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leeno69 · 11-06-2012, 09:11 PM

Looking at buying a 2003 Allegro Bus 40 Foot. Has 20000 miles on it and has been sitting since 2006. It has been driven for short jaunts of 10 to 30 miles per week from what I have been told.Has about $20,000 in options from upgraded seats to full body paint. Looking at paying $65,000 for this coach. Question is , is there any thing I should look at Engine wise,? Its coming on winter here in Northern ,Mi so I guess I should have it re-winterized.

Davdeb1 · 11-06-2012, 09:37 PM

Wow, that sounds like a great deal. I would have it inspected by a truck repair place like Freightliner. The price sounds very good, but there is plenty of advice in here for inspection of the "Big Box"

michelb · 11-07-2012, 06:40 AM

Sounds like a decent deal but 6 years sitting is a very long time. Personally, I'd be sceptical that it was actually driven every week for 6 years so I'd assume it's been sitting for a while.

Drivetrain really needs to be looked at carefully (belts, seals, bushings, etc) don't do well sitting.
Gen probably needs to be looked at as well.
Was it stored inside or out? If it's outside, it's possible the brakes may need to be overhauled.
If it hasn't been used, tires are probably original so will need to be replaced (budget $3k)
Was the fuel treated and was the fuel tank full?
Other things like slide seals, etc might have dried out as well.

Good luck

vraines · 11-07-2012, 07:35 AM

Your risk factor is near triple digits in this transaction. As a minimum, budget for tires and batteries. If it has been setting outside for that long, paint and trim will need a lot of attention. It may not be priced according to risk, as too much can go wrong just setting, fuel, water system, leaks, and the list goes on. Get a pro to check out drive train and one for the coach. So it costs $500 to do that, you will have better control in the transaction. At that price, it should be pretty much ready to go with minimum additional investment. Good luck.

Bruce C · 11-07-2012, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vraines

Your risk factor is near triple digits in this transaction. As a minimum, budget for tires and batteries. If it has been setting outside for that long, paint and trim will need a lot of attention. It may not be priced according to risk, as too much can go wrong just setting, fuel, water system, leaks, and the list goes on. Get a pro to check out drive train and one for the coach. So it costs $500 to do that, you will have better control in the transaction. At that price, it should be pretty much ready to go with minimum additional investment. Good luck.

Don't be overcome by the excitement of your find, although hard not to do. Follow the advice given in the above post and I think you'll be fine. Good luck.

topdownman · 11-07-2012, 10:30 AM

You really want to check this one out thoroughly, and budget for repairs. I also bought a motorhome that had been sitting for quite a while. I did get a great deal, but had to replace an AC unit, many clamps on the hoses and rebuild the brakes. This was all due to sitting for an extended period. Once the kinks were worked out, it's been great and I still got a great deal, but be prepared.

leeno69 · 11-09-2012, 08:56 AM

Thanks to all who have given me some great advice on the purchase of this bus. I have had a Diesel truck shop take a look at it and he gives the thumbs up for engine ,trans ,brakes and so on. Some minor issues Oil Change and such but nothing noted wrong. So i will proceed with the purchase. It will be an adventure for sure.