I went back about 20 pages to see if I could find the thread that started this whole process but either I missed it or it was just part of another discussion, there have been a couple of other threads that weren't exactly on point, things like title and registration, Toads and so forth. So as a starting point, this was spawned off the thread about heating and is different enough to need a new thread instead of cluttering up that one.
To set the stage then, after due consideration of the various merits and downsides of every possible alternative I have concluded that my own best course is to find 1994 D series MCI coach just leaving service. I'm looking for something with under 500K miles, preferably under 300K, no rust, half tread, usable batteries, good OTR air, and no collision damage within 500 miles of Cincinnati. I'd like to find that for under $3000. I can go more if need be but I'm looking for a deal. From what I've seen so far it should be possible, if you are absolutely convinced I'm wrong feel free to explain why.
Now, RJ suggested:
Jim -
Time to get pro-active!
Do a DuckDuckGo search for bus companies and transit agencies within your 500 mile parameter and make a list.
Once you've got your list, start calling them and ask for the shop foreman.
When you get him/her on the line, ask if they have any "D" MCIs coming out of service, or that will be soon.
You might just find a gem!
Duckduckgo does not have provisions to narrow your search by distance but adding Cincinnati cuts the results down to a manageable level. I'll start with those. If anyone else wants to make friendly suggestions I'm all ears.
I don't expect this to bring fast results. If I've found something by spring that will be more than acceptable.
Jim
What you are wishing for would be really rare, particularly with less than 500,000 miles... Dream on... And, if you found it, would be worth way more than $3000. A bus from the mid nineties will have several million miles. Only thing I can think of with low miles would be a bus conversion (motor home) from new. But again, it would be way more than $3000.
Good luck.
I still haven't heard anything about the Canadian Greyhound DLs. They should be on the market soon.
JC
You want to plug in to where this desired coach, though low in chassis mileage, the interior is in need up an upgrade.
You want to get in there before an interior is put in, raising the price back out of reach.
And you may come up a decade in age for similar money.
You MUST find an angle to get a deal. Interior torn up, a small fire damaged interior, etc
A cheap bus on its own, will cost you tons in hidden problems.
Original owner for the life of the coach is another avenue, small outfit that bought it and a few others new, and ran it for 15-20 years, do a deal on the interior parts to keep the ones they have left going... For free, you ain't getting anything for your interior... You want the interior gone, they want free spares, might help the purchase price...
Engine size, the Series 60 came in 11.1 and 12.7 litre sizes back then... with the odd Cat mixed in.
What transmission do you want? Allison World 6 speed? 7 speed Spicer? Jake brake or Retarder?
There's a blue D been for sale all summer on one of the Facebook sites?
If you find one, see if there's a second one...?
happy coaching!
buswarrior
Watch the CA surplus sales 2002 models with around 700,000 miles are only bringing 8k and as CARP closes in there will be a bunch that does not meet their 2010 emissions standards and they will go cheap to get those out of the state,You can make bet in the next few years there will be more supply than demand on buses coming out of service from CA
If that blue D is the one I'm thinking of, it's a transit (from NJ maybe?) and it's also a "come on", the seller says he doesn't have any of those left. Or the red ones either.
I wouldn't have a problem with a bad interior obviously. Only problem I'd have with electrical is getting it here. I worked on aircraft wiring, I don't think a bus is going to scare me. Hey, this may never happen and if so I can live with that. I can walk away from any deal on the planet. What I'm not going to do is pay 3-4K extra so the seller can feel really good about it. My ancestors were Scottish Vikings OK? I need to keep my money for more important things like... Whiskey! Yeah, and Women! and... fast cars, and Rock and Roll. That's the one. Long as I can still remember that I'm good. And a bus would be Great! Now I just have to find one... Well, no hurry. I'll just keep looking.
Jim