-
How To Research A Used Coach?
How can I research a used coach before spending the $$$ to
go and look it over in person? Is there
any sort of VIN search that would reveal anything?Thanks!
-
7 Replies
-
depending on the coach then you may find info through the convertors and Prevost. However the owner should have documentation of service or you need to assume things have not been done. A detailed inspection by yourself and if needed a shop can reveal much.
-
Thanks Jeff.
I have the VIN on a 1991 Liberty, but not a coach number.
We intend to purchase a Prevost or Blue Bird next month so we will be one of your customers in the not too distant future.
-
email me the vin and I will check into it. Who currently owns it? Where is is it located?
-
Mike & Cathy, make sure you drive one of each. If after that you still want a Bluebird……..
-
Also, when you look at the bluebird make sure you check the weight of the coach. There was a class action law suit many years ago with regard to bluebirds and weight. Of course here on the prevost board we may be a bit biased toward our brand……LOL
-
If you have to travel a great distance (expensive) let the seller know you have to be convinced the coach is exactly as it is being represented. Ask for photos, and not just the longer views, but some very close views that show every scratch, dent, grease spot, crack, or defect. No used coach is perfect so the photos will help you get a sense of whether what you see is normal wear and tear and what might be signs of abuse.
Ask for copies of the service records. Have the seller scan them, fax them or in some way get them to you. If there is not proof service was done consider it has not been done no matter how nice the seller seems or how convincing he is. Get the date codes from the tires and batteries. All of them. If you have been reading the articles and the forum you know how many dollars replacing just tires and batteries will be.
The fact you are spending serious money to go see a coach has you at a huge disadvantage. Adjust your thinking to be prepared to immediately walk away if the coach is not up to your expectations. To save you some expense and maybe all the expense seek out a PC member that lives near the coach. Ask that owner to take a preliminary look at the coach and offer an opinion. A lot of us have helped others in that manner. I have ruled out a couple of dogs and told the buyers the bad news about a coach of their dreams actually being a nightmare. I have also taken a look at coaches that have been very nice. From a distance you cannot tell if the coach has cigar odors, or the odors of mildew and mold. You also cannot tell if a coach is pristine because they all look good in photos.
You can also ask the owner to send you copies of the Prevost service records which if they were not retained by the owner are available through Prevost.
If you do travel to see a coach be prepared to spend at least a couple of days. If your initial reaction is that you like it and it seems like you want to buy it, spend the time operating every switch, knob and dial and verify they all do what they are expected to do. Spending time with the coach allows you time to see if it leans after a day or so, it shows you how well the batteries last if you are unplugged, it allows you to not only be checking the bus, but learning it.
-
As you can see, there are plenty of ex-wanderlodge owners on this site. Feel free to ask us about Blue Birds. Since we don’t have a vested interest in BB’s you’re likely to get candid answers. This past year I sold my 2002 LXi after owning it for 9 years.
Log in to reply.