I feel like I just missed out on a great deal but I didn't have enough cash to hand >:(
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230334440851 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230334440851)
Paul have never seen this bus but with so little info and photos of anything really important you probably missed a mistake.
Don't be wowed by what looks nice...there are things more important when you consider the big picture
Whoever got that stole it.
Even if the engine needs an overhaul, that's a great price for a 45' x 102" coach. And nothing rides like a Neoplan (I know the Eagle guys will dispute this).
This was also a Colorado-built coach, so it does not have the persistent parts and service problems that my Pilsting-built unit has.
Paul -- you should keep your eye on this. I can't tell you the number of times I've seen these items re-listed after the sale because the buyer either did not come up with the cash, or got cold feet when they actually showed up to drive the thing away. Many people in the market for an RV are intimidated when they finally get up close and personal with a full-size bus. FWIW.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
It's also in PA which is fairly close to me by bus standards so I could have visited. Most of them are in FL or out West. What with this and the Michael Jackson bus and Sean's comment about them coming up more frequently than I thought, I really think this is the bus I want!
Two questions about this bus: Is this bus really 45'? I thought federal rules didn't change until 1991? Isn't an 8V71 going to woefully small for a bus this size? Sean's bus has an 8V92.
For anyone considering a Neoplan they will need to remember Neoplan in the USA is out of business. This is a USA built bus so it has standard American chassis components, but anything specific to Neoplan may not be available. A more widely sold bus like MCI will be much easier to find parts for even if MCI no longer stocks the item. Almost every model of MCI bus has junkyards full of parts buses.
One thing about that bus it will rust better than any Eagle LOL.I know where 1 is at in KY with a 8v92 and auto the guy been trying to sell for 5 grand (no conversion work). I can't imagine what that one looks like being from PA good luck
I wish I would have known about it, I am only 20 min from there, I could have checked it out for paul. Jason
Just as Sean predicted - here's the bus again! Get moving Paul!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1989-NEOPLAN-MOTORHOME-BUS_W0QQitemZ230335896596QQihZ013QQcategoryZ6728QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Glenn
Its also 40' not 45' as originally listed......
Cliff
Sorry guys, I should have known this was a 40' based on the year, and the number of windows (five slant passenger windows is a 40', six is a 45').
Even so, that was a great price, and it may close even lower this time.
Paul -- feel free to give me a call if you want to talk pluses and minuses of the Neoplans before you bid. I see you joined the Yahoo group -- some good info on there if you go back through the archives.
This Lamar-built coach will have all stock US-spec running gear, so you should have no problem with parts and maintenance of the power train, axles, steering, etc. The Neoplan-specific parts, such as the glass, get increasingly harder to get and more expensive as time goes on, but NeoPart is still in business and can get most of that, and I also have a supplier in the UK that can supply any hard-to-find items.
I can tell you how to fix the stone chip in the windscreen for $10, right where it sits, and I would strongly advise doing so before moving the bus, even on a test drive (if the chip spreads into a crack, you'll be looking at a replacement windshield, and they are not cheap).
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
Actually the guy called me after the buyer dropped out. I still don't have my finances worked out but he said he would think about a 5k down, $1 per month for a year but I guess he'll just wait to see what happens on the new auction. If/when I'm in a position to buy I'll def take you up on your offer to chat Sean and your offer to kick the tires jmblake. Actually Sean I had happened to read your windshield blog post a few days earlier - brilliant!
Till then,
Paul.
The seller has added some information and some pictures. More comments:
1. Wow, that engine bay is eerily familiar, right down to the radiators and fans -- my exact setup.
2. The motor is an 8v92TA, not an 8v71 as originally written. This makes more sense to me -- I did not think they built any 40' Skyliners with the 71 in them. It is probably a DDEC-II.
3. The coach has more like 400k miles, not the 175k shown on the odo.
4. It clearly has a partial wet bath. Not my thing, but probably not too hard to change.
5. Too late for the windshield. He wrote "stone chip" but I see in the photo it has already spread into a crack. It will need to be replaced; figure $1,100 or more to do this. The seller doesn't have a clue.
It's at less than $16k right now, with less than a day to go. Still a great value at that price, IMO.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
Paul,
If you really want to go see that bus, you will quite literally be going within a half-mile of my house on the way there. It's about 40 minutes from here. (Think Alexandria to Manassas, only much much MUCH less painful). The least I could do is offer you a cup of coffee. In the meantime, I'll be in DC all day Friday. Contact me off board if you like.
Doug
So what happen, did this bus sale, and for how much?
Bill
The listing says it sold for $15,901.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com