Is there a methodology or site or (???) that a person can research to find out what a bus is actually worth? I am curious about mine.
Thanx!!!
Chaz
I think that is a very difficult question since bus conversions lack uniformity, and vary greatly in quality and workmanship. I know that the big converters like Marathon and Liberty used to be listed in dealer books, and may still be. As for the rest of us, I think it is a matter of researching at least asking prices through whatever listings we can find. Of course, asking price is not going to be very accurate either. Selling prices would be the way to go, but those are going to be harder to come by. Ebay is the only one that comes to mind where you can find that out. If you are near any dealers that do handle conversions, you could see what they would give for yours and use that as a starting point.
Thanx Lin. I figured I was going to be spinning my wheels.
Is it permissible to list what it is here and maybe pictures to get some idea or does the site frown on such stuff? It is only slightly unique in that it is a '77 4108.
Thank you again for your time and answer.
Chaz
Quote from: Chaz on April 29, 2015, 11:27:00 AM
Thanx Lin. I figured I was going to be spinning my wheels.
Is it permissible to list what it is here and maybe pictures to get some idea or does the site frown on such stuff? It is only slightly unique in that it is a '77 4108.
Thank you again for your time and answer.
Chaz
I don't see why not.
Great. I haven't ben on here in awhile so I didn't want to overextend.
I'm also recovering from retina re-attachment surgery so I will take a little time and see if I can't put something together. It just takes me awhile. ::)
Thanx for the help guys!
Chaz
At the end of the day something is worth what someone thinks it is. Sometimes a buyer and a seller agree, and a deal takes place. Using comparables can work in the context of a lively and vibrant market, where deals take place with frequency, but used bus conversions ain't that. Regardless, I am sure we will try to help you out. Post away!
Brian
A friend of mine in Eugene sold his 4108 for 20 grand a very nice conversion was capped front and rear ,there was one for sale in Canada not long ago he was asking $29.000 it probably sold for $ 20.000 also no caps front or rear
Quote from: Chaz on April 29, 2015, 11:27:00 AM
Is it permissible to list what it is here and maybe pictures to get some idea or does the site frown on such stuff?
Chaz -That might be pushing the envelope a little, the moderators might decide you're actually trying to sell in the forum area, rather than the classifieds.
You might try clicking on the BCM Home Page tab and going to the classified section to see what the policy is.
BNO has a free classified section, might be helpful.
If you come up with a price just from doing a lot of searching, besides here and BNO, www.busesonline.com (http://www.busesonline.com) has very reasonable rates and a large viewership, another possibility if that's the route you choose.
Any way you decide, take lots of photos, use a fill flash to improve the quality when necessary (especially interior shots), don't post really dark and/or out of focus pics, and write up a good description, separating chassis and house details. All together should bring success.
FWIW & HTH. . .
;)
Yeah, I was afraid I was venturing out on thin ice. I just want to see if I can get a good general idea of what it's worth. As per usual, it's worth more to the owner than the buyer.
Thanx luvrbus that is info I am looking for. Obviously, every one is different but it ballparks me.
Generally speaking, is price of bus-flesh up or down? I know the economy dictates but I have no clue where the economy is. ???
Thanx agin folks. I appreciate the help and insight.
Chaz
Chaz, are you not using your bus anymore? You were so keen about it a few years ago...
JC
Chaz: still in same area? Nice coach last time I saw it. Straight metal and didn't smoke. What else does anyone expect? Did you crash your mountain bike to damage your eye? It not suppose to be a sales area here. But if someone wants info about how you put it together.. Contact BCM and place add in mag. Dennis and several others sold their coach because of ad in Mag. Bob & Judy
Hey guys,
Good to hear from you!!!!!!!!! It's nice to be remembered. It's been awhile.
Well, with this retina detachment thing, and having to keep my nose pointed at the floor 24/7 for 3 looooooong weeks, it has given me time/made me start looking at the future and accessing my options. The future has been looking a little ......"daunting", as of late.
Let me start of by saying, unequvicolly, I LOVE MY BUS!!!!!!! I do. But things have not been just too peachy keen for awhile and I guess I needed this time for soul searching and trying figure out the rest of my life. I thought I had it tentatively planned out, and being a snow bird with it in a few years and doing my art as a means of income but......... You know, The best laid plans......
I definitely DONT want to get rid of it but I am looking at everything. I know, as we all do, we can never get out of them what we have in them but I was just wondering if it was worth much. I would hate to take a hard hit but then, I am looking at everything. (Even selling my ''39 Chevy truck)
So yeah, I really wasn't trying to sell it here as I know that is a "no-no" but I am just trying to figure out life going forward. And the bus was abig part of that. It's very disheartening but we all have that at times, I just happen to be in it now.
Nope, mt.biking wasn't the culprit but, it is going to keep me from it for quite a while. The Dr. said I have retinas like old blue jeans, they can patch them but they "can" tear again. Because of that, I have to access my future and especially what I do -blacksmithing and fabrication work. I would like to gear towards my art work, which is copper repousse' work, as it is easier on me but, I'm not sure that would even keep me in burgers and green tea.
So, without complaining too much, that is it in a nut shell. And again, I don't want to get into trouble here as I have ALWAYS loved this site and all you folks who give so generously to help others out. I'm just trying to figure things out.
That said, I may try to get your opinions about the bus but, I'll break it up so as to try not to get into trouble. Sorry if I pushed too hard already.
Thanx again folks. This site and its members really are Top Shelf!
Chaz
Chaz I know it's up to the admin's but I bet a lot of people here would like to help determine value not only on your bus but for their own info too.
I hope this will be of some help! :)
http://www.prevost-stuff.com/Conversion%20Shopper%27s%20Information.pdf (http://www.prevost-stuff.com/Conversion%20Shopper%27s%20Information.pdf)
Quote from: Chaz on April 30, 2015, 11:42:45 AM... things have not been just too peachy keen for awhile and I guess I needed this time for soul searching and trying figure out the rest of my life...
Chaz
Good luck with the vision problems and all your big life decisions, Chaz.
Good to hear from you Chaz! I've often wondered where ya went..... ;D
Hope you get your vision problems solved so you can continue your journey.
Glad to have you back amongst us!
Your questions are valid and you are asking what a lot of us are thinking at times. Planning is critical and you just want to know, it's all good. 8)
Chaz I know it's up to the admin's but I bet a lot of people here would like to help determine value not only on your bus but for their own info too.
After a considerable amount of spirited discussion over coffee at the kitchen table, the wife and I realized that we are not getting any younger. So we mutually decided that it would be in our best interest, to sell our bus, and buy a new house.
We have found one we can afford using the proceeds of the bus sale for our downpayment ... Here is the ruse.
We can't get the dog to move out of it.
Jus Sayin
Quote from: boxcarOkie on May 01, 2015, 05:06:40 AM
Chaz I know it's up to the admin's but I bet a lot of people here would like to help determine value not only on your bus but for their own info too.
After a considerable amount of spirited discussion over coffee at the kitchen table, the wife and I realized that we are not getting any younger. So we mutually decided that it would be in our best interest, to sell our bus, and buy a new house.
We have found one we can afford using the proceeds of the bus sale for our downpayment ... Here is the ruse.
We can't get the dog to move out of it.
Jus Sayin
That would be funny if it wasn't SO TRUE!!!!!!!!!
TOM
Quote from: Chaz on April 30, 2015, 04:43:26 AM
Generally speaking, is price of bus-flesh up or down? I know the economy dictates but I have no clue where the economy is. ???
Not sure I'd say the economy is very great, but the price of a good bus is up from a three years ago when you would have been lucky to get 8 to 10 thousand for a pretty nice 4108.
Starting from the bottom, a "ran when parked" bus will sell for about scrap value - sometimes less. Putting a battery in so the prospective buyer can fire it up mostly makes a difference as to whether anyone will actually buy but won't change the price much.
From there, the condition of running gear (engine, transmission, steering, etc.) and interior features has a wide range from good-enough to "wow" makes a huge difference in price. Also, certain features such as an automatic transmission (V-730, not VS-2 in your case) adds thousands to selling price and significantly increases the number of potential buyers.
I think the 4107/4108 is the best combination of manuverability and capacity of any bus ever made but the overall market seems to want 40 footers with T-drives like Eagles and most MCIs so those seem to sell faster and bring more money for otherwise equivalent coaches.
Geographic location and time of year seems to make a difference, but I don't have a handle on how.
What I've seen in the past 6 months for nice 4107/4108s is 20-ish although a couple of exceptional examples when the exactly right buyer found his/her dream coach reached the high 20s and mid-30s -- not something you can count on.
edward
Each coach has to be evaluated on its own merits. Anyone that has built/restored/converted one will know exactly what I mean
Wow......
Thank you guys, thank you guys, THANKYOU GUYS!
Without going any further, and possibly crossing lines, I at least have an idea. I am a bit of a rebel but if it's someone else's game I am playing, I will play by their rules. I think that is fair. But..... I may post some info about my Buffy, mainly cause it swells me with pride. My friends love it too.
I'd like to say again, I'm not WANTING to sell, as it has been my goal (from 9 years ago and still forward) to have my bus ready for my "working retirement" where I would become a snow bird to AZ (Sedona, preferably) for 4 months of the year. One of the things that it is contingent upon is that the "working" part of my retirement was to be able to do my art wherever I was (copper repousse'). I have also been working on a '60's fiberglass dune buggy for atoad which I would pull behind in a trailer that would double as a art studio when parked.
But, As it stands, the economy has forced me back to doing what I use to do - fabrication, welding, etc., of all sorts of stuff from industrial to hot rods. So that means I have a tap root I can not pull out. Now with the "eye thing" I have an even more uncertain future.
And if I may say here as a side note, I have the best damn friends a person can have. I am truly humbled to tears.........but enough about that.
And just reading your posts here has been a real joy as well. Truly. I miss this place and I'm going to try to get back more often. And whether or not I am forced to sell, I hope my name stays out there that if someone is close and I can help, I am ALL about it!!!!!!!!!!!!
So now, with all that said, I need to try to figure out what to do. I don't see the Dr. till Tuesday so I'll just be thinking of options till then.
Thank you all again for the kind words and support. It means a lot.
Oh and I'll start another thread about the Tesla batteries I just heard about in TV. It seems they are making head way on one of our less that wonderful necessities.
Just,
Chaz
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic2.artfire.com%2Fuploads%2Fproduct%2F0%2F180%2F47180%2F8247180%2F8247180%2Flarge%2Fcopper_repousse_decorative_bowl_6403886d.jpg&hash=b6c08870b77f05a639744a9f75926709776234a6)
Ooooooo, damn Eagle, is that one of yours??? NICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is also what I do (as I'm sure you figured out). I'm just not sure if I can find a market to be able to support me. (Mainly cause I suck at marketing and self promotion).
If I was allowed to raise my head, I'd go to my desktop computer and I could post a couple pictures of what I have done. But using this iPad is a bit of a struggle for me and I don't have many pix on it.
Ya know tho ...... If you or anyone else would like to see what I have done, just go to my site: www.amstudio.us (http://www.amstudio.us) and look under the repousse' gallery. There are a few things there. And If my eye turns out OK and I can create a market for myself, I could put my original plans back on track as its a lot easier tapping copper that forging steel.
Chaz
Chaz...I'm flatttered,.... yeterday i cooodnt spill repossse and now I are one...LOL..
No buddy I had no idea what it was you were trying to set up for so I figured someone else might wish to know too, so my buddy Google showed me...
I an weld that's the extent my artistry..except painting, I can spray flat black krylon.... ;D
Hey Folks,
Just thought I'd let you know, my eye check up went....... Well.......... in a word, badly, today. I am back at square one and have to repeat the surgery again next Wednesday, and all the hell that goes with it after the fact. It's healing but the scar tissue is pulling the retina apart. Plus, I have to get a cataract surgery on that eye at the same time. My future isn't looking all that good......... on several levels.
So, as you may have guessed, I would still like to know if there is a way that I can price my bus. It's FREEKIN KILLIN ME, but...... I'm lost.
If I write down all that there is with it, is there someone, or more, that I can send it to to get an idea? I don't want to get into trouble. I think too much of this site and all you members to do that. I'd just like to know.
Sorry if I am pushing the envelope.
Thanx in advance.
Chaz
Chaz,
No worries at all about posting on here about your bus. I think that is well within the scope of the board, to discuss the value of a bus.
I am very sorry to hear about your troubles with your eye! That is not good all around. FWIW, I will be praying that this next surgery takes care of it.
As to the bus value, I do not have any idea on the older rigs.
Hoping for the best for you!
John
Quote from: Chaz on May 05, 2015, 08:49:37 PM
Hey Folks,
Just thought I'd let you know, my eye check up went....... Well.......... in a word, badly, today. I am back at square one and have to repeat the surgery again next Wednesday, and all the hell that goes with it after the fact. It's healing but the scar tissue is pulling the retina apart. Plus, I have to get a cataract surgery on that eye at the same time. My future isn't looking all that good......... on several levels.
So, as you may have guessed, I would still like to know if there is a way that I can price my bus. It's FREEKIN KILLIN ME, but...... I'm lost.
If I write down all that there is with it, is there someone, or more, that I can send it to to get an idea? I don't want to get into trouble. I think too much of this site and all you members to do that. I'd just like to know.
Sorry if I am pushing the envelope.
Thanx in advance.
Chaz
Chaz,
I feel your pain!
I have had detached retinas in both eyes. Both were very challenging. One pulled apart like yours. Docs said I was gonna be blind & nothing they could do. First, I give God credit for fixing stuff the docs couldn't.
That said, DO EXACTLY WHAT THE DOCS SAY!!!!!!!
I didn't on one eye and had a VERY bad time. Don't push the envelope!! Keep your head down like they say! Keep your hands away from your eye! Don't strain on anything. I know it's a pain in the butt (or EYE, in this case!) but it is WORTH it. You only got 2 eyes & they won't grow back.
Do what the docs say! OH, I SAID that, didn't I? Well, BEHAVE YOURSELF!!!! & get better.
We're pulling for you! (and praying too)
TOM
PS: I went from 20/400 to 20/30 in one eye & 20/40 in the other. God's on your side! You CAN make it!
Chaz,
You might touch bases with Spike Michaud and see if he will appraise older conversions.
http://www.busappraiser.com/index.cfm
Bob
Now is the time to sell with the price of oil low, high fuel prices have always had a major impact on selling a bus along with older factory flooding the market the Prevost with the series 60 are selling well in the range of the average bus buying person nowadays IMO
Sorry to hear about your troubles Chaz. Keep your head down. Please, make no harsh decisions now. Thats all I got for you my friend. Thankfully the market is coming back.