Step One -- Selecting a Bus to Purchase

[MrRiver]

Would love to learn from the experienced here about how to select a bus for my project. (I may convert one, anyway -- probably will.)

What are things to look for and avoid?

Where are good places to find lower priced used buses?

I'm probably going to go with a short bus. Fuel efficiency is a factor, for sure!

 

[Scooternj]

Would love to learn from the experienced here about how to select a bus for my project. (I may convert one, anyway -- probably will.)

What are things to look for and avoid?

Rust, rust, more rust, and tires out of date code. Oh yeah- gas engines, MB engines, propane engines, MaxxPro 7/DT360 engines

Where are good places to find lower priced used buses?

I'm probably going to go with a short bus. Fuel efficiency is a factor, for sure!

Usually PublicSurplus and Govdeals.com, usually within a few weeks as schools begin to replace their fleet. If you talk to your local school bus barn, they might get you an early "in", or point you towards the best buses they're dumping.

 

[MrRiver]

Thanks for your input, Scooternj!

I'll definitely be looking out for rust. Apparently, as one living in New Mexico, my geographical location is good for avoiding the salted roads = rust problem.

Diesels run a little less expensively on fuel, don't they? How would you decide on gas versus diesel? Which is better?

I wish I could run it on water with water vapor as the only "exhaust". But then I wish I were a millionaire, too. And better looking.

 

[Scooternj]

Thanks for your input, Scooternj!

I'll definitely be looking out for rust. Apparently, as one living in New Mexico, my geographical location is good for avoiding the salted roads = rust problem.

Diesels run a little less expensively on fuel, don't they? How would you decide on gas versus diesel? Which is better?

I wish I could run it on water with water vapor as the only "exhaust". But then I wish I were a millionaire, too. And better looking.

Diesels will, on average, get around 8-10mpg, gas engines get significantly less than that on a full size bus. Numbers go up the smaller you go, but diesel for a bus is still more efficient than gas.