How do figure out what a bus is worth - generally speaking.

Chaz · April 29, 2015, 10:39:10 AM

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

Lin · April 29, 2015, 11:05:34 AM

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.

Chaz · 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

eagle19952 · April 29, 2015, 11:41:34 AM

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.

Chaz · April 29, 2015, 01:40:09 PM

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

bevans6 · April 29, 2015, 02:47:53 PM

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

luvrbus · April 29, 2015, 03:36:39 PM

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

RJ · April 29, 2015, 04:55:33 PM

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 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. . .

Chaz · April 30, 2015, 04:43:26 AM

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

lostagain · April 30, 2015, 08:02:19 AM

Chaz, are you not using your bus anymore? You were so keen about it a few years ago...

JC

robertglines1 · April 30, 2015, 10:39:01 AM

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

Chaz · April 30, 2015, 11:42:45 AM

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

digesterman · April 30, 2015, 11:57:01 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.

BCM Stacy · April 30, 2015, 03:03:30 PM

I hope this will be of some help!

http://www.prevost-stuff.com/Conversion%20Shopper%27s%20Information.pdf

Oonrahnjay · April 30, 2015, 06:55:34 PM

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.