hi everyone first time here,any advice to someone thats looking to buy ???

Barn Owl · July 20, 2007, 10:46:06 AM

QuoteYou can't import an Eagle seated or converted into Canada.

Why?

TomC · July 20, 2007, 10:54:31 AM

Eagles don't meet Canada safety requirements

jjrbus · July 20, 2007, 01:31:55 PM

You may be right BK. Some of the converted buses I looked at in my search were really junk. The second one I looked at was advertised as a professional conversion, They had hacked a hole in the side of the bus and siliconed in a house door!!!!!!
I was very lucky, when I looked for a mechanic to inspect my bus, he did not even look at it. He told me he had worked on the bus for the past 10 years and that it was in perfect condition. Did not cost me a cent and he was right!!!

Sammy · July 20, 2007, 01:45:30 PM

I would strongly recommend having it checked by a pro.
We will see things that the average person will not notice. We are familiar with DOT and other types of maintenance inspections.We have the equiptment and facilities to do a very thorough inspection under ideal conditions - pit,lift,etc.
You are entering into an expensive adventure when starting out on the wrong foot.
Be patient, look at a few coaches and make your choice wisely.Ask alot of questions as you go along.
There are alot of knowledgeable folks here on this board, sharing info, giving opinions and great advice.
Welcome to our world.
Best of luck with your new toy.
Sammy

Hi yo silver · July 20, 2007, 06:25:01 PM

WELCOME!! Do not feel intimated. These guys are the best, and will help you more than anyone, giving qualified, honest opinions without bias, unless they drive an Eagle, (just kiddin') and not make fun of you....when you're in hearing distance..LOL.
The best advice I have been given is to look at a LOT of buses before you make a decision. Do lots of reading and research, and ask these guys lots of dumb questions. A bus is a major investment.
Welcome to the board.
Dennis

RJ · July 21, 2007, 12:05:05 AM

Quote from: scottie on July 20, 2007, 04:29:28 AM

I'm leaning towards a M.C.I. or a PREVOST, maybe even a Eagle.

MCI and Prevost both have their main factories in Canada, so their buses are more likely to comply with Transport Canada regs - don't try to re-invent THIS wheel!!

Seriously think about the following question, as it will determine to some degree what you're looking for: What do you want to do with your bus?

Do your homework, big time!

It's very easy to buy a coach, but much, much harder to sell a mistake.

FWIW & HTH. . .

steve5B · July 21, 2007, 06:02:02 AM

Scottie,

Steve5B here, also being a " NEWBIE" you can't ask for any better info that you will get here on these boards. Great bunch of guys that help and respond to any question everyone has. I personally have learned alot for the short time being a newbie busnut.

Good luck, Have fun!

Steve 5B

grantgoold · July 21, 2007, 06:59:37 AM

Professional inspection is a true investment. One other item you may want to consider is the availability of parts. Not sure about Prevost but with MCI it is only a mouse click away or simple phone call and the part is on its way. Only in rare cases do I need to start calling the yards.

You may also want to contact your local mental health professional and have them confirm you got the bug!

Welcome

Grant
Sacramento

scottie · July 24, 2007, 04:15:24 AM

hi everybody
thank you all for the great advice!!!
i was able to go look at one bus on the weekend. it was a 1985 mci.
the owner wasnt there and it was lock up but i checked out the out side of it and wasnt impressed .there was at least 4 good dents in the body even on the edge of the roof.most of the windows was blocked off with what looked like a sheet of alum ...very poor weilding job ,very ugly...not for $11,500.00. i have seen a few postings of the same year go for $8,500.00.
thanks again ...the hunt continues......

lostagain · July 24, 2007, 06:59:12 AM

Go to a bus rally. I just went to my first one (Bus'nUSA), and it is so great! You can look at so many converted coaches ranging from old ratty ones to million + dollar luxury ones. So you get lots of ideas. Also there are several buses for sale. Some completed, some not, for great prices. If I didn't have mine already, I would look for one already done, as close as possible to what we want. Then you can start using it right away. You can buy them for half of the cost of building it yourself.