-
Kind of a new member
Hi everyone. By way of introduction I was a member of the POG group many years ago but let my membership subside as the prospects of owning a Prevost seemed remote at the time. But things have changed and I have recently retired and my wife and I want to travel both Canada and USA. Laurie (my wife) is very supportive of purchasing a coach and we both fully understand this is a large capital expense not to mention operating and maintenance costs. Nonetheless we want to see North America in comfort and be able to sleep in our own bed.
I have done a fair amount of research regarding the coach I am seeking to buy. As I am limited financially I will only be able to buy an older coach. Plus living in Canada there are limitations as to which coach can be imported. So I am keeping my eyes out for a 97-00 Liberty XLV and hopefully can purchase one in the not too distant future in around the $150K mark. I have spoken with several dealers and they have put me on their mailing list.
So I am hopeful that sooner rather than later we will be travelling down the road in our new but old Prevost.
PS… I have read all related articles regarding pre inspection, getting as close to zero, and the annual maintenance costs related to operating a coach. So far I haven’t been scared off.
Cheers everyone…………..Allan Baxter
-
12 Replies
-
Hello Allan,
I guess we are in the same boat. I am in the market and know most of the coaches for sale in Canada. I can’t seem to find what I am looking for and am taking my time. With the currencie exchange rate buying in the US is a big issue for me, but that is where all the buses are.
Good luck in your search.
Dale
-
Hi, Allen.
You have certainly zeroed in on what is probably the most economical vintage of conversion to own. The engine is clearly going to give you the best mileage and in that vintage Liberty you may find one with long range fuel so with 298 gallons on board you can further reduce the fuel cost per mile by only buying fuel where it is cheapest. The chassis is built stronger than a Brinks truck. No issues there. The systems are not sophisticated by today’s standards but they are robust and reliable.
The wear and age items are pretty inexpensive compared to later model coaches and if you make sure you have them up to date you can expect a very trouble free coach.
Just remember at that age some things are wearing out and you are still going to need to set aside some money for their replacement. Water pump (not a cheap fix by the way), HW tank, inverters, upholstery, maybe TVs, maybe Cruiseairs are all the things I can envision nearing the end of life. I am assuming of course any coach is going to have some expensive chassis items current such as tires, batteries, air bags, etc, or at leas they are not all due.
I am not intending to rain on your parade, but to point out the purchase of a coach is a financial transaction that needs to be approached in a business like manner. However, having said that I will speak out of the other side of my mouth and point out that good coaches don’t last on the market. You are specific in what you seek, and that is very good becaused you are going to be an educated buyer, but you may also have to be a buyer that is ready to do the needed calculations of the cost of needs quickly and bounce on the coach that is well cared for and has the layout and features you expect.
Whatever you choose to do keep in mind that some repairs or upgrades will do absolutely nothing to add value to a coach. If you don’t like the colors of the paint job you are likely to find a repaint will cost a whole lot of money and the increase in coach value will be minimal. You may have to accept some compromises, but you will not be disappointed by your decision to own a Prevost.
-
Aaahhhh, welcome Allan, not Allen. If you get a Liberty, there will be a safe on board (not saying where it is on here), but if you stuff it full of Benjamin’s, that can serve as your escrow money to be used for repairs. Oops, Canadians don’t have Benjamins, do they?
-
Today, got an invoice from Prevost Saint Nicolas for work I had them do there. The exchange rate on it was about 1.30$C for $10US.
-
Welcome Allan, you found the right place for information and we’ll do our best to help you spend your money. There are a number of conversions that can be imported to Canada, Liberty, Marathon, Country Coach, probably Featherlite/Vantare and others, so check around.
-
Hello Allan my brother has some Prevost for sale in Canada he has one of the best shops in North America for prevosts no bullshit or big talk about things done just the straight goods and all things will be in top shape period if not he will send a truck to fix it no questions asked
-
Thanks Peter. Can you send me a private email regarding contact and a few more details about your brothers Prevost(s). I can be reached at kitittas@gmail.com. Thanks again.
-
Where does your brother live in Canada Peter I would be interested in talking to him.
-
Welcome Allan we imported our Coach a little over a year ago all I can say is do your research and due diligence find one that is mechanically sound like Jon said engine,transmission, tires, batteries, airbags, shocks, A/C system, generator, electrical system, air system and brakes. When you find the one be prepared to pay the exchange from Canadian to U.S.dollar. Then find yourself a U.S. Broker to take care of the importing paper work at the border and like Tom said you can only import a few conversions in to Canada that meet our DOT regulations. Then make appointment with the border to bring the Coach across the broker will have all the paper work there when you arrive at the U.S. side they will check the Vin number and any liens against it if all good the you head to the Canadian crossing. They will go through it make sure it has DOT labels in the drivers compartment and engine compartment then you will have to pay the 5% GST on your purchase. Then you will have to get it inspected so you can register and insure it in your province. It seems like a lot but it’s worth it the smoothest ride I have ever owned and the looks I get going down the hi way and the people that come up to you and start asking question about it totally worth it. This Prevost community is a excellent place to find information about the Coaches. Have fun and good luck.
-
Allan,
We purchased our Liberty a few years ago and found the process to import into Canada to be smooth, but we did do our homework. I would recommend ucanimport, they can provide some valuable guidance at a reasonable cost, considerations which state you take delivery of your unit is also important. You will need to have a Recall letter from Prevost prior to importing. Good luck with your search, there is no ride like it!!
-
Jeff or Allan you can call me at 1-307-331-5801
-
We are in the process of selling our place in Canada and downsizing. We will also have a place in AZ and we are both dual citizens so I would use our US address to register our coach and not have to import it into Canada, which will help. I am still choked at the exchange rate and watch it daily but it’s pretty static at the moment. I guess I cant complain to much when I moved back here from the US in 2003 I made out pretty well with the exchange.
Dale
Log in to reply.