Nine MCI 45' buses up for auction Feb. 23

[windtrader]

This specific batch of buses are used as intercity county commuters in Solano county. No floods here but plenty of fires and earthquakes. Being a native Nor Cal bus, it'd be highly odd if the body/chassis had any rust type issues. Or much heat/sun/UV related damage either.


These can always driven outside the reach of commy CARB so buyers out of state can drive them as BW says until the wheels fall off

[windtrader]

Auction results.


I attended the auction and checked out the buses being auctioned off. They are in pretty darn good shape, having served duty in Nor Cal Bay Area where weather year round is between 50-90 degrees.


One had keys and was running and sounded fine. The dumbass put the god damn thing in gear and nearly pushed me into the canal. Due to the recent bus incident we had, my wife just lost it thinking I got run over. OK, reverse works. Service records were not in the vehicle but found a daily inspection report dated a couple months ago so these were in recent service and assumed to be roadworthy. Tires were current some less than a year old. No bathrooms in the back so easier to convert. Bays clean and doors really stout and tight. Engines looked fine. Overall, very solid coaches.


Now the best part? They sold for between $5000 and $6500.

[windtrader]

more pics

[windtrader]

auction results

[Dave5Cs]

Don those are S 60 engines they aren't on the list they are 4 stroke?

[Geoff]

Snooze you lose.

[windtrader]

nice profit! 2x+ return in a month from $5,800(auction)  to $12,350(ebay)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-MCI-BUS-Motor-Coach-Industries-D4500-Charter-Bus-Commuter-Bus-Tour-Bus/233155431919?hash=item3649258def:g:2WcAAOSwtwVcfeGk

[Oonrahnjay]

nice profit! 2x+ return in a month from $5,800(auction)  to $12,350(ebay)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-MCI-BUS-Motor-Coach-Industries-D4500-Charter-Bus-Commuter-Bus-Tour-Bus/233155431919?hash=item3649258def:g:2WcAAOSwtwVcfeGk 

      When I click on this, I get "This auction ended - here is a similar item" -- it's a 2004 "Perfect condition, MCI D4500 Detroit Series 60".  Price $20.000.  Your point here is made very well. 

[kinson]

The original posting should appear small at the top of the page showing the result.  This might be the same flipper I saw selling them for around $11k a few weeks ago.  He sold 2 already and had 2 left.

[chessie4905]

I seriously wonder how many of us would really want a coach that long, even if it'll turn as sharp as a 40 footer. Add a toad and stay off all but multi lane major roads?

[kinson]

I seriously wonder how many of us would really want a coach that long, even if it'll turn as sharp as a 40 footer. Add a toad and stay off all but multi lane major roads?

In looking at various conversions, I've preferred the layouts of 102'' wide over 96'' and 45' over 40'.  I'd really like to find a decent 45' when the time is right, but I worry about the accessibility like you've brought up.  Can anyone shed light on that aspect with some real-world experience on and off-road?

[richard5933]

I love our 35-foot bus and would not want a 45-foot coach, but lots of high-end Class A motor homes are 45 feet long and they are quite popular. Not sure where they're going with them, but I'd bet that they are at the high-end campgrounds spending lots on camping fees.

[dtcerrato]

Once & awhile wish our 04 was shorter than 35. But I can tell ya that the ole' girl can fit in 20' max campsites - with an axle against a parking bumper the other end of the bus usually clears the roadway. Not having slide outs is advantageous sometimes too for getting into tight campsites between trees. We like National Forests & parks so the 35' is our Max.

[thomasinnv]

I have a DL3 45' and occasionally tow a car putting us out to around 65' total length. I definately have to pay attention when towing concerning fuel stops but I primarily stick to truck stops or the like anyway. As far as camping I don't really do state parks anyway, but I find most rv parks are well able to handle us. I often frequent BLM and National Forest areas where there is plenty of room anyway. If I am going into an area I am not familiar with I always check out google maps satellite view ahead of time. I have not found my length of vehicle to be much of a hindrance. Just have to do the due diligence and check it out ahead of time and avoid getting into tight spots.