Pricing and Issues for 1983 Liberty Conversion

[ABart]

Hi All:

I have been reading the boards for a few months now and appreciate the time that everyone takes to answer questions.  I think that my bus knowledge is growing, but I know that am still in kindergarten.

I have a question of my own this time.  While I am still a long way from buying something, I am looking and trying to get a sense of how things should be priced.

Today, I was traveling in the back of an airplane where computer access to eBay is free.  I stumbled upon the following listing for a 1983 Prevost Liberty conversion.

see http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1983-PREVOST-Bus-Liberty-Conversion-RV-40-w-3-Bunk-Beds-R-Queen-Low-miles-/140825966448?pt=RVs_Campers&hash=item20c9e1b770

Given the fact that this is a fixer upper, what is a fair price range for this?  Are there any red flags? Any other feedback would be appreciated.

The bunks are what drew my eye to this because I have kids.   I doubt that I will be bidding because I have a wife . . .

Thanks,

Al

[Tenor]

What are your skills?  Some of these repairs are fairly simple for the skilled.  Otherwise, I think his estimate for repairs at a shop is short by 60 percent!  A real good paint job could be 10K!  Tires are at least 3K!  I expect all of the airbags are original as well as the hoses. If it is exactly what you need perhaps make a lowball offer. 

Good Luck!

Glenn

[bobofthenorth]

Much as I'd like to believe otherwise, its already overpriced.  Its maybe worth half of the price shown.  At most.

[luvrbus]

83-85 models sell for around 30g tops Howard RV had that bus listed for 56,000 not long ago they were equipped with 3 cruise air goes to show you the maintenance on the bus don't fix the AC just cut a hole and install 1 roof top  

He will be lucky to reap 18 to 20 g and I would not pay that much maybe 12,500 at a weak moment lol

good luck

[chuckd]

As much as I hate to say this, since I own a 79 Liberty, that puppy is way over priced.

Chuckd

[Seangie]

Al,

I live here in Wilmington and have to go by Howard RV this week to pick up an item for my bus.

I'll be glad to check it out for you and see what they would realistically take.  I wouldn't be surprised if here in Wilmington they got 30-35k for that bus. 

I'll be glad to take some pics as well if you are interested.

-Sean

[Ace]

Al fwiw I know of a jam up 85 Prevost that runs like new! Everything in it works and it has to have one of the straightest sides for this model that I've ever seen not to mention the cleanliness of the entire coach!
It was professionally converted by Hoffman and i think you could steal it at 40k
No bunks but laid out very nicely with lots of room! Bright and roomy!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[luvrbus]

Someone pays 30 to 35 for that one at Howard as the saying goes a fool and his money are soon parted 10 to 12 G's won't touch touch the repairs needed and it probably needs more than mention in the ad 12,500 tops for me on a weak day lol

If the one Ace is talking about is the same as the one Jack posted about now that is a nice bus you do not see 85 models that clean

[Seangie]

Cliff - As sad as it seems, lots of fools and money here in Wilmington.  It's the new Hollywood with all the film industry in this area. 

Howard RV knows it too...

-Sean

[luvrbus]

He may get it as most RV dealers have access to loan shark finance co's that would finance Hitler with the right amount down  fwiw I offered him 10

good luck

[Ed Brenner]

Clifford. hope you get it ! I live 90 miles away, Park it here you come get it and help with my 60 install !
Free room and board and the ocean !!
ED

[luvrbus]

I doubt I get it Ed he kinda laughed but he won't tell me his other offers I could have been high bidder who knows for sure lol 

I don't think he is doing real good on offers made just the way he spoke

[ABart]

Everyone:

Thanks for the input.  When I look at these advertisements or listings, I see the asking price, but I am still getting a handle what things are really worth and what it takes to bring something up to road worthy.

Al,

I live here in Wilmington and have to go by Howard RV this week to pick up an item for my bus.

I'll be glad to check it out for you and see what they would realistically take. 
-Sean

Sean:

Thank you for your offer. I find myself in agreement with Clifford on the price range  It would be a great starter bus for me at a much lower price.  If you are over there anyway, I am interested in any general impressions that you may have.  However, if you are time pressed, feel free to skip the walk through.   At this point, I am still a (dry rotted) tire kicker unless a really good deal drops into my lap.

Another reason why I appreciate your offer is I have learned to follow my nose which is something that I can't do on line.  A few months ago, I talked my family into walking through a bunch of buses.   On one bus, my four year old said "Yuck, smells like cow."  He was right, it had a manure smell.  Apparently, it belonged to a livestock auctioneer.  A few others on the lot smelled musty.  We found out later that that particular lot had gone under water during a flood.  I am guessing that those three were submarines that day.


Thanks again.
Al

[Seangie]

Went by Howard on Wed and took some pics.  It fit the classic description of "ridden hard and put away wet"

Paint leaves nothing to be desired.  Quite a few loose rivets as well on the side wall panels. 
Lots of rust up under the coach.
Engine was completely covered in oil.

I left feeling that it was going to cost alot more than the asking price to drive that beast off the lot.

3 pics below.  The TXT file is actually a zip file.  If you download it and rename prevostpics.txt to prevostpics.zip you'll be able to open them.  Or right click and "open with" winzip, 7-zip, winrar or any windows file compression program.

-Sean

[Seangie]

more pics