[POLL] Gillig 636D

[LifestarFe]

Several times over the past year it has come to my attention that we may need another spare bus. I had several guidelines for that bus;
-Type C or D
-Minimum of 66 psngr capacity
--Prefferably 72-78 to satisfy Dispatcher's request for a short sub, while still being able to sub for large psngr routes
-1980-1990 model year
--Older buses will be eligible for CARB grants in 2-3 years
-Good body, chassis, and engine condition
-Reasonable price
-Automatic transmission

I had pretty much narrowed it down to a 1980 78 psngr 636D Gillig, when a 1981 90 psngr Gillig showed up on Ebay. This bus does not meet the requirements set above, however has some other outstanding features.
Fails to meet:
-Manuerveribility. This bus is a large tandem, and would not satisfy the Dispatcher's request for a short spare.
-Transmission. This bus has a manual transmission, and is thus harder to drive and slower (for an unskilled driver who is used to driving automatics...ie all of us)
The bus does have good features though...
-New paint
-Good condition
-Large capacity
-Reccomended by ATRP head mechanic.



Choice 1:
1980 Gillig 78 psngr, automatic.
http://www.schoolbuscentral.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=16&Itemid=30&listing=2107&listingmode=detail

Choice 2:
1981 Gillig. 90 psngr. New paint.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1981-Gillig-97-Passenger-School-Bus-As-Is-No-Reserve_W0QQitemZ170422608939QQcmdZViewItemQQptZBuses?hash=item27adfaa42b#ht_500wt_1182

Eric, Kodie, I would especially like your opinions on this!!

[Stretch]

Why isn't there a radio button for "neither?" Buy something newer. I can't see spending money on an old bus, your just going to have to continue to throw money at (for repairs)

[LifestarFe]

I meant to add a neither button...
Actually the bus won't need that much repairs. We won't be putting TONS of miles on it, and Gilligs have a pretty good record...(My school's 636D, though used minimally, hasn't been in the shop for repairs in a long, long time!)

Besides, if we use the bus frequently enough for a couple (1-3) years, we can apply for a CARB grant of up to $140,000...to replace it with a new bus. Therefore purchasing a 1980 bus is a good investment on our part.

[Stretch]

If you get the standard, I REFUSE to drive it

[LifestarFe]

10-4 Stretch!
Added the neither button...although remember that buying a bus this old definately means a new bus eventually!

[Stretch]

you could just purchase a new bus and be done with it. :P

[LifestarFe]

True...but thats $130,000 more expensive, and it wouldn't satisfy the need for a short spare (nor does the tandem...).

Right now I am trying to expand the fleet realistically across the years...like we have had the Gillig since 1980, say. If I was REPLACING a bus, I would buy new. We may get new soon...don't worry! (If not new, then close to new).

[Carpenter Coach RE]

Is getting a nice, used Crown out of the picture?  :P

I'm all for the 90 passenger! I can drive a stick, so I'm in favor for it.

[ICFE300]

I want the 90 passenger! Looking at it on ebay, I fell in love with it, if I had the money they are asking I would learn to drive a standard in real life!

AMAZING BUS!

[blazer]

I think that 97 pax is awesome. I would totally use it in real life.

[Kodie]

I voted the second option, it's just too nice to pass up.

[Kyle51895]

I like the tandem, and the manual would be cool to have. I'll totally use it when 10401 is out 8)

[Carpenter Coach RE]

I'm sure there is a Carpenter Coach RE or a Crown Supercoach that would fit us better than a Gillig.
 

[ICFE300]

Probably not, but you can dream.

[Carpenter Coach RE]

Nah, lets not get Carpenter Coach RE. I want to brag about the only person having one!