This one just sold...

[pickpaul]

Well last night I thought I had found a non MCI 8 or 9 that I could fall in love with. It was an RTS that seemed like an absolute steal at $15k with a great new conversion but I called today and it has been sold. I'd still like to know if you think I'm beginning to get better at spotting the deals...

http://www.busnut.com/classifieds/index.php?a=2&b=307

Thanks, Paul.

[buswarrior]

Yes, that RTS was priced to move, sold quickly, and from what I think I heard about that coach, the buyer should be quite happy.

Unlike most buses for sale, this one was not inflated for "negotiating room".

If more stuff was priced to sell, instead of priced to speculate, it would sell quicker.

Oh well, that's the marketplace for you.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[pickpaul]

Exactly, great point. Now if I can only find a motivated seller of an MCI 8 or 9 with a completed conversion including a raised roof for $15k that would be great 

[Lin]

There looks like there is a very good one on BNO for just over twenty.

[pickpaul]

The 1980 /2004 MCI 9 / Renaissance? I know, it's great and I've talked to the owner but it is incomplete and will need about the same $$$ again for inverter and generator and kitchen and front furniture and 7 new tires. Very nice bus but still too rich for me right now unfortunately but I'll keep saving 

[scanzel]

Ebay has someone in New Jersey selling 4 MC 8 or 9's for $19,000 for all four. If you have a place to store them might not be a bad deal.

[zubzub]

IMHO if you are patient and search craigs etc...you will get a wicked complete in good condition from estate or other forced sale situation.  Going through the brokers is only going to add to the $.   It will take time though, when I was looking prices really varied, some thought that their dad's old bus ('56 4104) he always worked on was worth $50K even though the engine wouldn't start, the tires were flat, half the glass was smashed and the interior had been squatted in. Others sold running conversions in good shape b(4104s) between $5K and $15K.  Patience, also I kind of feel that a conversion that has been cared for by a retired owner with a little time available could be very well sorted.
Last 2 cents I have found that repairs take awhile on these beasts, so getting the best you can afford will save you time/money in the long run.  I like wrenching as much as the next guy but these monsters will throw challenges at you regardless, the less the better.

[Len Silva]

Though I could not do it today, the very best deals come when you have a stack of $100 bills in your pocket.

When you find the right bus, you can name your price (within reason, of course), and show the greenbacks, you will most likely own it then and there.  Those days are gone for me but I can still dream about them.

[Busted Knuckle]

Though I could not do it today, the very best deals come when you have a stack of $100 bills in your pocket.

When you find the right bus, you can name your price (within reason, of course), and show the greenbacks, you will most likely own it then and there.  Those days are gone for me but I can still dream about them.

Len,
Excellent point! When dad & I buy a bus we almost always pay CASH! We both inspect it together, then during negotiations I talk about the good & bad of the bus. And dad holds and talks $. Many times we have walked away from a deal where I thought dad messed up by not going a little more, but most of the time they catch us before we drive off and except "HIS FINAL OFFER!"  (and I get happy again!)  FWIW!   BK 

[pickpaul]

Thanks for the advice on shopping tips, I promise to be patient!

Cheers, Paul.