Opinions on this rig

AndyinCT · February 12, 2020, 03:21:21 PM

Hi guys. I think I'm gonna move on to another rig as I found a buyer for mine.
Can you provide feedback on this one?

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1983-MCI-40--Private-Motor-coach--MC9-Chassis-2009-Conversion-5009804932

Thanks.

chessie4905 · February 12, 2020, 04:12:51 PM

Unless it is turbocharged, it isnt making 375hp. More like 305 to 320, depending on injectors. Check it real close for rust issues.

DoubleEagle · February 12, 2020, 06:11:13 PM

No! Don't jump at this. It does not have 125,000 miles on the chassis, that's probably since the last overhaul. No, it does not have 375 hp without a turbo. It does not look like the roof has been raised, so having triple bunks in that space would make them coffin bunks. This is at a RV dealer, which probably took it in trade toward an RV, and they hope to make money selling it. They probably paid a third (or less) of what they are asking for it.

There are a lot of MCI's for sale all across the country, I would not consider buying any conversion from a dealer. They do not know the history of the coach, only the owner does. A conversion has many details to be concerned about, you need to buy something direct from the owner who can tell you about it, honestly. You got burned on the last one because the owner glossed over the details, and you did not get help to inspect the bus. Keep looking, and don't forget that MCI is not the only brand out there.

buswarrior · February 12, 2020, 06:57:23 PM

X2... nobody is going to sleep in those triple bunks. The kids will poison your food if you force 'em...

Tires? From a buyers standpoint, close to aged out.

Engine stats are all lies.

Paint looks like hell, as do those vents carved into the engine doors at this price point.

Not a $20k bus.

Buy a bus from a busnut. This one requires someone who knows what's what out in the wild world.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

Iceni John · February 12, 2020, 07:31:27 PM

Photo 20 is intriguing. If that is the generator's date plate, why is it rated at 240V for use in USA? Because it seems to be an English generator, does that mean it's also 50Hz, the European standard AC frequency? Perhaps the bus was converted in England, then shipped back to USA? Strange.

John

lvmci · February 12, 2020, 08:53:37 PM

Ask Van or Gary Bennett to look at it for you, Van lives in Boulder City, NV, lvmci...

gmnut55 · February 13, 2020, 05:14:33 AM

Andyin CT, pm me to gmnut55@hotmail.com , I can get you in a 80 mci 9 that is in excellent condition from a fellow bus but. I worked on this conversion for years and stored it in my building for ten years. I know the coach inside and out and there is no rust anywhere and would travel anywhere with it. Has a turbo 8v71 and auto transmission.

DoubleEagle · February 13, 2020, 09:47:21 AM

Quote from: Iceni John on February 12, 2020, 07:31:27 PM
Photo 20 is intriguing. If that is the generator's date plate, why is it rated at 240V for use in USA? Because it seems to be an English generator, does that mean it's also 50Hz, the European standard AC frequency? Perhaps the bus was converted in England, then shipped back to USA? Strange.

John

Strange, alright, but the plate states 60 Hz (the photo is washed out by reflection at that point)

RJ · February 13, 2020, 11:33:57 AM

AndyinCT -

This is an ex-New Jersey Transit commuter coach. Their equipment is usually run hard and put away wet. Since it's also from the Rust Belt, you know what that can do to steel - even stainless.

Offer $8K and be prepared to put another $10K into it.

FWIW & HTH. . .

AndyinCT · February 13, 2020, 12:01:03 PM

Great information RJ. How did you know that?

richard5933 · February 13, 2020, 12:02:14 PM

Lots of generators made in Europe are also sold in the US with 60 hz setups. I used an Italian one to replace the generator head on our 4106. Had to be careful to spec it out properly.

Runcutter · February 13, 2020, 02:28:09 PM

Russ, good eye. NJT specs for their MCI's and Eagles ended up with unique front ends, a good spotting characteristic. Kind of like a Saudi MC-5 with the double roof - the giveaway.

There's a comment about age and wisdom in there, but we often don't want to discuss the age part.

Arthur

luvrbus · February 13, 2020, 03:18:00 PM

Quote from: AndyinCT on February 13, 2020, 12:01:03 PM
Great information RJ. How did you know that?

The front cap,NJT had a good maintaince program for their buses fwiw lol they were put up wet because they were washed every day.You can tell when the engine was rebuilt by the color of the engine but that friggin all white wiring they used on some will drive you nuts if the label is missing

buswarrior · February 13, 2020, 03:35:24 PM

Regional transit may have good maintenance, but this one has been many many years away from a NJT maintenance facility.

Counts for nothing now. Too many busnuts do NO maintenance... fixing broken stuff isn't maintenance...

This bus needs a wary eye cast...

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

luvrbus · February 13, 2020, 03:49:35 PM

Quote from: buswarrior on February 13, 2020, 03:35:24 PM
Regional transit may have good maintenance, but this one has been many many years away from a NJT maintenance facility.

Counts for nothing now. Too many busnuts do NO maintenance... fixing broken stuff isn't maintenance...

This bus needs a wary eye cast...

That could be the case BW but they were not junky when released there is to many around out here Gary Hatt had one Phil Lyons still has one

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior