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Looking for a coach,1997-2000
Hello there all,
Still on the hunt for our dream coach. We spend a good portion of the year on the road so looking for coach that is well built and well taken care of. Prefer Marathon or Liberty but open to anything exceptional or unique. Would like OTR or roof air but not mandatory. Need to find something to replace our older 40xl before spring. Let’s see what you’ve got. Cash ready.
Thanks
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29 Replies
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Thanks for that. Yes, Ive seen the “coaches for sale” section. As well as , Prevost Stuff, RV Trader, RV Online, Search Tempest, etc. i look on a daily basis. As a fellow who collects vintage cars, Ive had great success from running WANTED ads on Craigslist to find specific vehicles owned by folks who may have something that they are contemplating selling but haven’t had the time or energy to advertise. That is my hope here as well. Perhaps someone has a coach that they may want to move on from or know of someone who’s coach isn’t being used. Often vehicles end up going to brokers, who take a hefty percentage, because, like me, many folks dislike the process of selling them. Im a serious customer and this would be an opportunity for someone to skip that process and potentially save that percentage.
It never hurts to ask
thanks again
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Every way of purchasing a coach has its advantages.
A converter selling its own brand of coach is likely to be the most expensive, but that converter is very likely to stand behind the sale and fix whatever glitches show up for a while after the sale. That converter is also able to make sure everything is working, and if not make it right prior to the sale.
A broker who specializes in Prevost coaches (not some guy selling cars that also sells anything else with wheels) brings some expertise to the table. Often the broker goes over a consignment very carefully, or if the broker owns the coach goes over it in even greater detail and add some value. While most sales are final it is probable any problems that turn up in an inspection can be repaired before money changes hands. A qualified broker can also provide limited training, but not as detailed or as extensive as a converter can.
Buying from an individual owner has the potential to be the least expensive but it also has the potential to be the most expensive, especially if the buyer is new to Prevost ownership or doesn’t take the necessary time to do a detailed inspection. I have looked at a number of privately owned coaches and all have been described as well maintained. That stuff should be bagged and put on my garden. If a buyer can locate a very well maintained coach that has the detailed records to support the claim the risk and the total cost can go down significantly but the entire burden is on the buyer to determine the coach condition.
I have bought my coaches in every way described above and I am sure I would do it every way again because each purchase had its advantages and disadvantages.
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“That stuff should be bagged and put on my garden” . Ha! Very well phrased and diplomatic. I may be using that one in the future. The iron fist in the velvet manure sack.
I’m just beating the bushes to try and find a coach both my wife and I can agree on. Have physically looked at over a half dozen in the last few weeks, from California to Arizona and yes, seen a few described as “pristine” that were not, both from private parties and dealers.
We’ll find the one…the hunt; it’s all part of the grand pageantry of life.
Thanks all…
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We’re from Wisconsin. I found our coach on CraigsList … the Knoxville and Atlanta Craigslists. Original owner being represented by a friend of his who is a real estate agent.
To me … “pristine condition”, “well maintained” means recent thorough wash job and detail, meticulous vacuuming, and comprehensive dusting … especially the dash. Nothing more, nothing less.
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I have a 2000 Marathon XLV and a beautiful lot and suite in a Class A Resort in Central Florida that I might consider selling as a package deal. Not interested in just selling the coach.
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Loocho, you are doing things the right way. Every time you look at a coach you are learning. As you refine your search to a specific converter or a coach of a particular model or equipment you really sharpen your focus and get to know the market and the coaches very well.
It them becomes easy to know a good deal when you see one, you know what to look for and questions to ask, and when that right coach comes along you will not hesitate to pull the trigger. Good luck.
Ask a lot of questions here on the forum, and with luck you may even get some correct answers.
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You will find your coach…
You will know when you walk inside the coach… it will just feel right… then if you’re lucky enough it will come together with all the records etc…
Happy hunting to you both !!
Cheers, Larry & Diane
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Are you looking for a H3-45 or XL? Slides?
maybe give a price range.
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Sorry for the late response. The world went and got crazy on us all. We are hunkered here in Bodega Bay but still keeping my eyes on the classifieds, consignment houses, etc.
We are looking for a 1997-2004 XL or XL2 40 or 45. Hoping to stay under $200k but obviously that’s tough with later rigs. I’ve been in countless coaches over the years and tend to lean towards Marathon and Liberty but have seen some very nice Featherlites and Royales.
Hope everyone is staying safe and well…
At least fuel is cheap… just trying to make lemonade out of lemons here. Got my tanks topped.
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This is just a comment about the plan to stay under $200K.
All too often buyers are after the lowest price coach they can find within a certain range. Without a doubt overpaying is not the best idea, but the purchase price can end up being only the beginning of what will be spent.
In the listed price range and type of coach the potential for a buyer to spend far above the purchase price is significant. It is impossible to generalize because some coaches are pristine, well maintained and need nothing. Others are poorly maintained money pits. All need a very careful focus so all of the concerns that impact certain years or coaches are known and become the first things addressed. As an example I would want proof the XLII has no delam issues and the only way to know that is to have Prevost do an inspection. No words or assurances are going to be good enough for you to take the risk. Only a written recent or new report from Prevost will be acceptable. A delam issue can be a $50,000 hit to the budget.
Late 90’s XL coaches were almost bullet proof, but still needed maintenance. No logs or detailed receipts? The maintenance wasn’t done.
If a Liberty has an aluminum holding tank it is going to have to be replaced, but to address that just pay enough less than the coach is worth to cover the cost of replacement.
Every coach in the vintage described is a potential candidate for tires, batteries, air bags, brake chambers, Norgen valves, etc, but if a coach has good maintenance and all those item are at half life or newer you are covered.
But please understand a low price is meaningless if you do not like the colors, decor, how it is equipped, lack proof of proper care, or you run into a seller who is not willing to fully answer questions or allow you to get the coach checked by others. You will have to live with your mistakes and that really takes the joy out of owning a Prevost.
1984 96" with 8V92TA
(remodeled Liberty Coach)
Greenwood, MO -
Understood.
I realize that coaches in the 2002-2004 era are going to most likely be over $200k. The rivet coaches, which I love the look of, tend to be more in the $100-$175k range these days. I had resigned myself to only rivet coaches until I borrowed a friend’s XL2 for the weekend and LOVED the way it drove, especially with the 365 conversion. The “de-lam” issue puts a bit of a scare into me but as I’ve learned in my time on the planet and my love of old cars, boats and now buses, there is always a compromise.
Thanks for the info and encouragement.
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Hey Jon,
I see you’ve owned three Liberty’s. I’m a west coast guy and have had many friends in Prevost-land because I’ve been leasing them yearly since the early 90’s. That being said, a buddy of mine is an entertainer coach builder and he’s been pushing me towards Marathon, which makes good sense for me being a west coast guy. I tend the like the styling and the OTR of the Liberty but like Ford vs Chevy guys in high school (or more like BMW vs Mercedes), each have staunch loyal supporters. If you don’t mind me asking, and potentially opening a fat worm can, what do you personally prefer in the Liberty vs the Marathon?
thanks
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Oh, Loocho, you have started WW III now!
I have a Vantare, but I can tell you 2 things the Liberty has over the Marathon: OTR and a Retarder.
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My reason for sticking with Liberty is no single thing, but a combination, none of which may apply to others.
I will not own a coach that does not have OTR. Trying to find another conversion with OTR is very difficult so I focus on Liberty. I like the way Liberty builds its coaches and feel the quality level is good. There is almost nothing I haven’t worked on or taken apart and I just like what I see and how they put things together.
But their level of support keeps me coming back. On those occasions when I needed parts, advice or information I was never left hanging.
I suspect however that with the exception of OTR other owners can say the same thing.
No other conversion however has as standard equipment a rose petal dispenser on the holding tank drain.
2000 Featherlite H3-45
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Leesburg, FL
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