Beginners to the site and the whole bus realm! Thank you

Rcurtin · July 03, 2019, 01:11:21 PM

Hi all,

Super new to all of this but kind of had a quick question about worthiness and how much of a gamble I'd be taking with this project. There is a perfect (in my eyes) 1994 Setra bus for sale locally and I have been working with the owner to nail down a deal. Problem is she doesn't know much about it and claims "it ran before someone took out the batteries". Now I know I have done some research and some of the Setra buses can sell for considerable amounts so I am skeptical about this one. She is also claiming it was already registered as an RV and she is "just waiting for the title to come in". So she accepted a price of 1500 to get it gone ASAP but needs batteries and the title. Is buying batteries for this rig worth the gamble if it doesn't start or what would be my best course of action here?

Is there other batteries I could use that might work to see if it runs? Worst case scenario if it won't run is it still worth the gamble?

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/631882987290081

chessie4905 · July 03, 2019, 02:54:49 PM

"Just waiting for the title to come in" be very suspicious. Many times people buy a car or whatever and end up waiting for a title that never materialize. It may be legit, but be cautious. And I wouldn't mess with it till she has the title and she agrees on the amount even after you get it started and it runs nice.
Facebook acting up today. Engine and trans? How long has it been sitting? Actually several years?

Rcurtin · July 03, 2019, 03:00:06 PM

I know it has not been a lot of years. Maybe a little more than one year. Has engine and trans in it. It is basically complete and even partially has the seats removed. Just the not sure if running thing is a flag for me. I'm sure it is not cheap to tow a rig especially as far as I need it to go. Can I use smaller batteries just to see if it starts or need the 31 (I think) larger batteries? I could not find a definitive answer if it needed 2 or 4 or even more.

buswarrior · July 03, 2019, 03:13:21 PM

For experimental use, any pair of automotive batteries will give you an idea.

And if it doesn't work out, take your batteries home with you.

You'll be using 'em again on the next one.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

DoubleEagle · July 03, 2019, 03:46:14 PM

Have you actually visited the Setra, and if not, how far away is it? If it has a Series 60 Detroit it probably had three Group 31 batteries (based on my 94 Eagle with Series 60). Have her take some detailed pictures of the engine compartment, and the battery trays. Not having the Title on hand, given a "boyfriend situation", is very dangerous. You might never get it, so don't plunk any money down without something in writing that it would be returned if the Title is not provided. Of course, once she has your money, agreement or not, getting it back might be very difficult. At $1500 you have a very economical price that is below scrap value, but it also creates financial liability if the engine or transmission have problems. The date codes on the tires should be checked (over 10 years old gets dicey). Deep tread means nothing if the tires are cracked on the sidewalls, and are you prepared to spend $3000-4000 on new tires? Did you find this on Facebook? There is a lot of uninformed information there, and flaky "deals". Maybe you could find a local bus mechanic in the area (who could bring in some batteries on loan) to check it out since you are not familiar with what you are getting into. It will be handy if you have a spare wheelbarrow full of cash and a great credit line if you have a desire to convert this coach.

Rcurtin · July 03, 2019, 04:10:04 PM

It sounds like it may be in the realm of "too good to be true". We are going to look at it this weekend just to check it out. Maybe talk about the contract if we go further. It does have the s60 engine and an allison transmission. So it would be 3 batteries to experiment with?

wildbob24 · July 03, 2019, 06:56:25 PM

No. The Eagle is 12 volts with 3 batteries wired in parallel. Your Setra is 24 volts and most likely had 2 group 8D batteries wired in series. 2 strong Group 31's should crank it enough to see if it will start. 2 car batteries may not have enough current capacity.

Bob

lvmci · July 04, 2019, 08:16:59 AM

Check for the cold cranking amps CCA Of the group 31s if you can find some above 900 and it's not cold the 31s might do it...

Astro · July 04, 2019, 11:08:57 AM

Why would she not have the title after about a year? How long is she going to wait and for who is she "waiting"? Would it even be in her name "if" it were to come? I wouldn't be so sure any title is on the way.

Might want the vin# and maybe accompany her to the DMV if you want to pursue. I agree on the "be cautious" on this.

Jim Blackwood · July 04, 2019, 11:25:59 AM

A '94 Setra with a 60 Series and Alison for $1500? But it doesn't run and there is no title.

OK, How many miles? Could be down because the bull gear failed. In which case, expensive to fix.

Regardless, if she doesn't have the title you can't legally buy it. I'd pass until there is a title in hand.

Now that might be "do as I say, not as I do" but in my case I was dealing with a large corporation, and a State that does not print replacement titles.

Jim

Rcurtin · July 13, 2019, 12:03:11 PM

So we are not quite sold on the Setra because of the issues you all have pointed out. I am curious how much a 1996 Gillig Phantom stacks up against the Setra. Everyone pretty much everywhere says the Setra's are amazing buses. We are also looking at the Gillig Phantom but the price is considerably higher. Sorry for all the questions it's just we are so new and apparently there are a lot of options and things to consider LOL.

lostagain · July 13, 2019, 12:24:05 PM

Look for the newest bus you can afford. The older the bus, the more money you will spend fixing it. Also, I would look for either an MCI or a Prevost, because that is the only two brands that still offer parts and service.

JC

richard5933 · July 13, 2019, 12:32:26 PM

Quote from: lostagain on July 13, 2019, 12:24:05 PM
Look for the newest bus you can afford. The older the bus, the more money you will spend fixing it. Also, I would look for either an MCI or a Prevost, because that is the only two brands that still offer parts and service.

JC

If getting parts from the manufacturer is the concern, then I agree. However, we're on our second GM and have yet to run into a problem getting parts.

In the end, you need a bus which hooks you so deeply you'll do the necessary work, spend the necessary money, and stick with it long enough to be able to get to see the project completed enough to enjoy.

Jim Blackwood · July 14, 2019, 09:21:52 AM

A '94 to '98 MCI 102DL3 is a very good target to shoot for, can be found at good prices and very well equipped. That should be in your shopping list.

Jim

chessie4905 · July 14, 2019, 10:00:49 AM

Other than GMC's, which are no longer made since early 1980's, spend the money for one that has stainless steel framing. A lot of those "deals" out there have MAJOR rust issues, especially early Eagles, but other ones also. Many buy one, only to find about structural rot and the incredible cost and/or time to correct to repair and try to unload it on the first uninformed buyer with cash. That's why Buyer Beware is so important. And I'm not getting into drive train issues.