How to buy a $5,000 School Bus for $1,600 | School Bus Sale
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- Опубліковано 6 лют 2025
- I have a feeling that this will be one of the most popular videos I ever post. I looked for school buses to buy for several months (Skoolie) before stumbling upon this information through my good friend Lars Ellingson. Here he shares it with anyone looking for the best deal on a bus for themselves. Be kind and please don't use this information solely for the purposes of flipping busses. school bus sale #enigmaticnomadics #skoolie #
Lars will help you find your dream bus. Call him at (720) 229-3191
There are many school bus retail outlets on line where very nice busses can be had for cheap, but here I show how you can purchase directly from the school and save thousands more.
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#vanlife #vanbuildfest #skoolie
If only we all could find an honest guy like that to help us at auction. What a blessing that you were able to have him help with ur purchase. Cant wait to see what you do with ur bus build.
I can assist. I've helped a few people out. I've done this for a few years now.
@@AllThingsRamdom what state are you in looking for a bus and am in Colorado
FSRD can you help me? I’m in Syracuse ny?
@@AllThingsRamdom Northern Indiana here... any help would be greatly appreciated.
You all prolly dont give a damn but does anybody know a way to log back into an instagram account..?
I was stupid forgot my login password. I appreciate any tricks you can give me!
5 years later and this video still holds up, THANK YOU!!!! :)
I can’t wait to get my shorty and get started! I too am on SSDI and am honestly tired of living check to check waiting to die. I still have life in me, just can’t afford to live it paying everything for rent. This is the answer to many prayers!
Catherine Buck been there right on sister
Me too! Sick of apt life jst sitting in saddness on disability! I want to Have to go out! Be out n abt! 59yr old disabled attractive woman with life in her! And my lil dog too!
I feel this way everyday. I've been wanting for the day I can do more and I haven't got anywhere, now I'm about to do something about it. I'm learning all I can so I can start living.
I broke my lumbar spine and on SSDI, can't pay all my bills monthly and have been terribly depressed. I'm looking gor prob 5 window weeble bus
Yep... Me too. Can't wait for the good life......
Cannot get in a hurry with a 7.3 idi. Will run forever and easy to work on.
Jamie, Thank you for this info. Started seeing your channel about a week ago after watching you help many, your efforts touch a spot deep inside of me. As a disabled Marine Corps vet, now age 68, I've been searching for last two years for right type of vehicle and think a bus with a rear side loading hydraulic lift is what i need. Again, thank you for being you. CrazyLarry
Man more and more people are moving in to this lifestyle.
I go to the monthly GSA auction in my area. You can check out the GSA auction in your area from their website. Once there you can view what will be auctioned and there is information concerning each vehicle.
What is the website?
Go to a small private schools bus company at end of the school year and ask them if they are selling their old busses. Dont go to first student or some other big National or International Bus companys or to school District owned companys, they might not sell or can't sell them.
Go to moms & pops (small) company they might do sell.
Dang that's awesome deal, thanks for video. 1600 you can't buy the Spartan differential for that....Spartan last forever. Congrats Jamie well deserved.
jeff Minnesota f
So excited and truly appreciate you taking the time to share with us, let the gentleman know we appreciate it also
Wonderful deal. 1600 wow. Glad to see a video from you again. Enjoy your info. Thanks
Wow!! What a great deal. Thanks for this video. Patiently waiting for your bus reveal.
We were all waiting anxious for your bus video, and worth it. What a great deal. Can't wait to see the build out.
This is such a fantastic video! There's a place in Oregon that posts on Craigslist. The buses are about 4k on average. Now I know there are better options. Thanks!
I got a car at auction once. They said you can turn it on but not drive it, and they said it didn't run, but I turned on the engine and put it in drive and reverse, and the engine ran and transmission engaged, so we got it and drove it off the lot. There weren't a lot of bids on it because people were told that it didn't run.
I love a skoolie! While I think one will be too adventurous for me, I like knowing its an option. You showing us how to do it is a true gift. I may just have to make some skoolie t-shirts! Looking forward to seeing the conversion. Many thanks.
the best engine that I have tested and used for 759,000 miles, for me it is the best I congratulate you friend for buying a truck with that engine
Leaving the title open including the amount is really great. That takes some trust in the part of everyone. Make sure you have a good licensed agent to be permitted to buy. Be care careful when working with deposits.
Thank you for the awesome info Jamie. I pray you have wonderful awesome adventures in this for years to come. I can't wait to see how the conversion turns out. Sounds like you got an awesome deal too. Congratulations on your new ride. Much 💘🐝Safe & God Bless😜
I am looking for gas bus
I needed this video. I'm into looking for a short school bus and or shuttle bus to create my skoolie. Thank you and I will be intouch with you. Thank you again for this video.
I just found this video which is now a year old but it gave me lots of information which was wonderful! I'm going to follow Lars advice, and hope he's still available for helping me.🤞👍👍
I just spoke to Lars a couple days ago. His number is in the notes if you wanna call him. He said it’s getting a bit tougher, but still possible.
I just bought a 2009 bluebird Chevy Express G3500 with a 6.6 liter Duramax Diesel 5 window bus that only has 112,000 miles on it. Also has a wheelchair lift in the rear. I paid $2750 for it. I could have also bought a 2010 Chevy Express 5 window bus with 132000 miles on it with a 6 liter gas engine for $1,200 but I didn't want to have to make two trips.
I've done this many times but you have to be careful. Many auction sites do not disclose issues they have. Sometimes this is by intention and they are being auctioned off because they have known issues. If you by sight unseen only buy at a low price do not buy at a high price because if there's an issue with it you could easily end up being under on it.
Chevy Microbird*
Thanks to Larse and Jaime. I've been looking for a good conversion, but haven't found any vehicles in my area or price range. This will be very helpful. Appreciate it guys!
Wow that's a heck of a good deal. I have been thinking about getting a bus to do a RV build
Thanks a lot for video. Just wondering if you could do a video with years, engines, makes of vans recommended?
THANX JAMIE !!!!!! WAS WAITING FOR THIS VID. AS USUAL, YOU HELP ALL WHO KNOW YOU.
Damn that was some nice Led Zeppelin playing in the back! Stairway to heaven is one of my favorites!
You gave him $100 dollars for his trouble? ... Gee how nice of you!
Lars is a long time buddy of mine. He worked for my business for years and I paid him above market. I also gave him a trailer the last time I saw him. We’re good.
Great video for maximizing access what is out there and available that matches my resources. (Thanks for "taking us to school" on how to buy a schoolie:)
Awesome info Jamie!! Thanks for putting this up.
I've got a older small camper- 16ft, - been looking at short skoolies or transport buses..good info Jamie
Thank you to your friend for all the great info. Congrats on your new bus!
Thanks, Sue!
you've come a long way, baby! I remember your astro van. that was really cool, too. but this will be living in luxury. I bet you will fix it up really nice! thanks so much for the shopping information. I can't wait to register & look around!
Omg I want one so bad!! But as a disabled veteran, it would take me forever!! GREAT FIND!!
Annu221 Entelechy ,take forever to buy one or to get in and out of?
A veteran that got the hook up with disabled status gets free money. Depends on the % of disablity given, but a cheap bus like this you could get in a month.
Disabled Vets don't always get their coverage. The military covers it up and screws you over. I am one. They fed me nerve gas - muscle wasting and brain damage. Good thing the military gave me the skills to be proactive, solution-oriented and resourceful. Still, it ruined my life. I work with herbs and had to relearn to speak again against all medical odds.
Lots of prayers were first, herbs second. Still, motor neurons though some repair have limited greatly. Don't be so quick to know what is happening with a veteran. No disrespect intended.
+Annu221 Entelechy I help people and animals with herbal healing free. I also do intercessory prayer. I don't sell anything. It is just the only area I have to help people. gotraci@gmail.com For some reason I haven't read a reply on my google youtube comments in days. I don't know if a setting was accidentally changed or not.
So, my gmail may be the only way to contact me. If you'd like help, feel free ot let me know. I can rec herbs and point you where to get at bulk whosale type prices for most items, good quality. 4x-50x for the money. I just point you what and what stores and can rec. I'm not a doctor, just share info.
@@tracischeelk29, I think you would find Dr. Robert Morse here on UA-cam of great interest! He is a natural healer as well with herbs, but man can he work magic with fruit too! He has over 500 videos on youtube just explaining to people that write him exactly how to cure themselves no matter what is wrong with them, even cancer! Both my mother and brother cured their cancers following his fruit feasting advice and they have since bought some of his herbs and tinctures to help their kidneys start filtering. They don't mind at all supporting him by purchasing a few tinctures fro him because he asks for no money and clearly knows what he is doing and honestly just wants to teach us all how to heal each other! He is a believer in water and dry fasting as well. He is just so fascinating to listen to, I can't recommend him enough!
Dont give up! Ask god !
I got screwed over really bad, just like you mention from a shady dealer. I bought a 2012 School Bus.
I had the bus picked up and it has major blow by. I tried to get my money back and they say AS-IS.
Some companies need to be removed.
Great buy Jamie. Buy from middle southern states of America and you should have no salt damage on the underside.
lots of flooding in TX not to mention always hail damage....I've always heard buy vehicles from the SW only
Still get some but not as much, road salt.
I bought mine in Louisiana; not a speck of rust on it. 2000 International/Amtran body.
Very Solid info
Some Great tips for anyone interested in online auctions
Thank you so much both of you for this video. I am on SSDI (less than 1k/mo) and wasn't sure how long it would take me to save up enough to get a mini school bus to convert into a tiny home. This gives me hope that it won't take years. Bless you! ☺
I'm with ya on that Dianna!
Public Surplus is one good site, and is nation wide auctions. You do have to pre register to be able to log on and bid on items. And I have been looking at city, school, coach buses!. And they have all kinds of things for sale. This auction is from state purchased items. I believe he is talking about public surplus on this video.
govdeals.com
Thanks Jamie for answering my question so quickly!! You're the best!!!!!
I wanna say ty for seriously taking the time to give this info as we can’t all afford a middle man out here buying I really can’t ! Rvs are just so expensive! I am a woman though and I’m not a machanic lol but I’ll do my best ! I think as much as I’d like a diesel I better stick with a gas ! Ty guys so very much ! Out of every type of conversion from a box truck , sprinter rv ect why is it that the school buses are so wanted! For please? Ty again guys
Hey Tonya. Your welcome. Email me at enigmaticnomadics@gmail.com I want to send you a link of what I found today!
Excellent Jamie, Thank you and congrats on your awesome new rig! Exciting and good value too. How wonderful:)
Wow lots of great info! It's hard dealing with the reviews when your trying to research to buy something. I'm looking for a countertop oven right now and it seems like all of them have some bad reviews. So it's like I have to flip a coin on which one to buy. (Sigh)
Excellent information!
Absolutely rocking video. Thank you so much for posting this. Great content.
Excellent info, I am almost ready to purchase just need to find the right vehicle.
wow thank you so much for this gem of a video
Thanks Again For Streaming Your Life Here On UA-cam.
Good job and very factual...
Great information. Thanks for sharing it with us. Happy trails.
Thanks so much guys!
Thanks for sharing , I've started looking for a short bus a while back but no luck ! I know for at least a year and a half I've been wanting to get on the road and meet all of y'all so maybe it will happen soon !!! Oh I live in Alabama sure hope I can get lucky 🍀😜!!
I see Lars info is still in the description box and this video is a few years old but I’d love his help to purchase a bus for a great deal; can I still contact him? I don’t wanna be invasive or anything but he is just the person I’ve been looking for! Thanks for this vid!
Wow! Thank you so much for this great information. I will keep this in mind.
Excellent purchase, Jamie. I am sure you will make into a great home!
Love this info!!! Thank you so much for sharing it!!
Got mine from local YMCA. Also in my state they have school buses listed for each county with prices don’t think it’s an auction thing. Guess it’s different everywhere.
Thanks for the info. Have watched a cpl vids and heard your channel mentioned on others, now I'm a subscriber! 😃
Congratulations on finally getting your bus!
Awesome video,great Content
Why did you prefer a certain motor? Why that motor?
Thanks to you both !
Great information! Thanks.
Great info !!!
Idi is not a power stroke it's a mechanical injection motor with or without a turbo... my 90 7 window international/carpenter is an idi with a 5spd, much simpler to keep going.
GREAT VIDEO!!!! FULL OF USEFUL INFORMATION! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! THIS WILL HELP MY TIGHT BUDGET!
Thanks. I once registered for a long al place to try and get my own totaled vehicle back. They wanted too much for it. LOL
As always J-man awesome info and vid. Can’t wait to see what you have been upto with your rig since van build party..!
Thank you Jamie, that was the info I was missing! Thank you soo much! Keep up the excellent work!!!!
Most school systems get rid of buses because of age ,or if they fail inspection.The best way to find cheap buses is check with your local school system and find out when they are buying new buses.
Thank you for this information!!!
Could you ask him for some of the specific websites that he bids on?
That's what I want to know
It's in the video
7.3 L international IDI engine is a very good engine the only thing I dislike about them as their lack of power for their size and fuel consumption. Reliability though you can't beat them for that.
Yeah the power sucks Tyson but I love it in every other way!
Good information thanks for sharing
The Duramax is a great engine. They've been putting them in cab over heavy duty Izuzu trucks for years. Unless,that 7.3 was made mid year 1994 or newer it isn't a Powerstroke and not a very good engine. The 7.3 IDI is not a Powerstroke. We called them Weakstrokes after the a powerstroke came out. Lol
I wanna small schoolie.. I'm saving now... thanks for the info 👍👍
Looking to open a food truck and would rather use a school bus because of the room inside after gutting it out , have you seen any food trucks made of a school bus?
Where? I'm watching this again!
I love the Schoolies..great info
I live in Rocky Mount, MO. I have been looking for a bus to remodel. Even a short bus, lol. I could use your help.
Get on it, Teressa! Nobody is the boss of you! 👍🏻👊
EXCELLENT VIDEO, GREAT INFORMATION TOO !!!
yay. I have been watching the auctions for a while. need to pull the trigger one day soon.
can i ask... how much does a Van or bus really cost in italy???? i want to buy i am homeless!!!
Thank you for the very informative video about the bus buying process!!!
Both of you guys are so cute I can't stand it. Seriously great information. Than you for putting this helpful content. I'm single ...lol.
Do you have to physically go to the auction, or can you bid online?
Set up an account on line and bid from home.
Such a great video! So helpful to know how to navigate for wide variety of needs. THANKS!!
Great info for people looking to get a school bus to live or camp in. I thought they cost a lot more than what you paid. I know you like dirt bikes Jamie, first Super Cross race of the season is tonight at Anaheim at 7 PST on FS1
Thanks, Wrangler!
Jamie
Check out the guy “ van tourist” on his channel. He has a really nice hot water set up in a sprinter
👍Thank you
Thanks very much to you/ Lars for the informative video - very generous information = AAA +++ 4 STARS !
Definitely can't go wrong with the 7.3 my daily service van has a 1996 7.3 with Close to a quarter of a million miles on it and still does not burn oil.
The 7.3 IDI is what I have. Different from a powerstroke because it's NA. But that just means less complex, more reliable
Jamie thank you my brother, this video is Straight Dope my man! Hope all is well, I have a feeling I'll be seeing you sooner than later!
Wow thank you! We are trying to get a hold of a bus for us to take skate trips!
very helpful, thanks jamie and lars
Today I called my local school system's transportation super. He stated that he can get more for a bus as a trade in than through an auction. It's less work and hassle.
Happy New Year Jamie! Hope 2018 is awesome for you and your new home!!
How do you drive it home? Especially across state lines? Temporary permit? - if so, how do you get that?
Step one is call your insurance company and make sure you’ve got insurance on the bus. Second contact your local department of vehicles, administration, and file for a 30 day tag. It’s a very simple process, but can be extremely complicated if you don’t have all the right documents. You’ll probably need a Social Security card and drivers license, proof of address, etc. Pull up your states website and take it from there. You got this!
The only issue with purchasing direct from an auction is you sometimes cant inspect it first. and you can never hear it run or drive it first. When you buy from A reseller you can do A complete inspection and test drive it. And reseller's will at least make it run and drive before selling.
I subscribed because this was so informative, and straight to it thanks alot. Good luck