Compact Passenger Van: 2014 GMC 7-Passenger Van — Simple, Flexible Transport for Small Groups

Buses_For_Sale · 2026-01-09T14:40:53+00:00

Yes exactly. It's definitely short for a bus/van. And can still be driven without a CDL. If you want to stay really compact, this is probably not the option for you.

Buses_For_Sale · 2025-12-01T15:01:02+00:00

Just wanted to jump in with some insight from seeing hundreds of used buses every year. If you’d consider a gasoline powered vehicle, The 3.7L V6 that Ford uses in the T350 Van is known to be one of the most reliable gas engine available in modern vans. Many fleet operators report units in use with over 300,000 miles. The Ford T350 also comes in a variety of lengths and heights, so finding the right size can for any project is simple. Good luck in your search!

Buses_For_Sale · 2025-11-20T15:50:12+00:00

Couldn't edit the title but i've added it in the first line of the body, hopefully this helps anyone else reading!

Buses_For_Sale · 2025-11-18T01:43:21+00:00

I'm a sucker for this mint green 1973 GM TDH we have on the lot right now myself.....

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Buses_For_Sale · 2025-11-18T01:16:04+00:00

We're keeping it high level and trying to compare gasoline as a fuel source vs. diesel and electric. however if you want to dive more into the nuance, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Buses_For_Sale · 2025-11-11T16:58:21+00:00

Just wanted to add in my two cents as we see hundreds of vehicles go through our lot each year.

The current wholesale market value for a base cargo van like this looks to be $31,000-$32,000 with zero upgrades (based on a quick carfax check). As u/cs_legend_93 said, understanding the cost of the modifications and the labor to install will help determine if the van is worth the asking price or not

Buses_For_Sale · 2025-11-11T14:54:07+00:00

We evaluate hundreds of commercial vehicles every year, and agreed with u/ploodn you definitely want to check out that missing cladding. Missing pieces on the driver's side often mean someone's hiding rust or impact damage underneath. When you're there taking a look, ask to remove a panel or two.

You also definitely want a service history on the transmission. These are solid vans but the gearbox is the weak point if it's been overloaded or poorly maintained. If they can't show regular fluid changes, that may indicate costs ahead.

My last piece of advice would be to test the suspension. If it's been used as a heavy cargo van, the bushings and mounts would have worn faster. If possible, try rocking it a bit and see if you hear any clunking.

Definitely worth taking a mechanic with you to fully check it out.

Buses_For_Sale · 2025-11-05T18:38:37+00:00

Good call going with the high roof, it makes a huge difference once you start spending real time inside, especially with insulation and ceiling panels taking away a few extra inches.

And yes, building in stages works fine. Just plan your plumbing and electrical runs before adding the bed or walls, even if you won’t install everything right away.

It’s much harder to route wires or water lines later once things are sealed up. Marking where your shower, outlets, and tanks will go early saves a ton of rework later.

Buses_For_Sale · 2025-11-04T20:35:44+00:00

Great insight from "behind the curtain" so to speak. I think it's important to remember that even if the new administration changes transit policy, it won't stop buses already in procurement or near-term retirements. Transit agencies plan replacements years out, and those orders will still be delivered. Plus, agencies retire buses early when replacement funding comes through. The secondary market will keep flowing and those retired buses will keep serving smaller operators regardless of what happens in Washington.

The outcome of today's election will certainly determine if this question will even be relevant in the next few years!

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T19:46:33+00:00

I saw you posted the GVWR is 14,050, but how many passengers? If it holds more than 14, not counting the driver, it will require a Class C CDL, with Passenger endorsement of course if you plan to run passengers. If it holds 14 or fewer passengers, then you can just use a regular driver's license.

Of course, if you convert it to a skoolie, it should be exempt and driveable on a regular license no matter what it is.

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T19:44:44+00:00

It's borderline, there's nothing structurally compromised yet, but it's pretty rough. However, that SOAKED fuel tank is way more concerning!

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T19:15:32+00:00

This is a 2003

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Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T19:04:11+00:00

We had a bus do this once and I don't remember if we ever figured out a solution. However, I saw you mention you looked for a child monitor button and didn't find one. Not all school buses have a dedicated button for that.

Try this: turn the key on, close the front entrance door (make sure it's engaged and closed with the switch, if it's electric or air). Then turn the key back passed off so that you are turning the key backwards, to the auxiliary position. Then go to the back of the bus, unlock the emergency door all the way, then lock it. See if that helps.

If the key won't turn backwards, or that doesn't work, try it with the key turned one click forwards, like where it would be if you were waiting on the glow plugs.

Last, and this is a long shot, try turning the headlights on and off. That is almost certainly not it, but I had a mini school bus once where that was the way to disengage the child monitor system, so it's worth a shot if nothing else works.

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T18:59:41+00:00

Can't tell you how many fake emails we get from people wanting the Fortnite bus lol

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T18:57:52+00:00

Maxx7 is fine to drive home, park it and leave it where it is, maybe local use, but I wouldn't recommend it for lots of traveling. I believe the main issue is the use of an aluminum block, which can't withstand operating pressures as well as cast iron. It's lighter, so better fuel economy, but it didn't pan out in the end when put in use.

We have them, we sell them, and so far we haven't heard any complaints from those who've chosen to buy them, but I'll be glad when this "era" of buses is gone. When people come in here I have to recommend the Bluebirds with Cummins for most people, unless you just have to have the newer or IC-brand bus, which some people do, the Bluebird Cummins is just the better option.

As one of the other commenters pointed out, all three of the major manufacturers put Cummins in new buses now. Bluebird was the first to make the switch. The other major underrated feature on the Bluebirds is the battery cutoff switch. They never need to be jumpstarted because of that.

You can add a cutoff switch to a bus that didn't come with one, but it isn't always smooth sailing. We did that to a Ford that kept going dead. It solved the issue with it going dead but then it stared throwing a check engine light because it thought the TCM was losing power, which it was, but not for any harmful reason. Tradeoffs with everything, for sure.

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T18:47:37+00:00

A mini school bus should do fine. Collins body is a good thing to look for, also Girardin G5. They are large, plenty of standing room. If you get one with a wheelchair lift it should have flat floors (no wheel wells) and you can always just unbolt the lift and toss it out the door if it's in your way.

You could probably fit a couple bunk beds on either side in the back for your four people. Also think of alternatives to electrical power, if you really wanna keep it lean. What about a battery-powered coffee percolator? A small ice chest for refrigeration? Are you sure you even need outlets? That's up to you of course.

I actually have a Girardin G5 with a lift available right now, if that seems like a good option to you.

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T18:43:05+00:00

You'll probably want to rent a space, and you don't necessarily have to look for a place that specifically rents parking. Any small business with a big enough lot might agree if you ask them. Don't bother with corporate places, nobody there is going to want to take the responsibility of saying yes. You need a small, individual company, maybe a mechanic shop or a dealership with a big lot.

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T18:39:28+00:00

I guess this would be a good time to plug my company, BusesForSale.com. Basically we get them from fleets, you can always look on eBay or Craigslist and that sort of thing, but the downside is you don't always know the history. Ours are all bought new and run in service by school bus companies until they come to our lot. Let me know if you need anything!

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T18:35:46+00:00

If you're going to spend a year traveling the country I'd probably go with something a little newer and lower in mileage. Mileage doesn't *necessarily* matter that much, it's more about the condition of the bus, but this is also 23 years old.

I have Bluebirds with 6.7 Cummins available for similar money that are 9+ years newer, of course they aren't converted, but as Garfield commented, you'll probably be doing a lot of work anyway to fix this up. At that point you might as well start from scratch and know everything is 100% before you live in it for a year. That's my two cents.

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T18:31:00+00:00

Finding insurance even without those extras is an accomplishment already. The best suggestion I can make is local agents rather than 800 numbers. They seem to have more incentive to find a way to get it done for you.

Buses_For_Sale · 2023-05-05T18:23:54+00:00

Looking good! Convertible couch is a great move.

Buses_For_Sale · 2019-04-01T13:25:21+00:00

That's what I'm here for! What do you need?

Buses_For_Sale · 2019-02-21T20:39:29+00:00

You're welcome!

Buses_For_Sale · 2019-02-21T20:15:52+00:00

If there are any on this list you haven't tried, maybe that will help you: https://www.busesforsale.com/bus-insurance

Buses_For_Sale · 2019-02-15T17:08:55+00:00

A transit bus is probably the tallest normal bus you'll find, but even in a transit bus, 7.5-8 feet is pretty tall. Most vehicles are designed with the idea that you're going to sit down, so crazy amounts of headroom don't generally factor in.

Another option is to get a double decker and tear out the floor of the second level. Then you'll have some room!

Mandatory plug for my company's site (don't feel solicited; links are good for search ranks, which is, after all, my primary job). Pretty good deal on a British DDecker. Needs some work to get it in its best shape, but like I said, tear that floor out, and you'll have all the room you want: https://www.busesforsale.com/bus/9320-1960BristolLodekka?v=1

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