| Author | Message | ||
| Mark Bosman (Mmbosman)
Registered Member Username: Mmbosman Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 24.118.236.247 Rating: N/A |
I am a total novice about busses and bus conversions. Some years ago my father who is now over 70 purchased a 1964 MC 5A that has been turned into an RV. The previous owner had it overhauled and fixed the front end etc. It is actually a nice unit with a shower, toilet, tanks, Kohler generator, dual AC's, and an awning. My dad really never drove it and now is looking to sell it. I'm wondering how you go about setting the value of one of these things. It will start and run, but to be honest the accessory systems likely will need some work to get it up and running again. Any help appreciated. Thanks. | ||
| Bruce Henderson (Oonrahnjay)
Registered Member Username: Oonrahnjay Post Number: 259 Registered: 8-2004 Posted From: 76.21.223.45  Rating: N/A |
Mark - you have to understand that the only answer to your question is what you already know -- the real "value" is what you can sell it for. That will vary due to factors like condition of the mechanical parts of the bus (engines, tires, electrical systems etc. don't like to sit around unused), condition of the body, condition and function of the "conversion" parts, cleanliness etc. Also, the current level of "fuel shock" (nationally and locally) has been a factor lately. Basically, you'll be putting it up for auction. Its value will be what it brings. Sometimes an owner can put a high price on things and get that price after a wait; other times, a lower price may get a quicker sale and money in your pocket sooner. In my opinion, a converted bus that's in poor mechanical shape or has conversion parts that don't work well will bring a small fraction of the price of a similar one that works well. Of course, basic clean is a must. If it's not "OK to drive away" running condition, that's a big minus. I'd suggest that you look at ads for similar vehicles in your area and nationally. Try to get a feel for what's the "going price" based on age, features, and condition. Set a price and then the market will "tell you if you're too high". But a lot of this is like nailing smoke to the wall -- and these are just my opinions. Good luck. | ||
| Keith Wood (Ft6)
Registered Member Username: Ft6 Post Number: 4 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 12.51.220.74 Rating: |
Mark, the simple answer is that it's not worth as much as you think it is. You know in loving detail how much time, effort and money went into the conversion -- all a buyer sees is what it is NOW. The big question is whether the shell and running gear are in good shape. If you would jump in it right now and go on a 49-state summer drive (staying in motels), then it's worth a lot more than one you'd be worrying about on a trip to the next town over. Any repairs (such as the front-end job) which you don't have the invoice just plain don't count. DO NOT change the oil, coolant, etc. This is a red flag to a smart buyer that maybe there's some problem being hidden. Appearance counts. Wash it, shampoo the rugs, clean all of the glass, etc. Make a list of all the equipment that isn't working properly, what the problems are, and any info on repair costs. Give this list to potential buyers. Not only is this the right thing to do, but when someone discovers a fault that you seem not to know about, they automatically knock some bucks off of what they're willing to pay, but not so much if they get a list when they get the asking price -- the assumption is that you have already factored the repairs into your price. Check ebay for final prices on coaches and RVs. You can't get any more money than someone is willing to pay. This is a really bad time to sell. The RV sales season is in the spring, with a small bubble in the fall (hunting season). Factor in the fuel prices, and it's even worse, not only from the buyer's point of view, but also because there is a developing panic all through the industry. The used RV market is starting to slide and dealers have way too much new inventory. This is cyclic -- things will stabilize in a few months or a year or two, just as they did in the mid 1970s, the early 1980s and the late 1980s. This is just the wrong point in the cycle to sell, the right time to be looking to buy. Your location also counts for a lot. Where is the coach? The most important thing is how eager you are to sell. If you're trying to unload it rapidly, it's worth less than if you are able to hang on until you get a good offer. Also, if you are willing to take payments from a buyer, that makes it easier to sell (you go as lienholder on the title), and for more money, but opens up the possibility of having to deal with nonpayment issues. I know you came here for answers and aren't getting any, but it's like you've asked us to describe the taste of salt! | ||
| John MC9 (John_mc9)
Registered Member Username: John_mc9 Post Number: 619 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 66.217.103.185  Rating: N/A |
All the buyer needs to know is: 1964 MC 5A That's a 44 year-old vehicle; it qualifies for "Antique" plates in nearly every state. No normal person will want to own a "bus conversion" to begin with. No-one in their right mind, will want to buy a "home conversion", that may or may not meet any safety criteria. And then the platform narrows as the age of the vehicle is considered. 1964? Was the buyer even born by that year? Good grief. If it's not an exceptional beauty, running perfect and looking like it should be on the cover of some glossy mag...... Don't get your hopes up. It it were me? I'd use it, rather than sell it. It would be worth more for the enjoyment of what it was intended, than the cash value could ever be. | ||
| hiwaycallin (Hiwaycallin)
Registered Member Username: Hiwaycallin Post Number: 36 Registered: 10-2007 Posted From: 208.98.218.205  Rating: N/A |
Mark, if you want to get an idea of what people are asking for similar coaches these days check out the "eBay on BNO" section of this site: http://www.busnut.com/bbs/messages/4693/4693.html?1218604741 Now, who knows if these coaches are actually selling at or near the asking prices, but it will give you some idea of the current market. | ||
| Jim & Linda Callaghan (Jimc)
Registered Member Username: Jimc Post Number: 54 Registered: 2-2004 Posted From: 66.175.206.159 Rating: N/A |
Mike, I see you are from the twin cities area, There are numerous busnuts in your area, maybe an invitation to them for a lunch or a cold one would work to get one or two over to check it out for you. Most would be more than honest with you about its value. Jim | ||
| R.C.Bishop (Chuckllb)
Registered Member Username: Chuckllb Post Number: 329 Registered: 7-2006 Posted From: 75.209.193.237 Rating: N/A |
But then...as someone else pointed out.....the "value" is in the eye of the beholder....like beauty, I 'spose. Would guess it would strictly depend on how much one "wanted" the coach. In one instance I would pay a bunch more for something I did not want to undertake on my own....on the other side, however, if I wanted to "do it myself", would probably not be willing to give the $ for a coach that is far along in conversion. FWIW RCB '64 Crown Supercoach (HWC) | ||
| Keith Wood (Ft6)
Registered Member Username: Ft6 Post Number: 8 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 71.140.185.254 Rating: N/A |
"No normal person will want to own a "bus conversion" to begin with." Yes, this is yet one more advantage to being evolutionary superior. ;) | ||
| FAST FRED (Fast_fred)
Registered Member Username: Fast_fred Post Number: 436 Registered: 10-2006 Posted From: 208.100.193.211 Rating: N/A |
"No normal person will want to own a "bus conversion" to begin with." Actually ANY driver that has ever seen a std RV after an accident is a customer. My motto is the difference between a 15mpg RV and my 9+mpg bus at $10.00 a gallon for 100,000 miles does not pay for a SINGLE day in intensive care. You chose, FF | ||
| Keith Wood (Ft6)
Registered Member Username: Ft6 Post Number: 17 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 71.198.253.223 Rating: N/A |
"My motto is the difference between a 15mpg RV and my 9+mpg bus at $10.00 a gallon for 100,000 miles does not pay for a SINGLE day in intensive care." Oh, sure it does (that's $44,450). But the risk to anyone that might be riding with me is just too high in a Tinkertoy. I've driven a lot of miles, and often the first sign that there was a motorhome accident was the beginning of a trail of splintered wood paneling and clothing scattered along the side of the road. The first sign of a major accident involving a bus is when you see all of the passengers standing around and a coach with its wheels in the air. I WILL NOT EVER allow the last sight that a loved one sees to be that of a motorhome breaking up around them in a highway accident!!!!! | ||
| marvin pack (Gomer)
Registered Member Username: Gomer Post Number: 280 Registered: 3-2007 Posted From: 71.55.199.152 Rating: N/A |
I have rebuilt a many of motorhomes made by Quality builders not to mention names and get myself in trouble, but I would not even entertain the thought of owning ANYTHING that is made up of laminated wall and ceiling and put together with glue and staples.I remember one that had a hole in the side and it was about the size of a silver dollar and it cost about 1500 just to replace the entire WALL> MY thoughts are safety not FLASH and that is why I always say BUS BUS and convert. So what you have to maintain either so why not spend the money where you can at least recoop your investment, and not staying in the intensive care ward for months. | ||
| FloridaCliff (Floridacracker)
Registered Member Username: Floridacracker Post Number: 388 Registered: 7-2004 Posted From: 24.27.226.231 Rating: N/A |
Oh, sure it does (that's $44,450). Actually, at 4.00 a gallon the difference is 17,778...... Cliff | ||
| Keith Wood (Ft6)
Registered Member Username: Ft6 Post Number: 26 Registered: 8-2008 Posted From: 71.198.253.223 Rating: N/A |
Yeah, but Fred specified $10/gal fuel. The point isn't the money. The point is what's right and wrong, what risks you can avoid. | ||
| Jack Conrad (Jackconrad)
Registered Member Username: Jackconrad Post Number: 807 Registered: 12-2000 Posted From: 76.3.173.51  Rating: N/A |
Well, if you are in intensive care due to trauma, I 'll bet you spend a whole lot more than 1 day in there. Jack |
