper and lower)
New radiator
and he's pretty sure the exhaust manifold was replaced as well.

The asking price is $5,000. I have not yet seen the bus in person but have scheduled an meeting to drive it and look further into the details. Does anyone have any input on the engine, ie: issues, etc. Transmission? Any input generally on this particular model? Also, does this seems to be a good price?

I have a friend who recently bought a 2002 Chevy Express 3500 and after doing some research it seems that mechanically it's identical? However, he's new to this new experience as well so there isn't much information that can be shared. Thanks so much for any input or advice that you may have!

 

[PNW_Steve]

Welcome,

I have talked with bus barn service guys in a district that ran a number of G3500's. They were quite happy with them. Different motor but they liked the platform.

The 6.5 has it's haters. I have been around several of them and am of the opinion that they are a very reliable and economical engines. But...,... If you are ever in a hurry to get somewhere...... Buy something else...

Regarding price, I think that $5k for that bus may be on the high side. I see similar buses for quite a bit less.

Good luck.

 

[EternalWinters]

Thank you, yes the bit of looking up I did on the engine found exactly that, some people hate them and others are fans. So the mixed reviews are a bit confusing lol. I'm never in hurry lol so a slower pace is just perfect for me.

My feeling is that it is a bit high as well. My friend bought his 2002 Chevy for $3,500. and that seemed to be a good deal.

Thanks so much for your feedback