Sign of the times?

[grantgoold]

Saw this nice GMC conversion on Craigslist and thought to myself, $12,500.00 is that we can expect in the future. Tens of thousands of dollars and countless hours of work only to have the value of our bus conversion slide faster than a greased pig on a waterslide?

This is really too bad, beautiful rig for the money.

P.S. I have absolutely no interest in this listing and I hope it doesn't violate the board policy. I use the link simply as an example.

http://sacramento.craigslist.org/rvs/887189094.html

Grant

[FloridaCliff]

Grant,

There is a whole lot of this going on with everything you can think of.

Good time to be a buyer.

I saw a "Bus Like" motorhome the other day with a sign in the window.

"Nothing down, Take over payments, 1400.00 a month"

We are seeing the ugly side of conspicuous consumption.....

Good luck........................

Cliff

[josephgranzier]

Well said -  Attractive pricing ,yet is low enough to sell?

I 've looked at a few of these 4104 / 06 's - I like the history , style , design characteristics etc etc.  I 'm fortunate to be in a buyers market.
I can sympathise with the owners (understanding materials and labor hours ) yet it's hard to convey market pricing to those with such strong emotional ties.
Hence the term "widows sale"
I sense this fella is serious about selling - price is attractive (I believe it will sell for less than he is asking)

Its a small target market looking for a 55 year old converted bus ,parts availability could be questionable , style etc  etc.

[Charles in SC]

A bus conversion has seldom been a money making past time. I would call mine more a labor of love. I decieded a long time ago not to buy something if I was going to need to sell it. With that said every hobby I have ever been in there was someone thinking they could make a buck on it. I tip my hat to them if they can but it is kind of like trying to make money bass fishing, If you do not love it then you better tred lightly.

[gus]

Charles says it as elegantly as it can be said.

Hobbies are not for making money.

[Paladin]

I knew when I bought my bus that I'd be losing money pretty much from day one but hoped on gaining some fun times and memories. I suspect I'll be donating my bus for scrap when I'm done.

For those who have always done the old car thing, remember when they were nearly worthless? Yet we still dumped thousands into them just because we loved the cars. Now most of them are worth money again. I doubt that'll happen with a bus but you never know. They said muscle cars were dead too and laughed at me when they sold me a '68 Charger R/T, all original for $500 just to get rid of it.

[Bob Gil]

It seams like every thing in this area is growing FOR SALE  signs.

Dad made the statement if you have been wanting to buy some thing that was not for sale in the past keep checking on it it might be before too long.

[cody]

One of the nice things about a bus is that it provides quality time with your wrenches or table saw that normally wouldn't be there.  As you go about your day to day routine, your tools sit unattended, unloved, and lonely in the shop, patiently waiting for the door to open and to see you again.  Your family can visit with friends and neighbors but what about your tools, where are their legs, does your drill press have a cell phone? I'll bet not.  We often forget about them for days at a time, do any of you even realize that this could lead to trama that could be taken out on the next unsuspecting bolt?  At any moment these quiet, patient tools could snap, we have to realize that even tools need a friend and a bit of our time too, why not take your tool box with you the next time you head out for the evening, just set it down on the table next to you and let it enjoy a nice night out, roll it thru a nice salad bar, talk nicely to it, maybe ask your torque wrench if it would like to dance, not only will your tool box appreciate it but your friends will see you in a new light too, now isn't that special?  Expiring minds want to know.

[HighTechRedneck]

I knew when I bought my bus that I'd be losing money pretty much from day one but hoped on gaining some fun times and memories. I suspect I'll be donating my bus for scrap when I'm done.

For those who have always done the old car thing, remember when they were nearly worthless? Yet we still dumped thousands into them just because we loved the cars. Now most of them are worth money again. I doubt that'll happen with a bus but you never know. They said muscle cars were dead too and laughed at me when they sold me a '68 Charger R/T, all original for $500 just to get rid of it.

Yup.  I think whether it is cars or buses, if it is nicely done, the market is like a Merry Go Round.  You just have to wait for it to come back around.  Unfortunately, most of the ones selling are under some type of pressure to "sell it now" and so they can't wait.  Those who can't wait for the market or at least a motivated buyer with money to spare, will take a price beating to their wallet and pride.

[HighTechRedneck]

... why not take your tool box with you the next time you head out for the evening, just set it down on the table next to you and let it enjoy a nice night out, roll it thru a nice salad bar, talk nicely to it, maybe ask your torque wrench if it would like to dance, not only will your tool box appreciate it but your friends will see you in a new light too, now isn't that special?  Expiring minds want to know.

I can just imagine the scene, complete with men in white coats with nets and a special jacket for the poor guy.  While the poor tools get taken away to some cold storage room. 

Now isn't that special.   

[Charles Seaton]

Can't imagine the market is as good now, but just last year GM old look transits in restored condition were selling for upwards of $50,000.  When companies were retiring them in the 60s and 70s they were giving them away just so they would have room for new equipment.

[HB of CJ]

Bob, I really liked the Font size you used.  Could read it without my glasses.  Thanks.  Could hobbies make one $money$?  Coins, stamps, other collectables, etc. come to mind.  Maybe.  But not Bus Conversions.  We MAY have just seen the beginning.  HB of CJ

[DSweet]

Some are being stampeded by the dire warnings of the prognosticators into selling their buses. My sweet wife and I decided to
start traveling instead. The only problem if you could call it that is that we are over seventy. Currently we are parked in Los Angeles,
enjoying the balmy weather and the companionship of family.  It might be a buyers' market but it is better to hang onto our buses for now,
they just might end up beinghome.

[Lin]

I bought my current bus fully converted for $7500.  I am now up to about $20,000. just getting it into shape.  The initial price can be very misleading.  As you may remember, there are lots of "little things" that can add up fast in these buses.  I like the thought of going on some extended trips with it, but have no immediate plans.  I like having it as a guest house.  I like the idea of a place to fall back on in case of emergency too.  And, as long as there are no deadlines or pressure, working on it can be a good time.

[DSweet]

The main thing to remember about buses is that they can become a money pit very quickly
even when  we buy them already converted.  We've tied up a considerable amount in our
coach, and are very happy with the result.  One thing, be certain you cover the important bases
such as the cooling system.  We just had an overheating situation with our '04, even after having flushed
the system.  Replacing a radiator can be expensive, get it taken care of before a problem develops. Taking
them apart and having the work done at home isn't too bad, we just had it done on the road, ouch.  Well
at least, that problem is cured.  Hang in and keep these old beauties on the road
Blessings,
David
PD4104-2977
On the road in Los Angeles