Top 5 most important things to look for when buying a BUS!

[1Tim612]

All,
One of my favorite questions that I use to start an interview is "Tell me the top 5 most important things in your life in priority order". I learn a lot about someone very quickly! 

I thought I would apply this question to the "knowledgeable" on what one should look for in buying a bus.

So think about this and number 1 thru 5 on what you think are "the top 5 most important things to look for when buying a bus in priority order".
Thx, Tim

[luvrbus]

Are you going to grade us on our answers in priority order


good luck

[compedgemarine]

a psychologist

[Paladin]

A VERY understanding wife.

[BUR]

1. Rust
2. Rust
3. Rust
4. Engine
5. Engine
    BUR

[1Tim612]

Sorry, my intent was not to grade anyone one which may have been misleading by my opening statement. Only hope to understand what I should consider as I look for a bus. I'm sure there have been a lot of key learning's from people on what not to do and I would love to hear what you all have to say. Thx, Tim

[bevans6]

1.  A good, trustworthy person to inspect the bus for you and tell you about it.
2.  a rebuilt engine.  Wait - they all have rebuilt engines! seriously, engine and gearbox in good working order, which implies the bus is driveable.
3.  Brakes in good working order, air system functions normally.  Hoses, brake cans, valves not leaking, passes a DOT inspection
4.  Bodywork, glass, doors, hinges, all in good working order.  No leaks. Tires not out of date.
5.  Conversion done, or done enough, in a manner that suits you.  House systems operational, what ever is installed.  Wiring and plumbing done properly, or not done at all (fixing can be harder than installing).

Brian

[JackConrad]

Rust issues
Condition of drivetrain (engine, transmission, rear end)
Tires
Overall body condition
Conversion components

[zubzub]

1.rust
2. body condition (straight panels frame rails etc.., interior condition if you are keeping the conversion)
3.engine/drivetrain.
4.suspension linkage /brake condition/
5.tires.
but really for me my first inclination is to write rust  rust  rust  rust  rust  rust  rust  rust  rust  rust  rust  rust  rust  rust  rust

[travelingfools]

ILL go with getting your head examened first also...lol. But seriously,

1. rust
2. drivetrain
3. cost
4. history of bus - any maint records ?
5. who has been working on the bus

[Melbo]

Here are my top 5 and the reasons

1 Price of unit. There are enough "CHEAP" ( read low dollar ) units out there now so you can buy one and find out all the stuff that goes wrong and make lists to fix yours or learn what to look for when you buy the next one -- the education will be worth it.

2 Soundness of the bus structure --- rust --  been wrecked -- straight panels -- lights and wiring working -- windows doors etc.

3 Air System -- This is something most people never have to work on and should be checked out

4 Drive Train including Cooling -- If you want an auto buy an auto don't plan on changing if possible

5 House systems --- these will RARELY be what you want completely anyway -- you will probably need to change something

[TomC]

#1-Rust-how much replacement do you want to do.  We all know one Eagle owner that literally had to completely rebuild the bus.
#2-That the body is straight, no sags.
#3-Suspension, air bags, brakes, bushings are all in good condition.
#4-Good Tires
#5-That it has the right engine & transmission for what you want.  My bus cost $4,000.00 (transit).  But by the time I had the bearings changed from grease to oil, tires changed from 12R-22.5 to 11R-24.5, air bags replaced, air assist steering changed to Sheppard hydraulic, engine overhauled, engine up graded to turbocharged with air to air intercooler, jake brake installed, transmission overhauled, rebuilt larger radiator, larger air cleaner, larger muffler, auxiliary transmission cooler, etc, I could have bought a $39,000.00 bus.  Course, at the time, I didn't have that lump sum of money, and the upgrades I did were over many years, so they were relatively painless.  Good Luck, TomC

[akroyaleagle]

You have been given several pieces of good advice.

I will add what I think is the MOST important consideration.

You must feel about the coach as you did the first time you saw your wife. If you do not feel that way the path is going to be a long one. You must truly love it, warts and all.

[zubzub]

You have been given several pieces of good advice.

I will add what I think is the MOST important consideration.

You must feel about the coach as you did the first time you saw your wife. If you do not feel that way the path is going to be a long one. You must truly love it, warts and all.

 Good point, 1st time I saw my wife I thought "here comes trouble" proved to be true.  Same with the bus....Very pleased with both

[paulcjhastings]

I can't believe Bryce isn't all over this and hasn't given these top 5 reasons.

1 It must be a Setra
2 It must be a cousin to the Eagle
3 It must be from a division of Daimler
4 It must have high priced replacement parts
5 It must not be a GMC, Flxible, MCI, Dina, Prevost, Neoplan, MAN, Plaxton(I remembered you Jeremy), Nissan, etc. Sorry if I missed offending anyone