Reality Check for a 2012 Chevy Express 3500 shortbus, 78k miles
Hello, I have been seriously considering buying this skoolie for an agreed on amount of $26,000. Although I am very nervous of course, I would greatly appreciate some opinions about this build. Apologies for the image quality, I have a video link that will show the interior more clearly,
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5d5NK7xvlP/?igsh=MTV5NzcwdHk0Nnl5eQ==
Here are the details as listed by the seller:
The Bus:
2012 Chevy Express 3500
Dependable 6L V8 gas engine (not the ford diesel)
78K miles
8-11 MPG
23 feet long-9 feet high
Upgraded alternator
Dually mud and snow rated off road tires
Thompson Built
Passed CA smog
VIN: 1GB3G38GXC1113137
Clean Carfax
Clean title in hand
The Build:
Huge custom tile shower & utility room
Dual 40 gallon fresh water tanks (80 total)
20 gallon grey tank
Granite countertop with large sink
Two burner gas stove
4.5 cu ft fridge and freezer
6 ft bed converts to dining area
5KW diesel heater
Maxxair fan
Instant hot water heater
8 gallon propane tank
Full size closet with tons of storage
Lots of 120v and 12v outlets
Easy to clean cabinets
Electrical:
Victron components
575 watts of solar panels
400ah of 12v Lithium battery storage LiFePo4
3000 watt inverter
Exterior upgrades:
Huge roofdeck for entertaining guests
Custom steel ladder up to roof deck
Rockville 8 inch 600 watt speakers
Safety:
Keyed entry for electric bus door
Emergency exit hatch
The seller said that the bus was rent to own for a year or two I believe, which explains why the instagram listing is much older than the sellers website listing. Of course I plan to get a PPI for both the mechanical and interior, but they said it was mechanically solid, and with a clean undercarriage. He did not have the weight of the build on hand, but I definitely plan to get it weighed before purchase as well.
I have been doing a lot of research on this vehicle and lifestyle, and the bus seems to have everything I want in it. Still please let me know what you think, it's a scary decision! If you might have any clarifying questions feel free to ask of course. Thank you very much!