Preference Bus set up for newbie

[Dancing Flamingo]

This could get heated however my intention is for experience and knowledge.
With so many different buses and engines it gets confusing.
What are the preferred set ups:
for example:
Does size matters. ;0)
Buses: International or Thomas or ext? Blue bird? why why not
married to what engine and trany? like 5.9 Cummings/or 8.3?
What to stay away from if you can help it.
What part of the country for buying?

 

[EastCoastCB]

This is sort of an ongoing discussion. You'll get all kinds of responses.
I'd say just dig around in the various discussion here and on School Bus Fleet forum.

 

[Njsurf73]

Honestly, it depends on your intended use. I got a steal on a bluebird Ar3 with a 5.9
I don't intend to live in it or full time. I can take the smaller engine.
If you plan on traveling and encountering mountains, you may want to 8.3
I don't like CAT motors. It is based on what parts and service cost, not dependability.
A dt466 or 8.3 mechanical would be my choice if I were planning on full time traveling.
The coach work I have found are very similar in the 3 you mention... Thats like asking if you prefer Ford, Dodge, or Chevy.
Flat front fe busses give you the most floor room, but limit your under bus options, RE lose a bit of space, but you can use more under bus area.
Big, medium, short depend on you.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[Brad_SwiftFur]

What I'd prefer, and what I have are *NOT* necessarily one-and-the-same!

My preferred drivetrain is the DT466 and manual transmission. Air brakes. Body builder, I have no preference (this may change as I learn more about buses). Style, I like a hood out in front of me, and being able to see and work on the engine.

What I have is in my profile. 2001 IH/BlueBird with T444E and Spicer 5-speed manual. Air brakes, 5.38 rear (change is planned). 6 window shorty with wheelchair lift (which is planned to stay). Built with seating for 14 (6 seats + 2 wheelchairs).