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Looking for advice on buying a used coach
I’m new to the Prevost community, and am thinking of purchasing a used conversion. Looking at prices, I’ve come to the conclusion (correctly or incorrectly) that there seems to be a sweat spot between depreciation and maintenance, which is an early model XL11. My reasoning is, since coaches seem to deprecate by $100k or more per year, that the depreciation pays for a lot of repairs/maintenance (assuming I’m willing to put up with the hassles). By that logic, it seems more important that a coach has been well maintained, and has thorough service records, than how old it is. My purchase budget is $300-$250k, for a XL11, minimum 1 slide, which seems like there is plenty of inventory. My questions are:
– assuming the coach is well cared for, and ignoring the potential unplanned big ticket items, what is a reasonable yearly budget for maintenance? Maintenance cost don’t scare me, as long as they can be planned for (I should also mention I don’t mind getting my hands a little dirty).
– is sticking to a major converter important? Are there any I should stay away from? Marathon seems to be the biggest. Are they worth the premium?
– aside from the obvious stuff (tires, batteries, airbags, etc.), are there any ‘gotchas’ that are not immediately obvious? I would, of course, have a thorough inspection done, or buy from a reputable used dealer.
– are there any recommendation on used dealers and/or shows to view inventory (I live in the San Francisco Bay Area)?
Finally, is my conclusion about buy a 2001-2004 XL11 correct? My purchase budget could increase, if it makes sense.
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16 Replies
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Inspection, Inspection, Inspection, from a reputable, competent person or company capable of doing a comprehensive inspection, using the proper inspection check list. It will cost you some money up front, but the amount it will save is well worth the money.
2025 Marathon H3 / 4th Prevost
21 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel 4x4 -
My repair/maintenance usually runs a bit over $1/mile BUT, I do a lot of it myself.
Make sure you have that XLII checked for skin delamination.
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Start out as a new owner with a coach that has records proving there are no major maintenance items due. No records? Assume stuff hasn’t been done. Do not believe the any owner or seller’s representation the coach has been well maintained because that is the standard line of BS, followed by the second line of BS that it was maintained by Prevost or the converter. If that was the case a serious seller would have those records for you.
Some maintenance items are obvious:, tires, batteries, filters, belts, etc. Not so obvious but expensive are air bags, brake chambers, Norgren valves and other items that not only wear out, they age out due to rubber being an important part of their operation.
But you comment about lower depreciation is usually related to higher maintenance costs, but only to an extent. Regardless of age every coach needs fluids replaced, and some get pricey. Just the oil is going to cost about $125. A transmission fluid and filter change is going to be $400, and it can be expected a coolant change will be at least a couple of hundred, just for the coolant.
Detailed maintenance logs or records are going to be able to be used to put together a comprehensive list of what is needed and when. A complete pre-purchase inspection will likely reveal needed repairs and then as a new buyer you will probably include some things you will want to change or add.
If you are looking for an XLII MAKE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN THE DELAM ISSUE HAS BEEN TAKEN CARE OF BY PREVOST, AND YOU NEED TO SEE THE PREVOST RECORDS OF THE REPAIR. If it has not been done the coach needs to be inspected by Prevost, and only Prevost.
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Hi fillhobson and welcome to the forum. The advice you’ve received is just right! The only thing I would add is at the point you decide “That’s the bus for me”! Take your time learning about your bus, I’d even say to make it into a two day event. Maybe 6 hours or so on the outside and maybe even a little more on the inside.
Like you, this is my first bus, first RV of any kind for that matter. There is so much to see, hear and learn that by the time you get inside you’re worn out and your brain becomes silly putty. At least that was my experience. When you’re tired you simply don’t retain as you need too.
There is just so much to learn… Do yourself a huge favor and take the time needed. You will be very happy you did and you’ll also find out what the owner/dealer knows when answering your questions which will be many! Remember that there is no other bus built like yours, not a one, so get your education while you can. And if the owner/seller isn’t willing to give you the time. I for one would find another bus!
I know I swerved off subject here. It’s just the best chance you’ll have to really learn about your specific bus before turning the ignition and driving off.
Oh, and Always turn the ignition on before driving off. You can quote me on that!
Harry
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If it’s an XLII, your first 3 concerns needs to be Delam, Delam, Delam! If you get this wrong it could be a $40,000 mistake!
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Yeah, I’ve been reading about delam issues. Sounds like Prevost didn’t have their act together when they changed from rivets to glue, which gives me second thoughts about XL11’s. Does H3’s have similar issues? I don’t like the layout or extra height of the H3’s, but maybe it’s the wiser choice.
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A H coach can also have a issue however that is rare….As with anything you do it is about verifying that maintance has been done through paperwork…same with sd…if it hasn’t been done have it tested..
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We have basically zero’ed out our 06 Country Coach mechanically, and have made the upgrades that we want. (Don’t worry, Jeff, we find new things to do everyday)
We have an accrual account for ongoing maintenance, insurance and routine replacements (tires, batteries, etc). Our monthly amount is around $600+ in order to have the funds set aside when the items come due. Your insurance costs may significantly affect a similar calculation.
This does not include any operating expense like fuel, storage, campgrounds, etc.
The big ticket item for you will be getting everything zero’ed out.
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Don’t know but bet that the delam issue is slowed/stalled when coaches are stored inside and only taken out to go somewhere. No Sun, Weather or extreme swings in temp. Seems like if one had it, all would over time if the same glue/procedure was used. Might be a hide and watch.
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I do not think anyone, including Prevost knows for sure why coaches were affected by delamination.
There was an endless number of theories, including skin polishing, power washing at the seams, heat, cold, and phases of the moon. It did not impact every coach. But whatever the cause Prevost has developed the repair and while expensive it is a permanent fix. Coaches found to have no delamination issues do not need the repair, but those with problems need to be fixed by Prevost because a failure to correct the problem can result in issues that have the potential to ruin the coach, with the primary problem being water entry followed by mold and mildew.
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Being a new owner of a Prevost Conversion, one of my top priorities was choosing a Conversion that still had support of Techs. It was the main reason I went with a Prevost after 20 plus years of Blue Bird ownership . There was a great amount of support for the BB but not from many dealers across the country . So in choosing a Prevost I have the coach 100% covered in the USA and Canada .
Next was the house portion( converter) . I choose Vantare for a few reasons . I spend most of my time here on the east coast where there are many of the former techs now employed . A very knowledgeable friend owns one and the coach is a great boon docking coach which is of high importance to us .
Next on my list was budget . I went with a Garage Queen knowing that I would be behind in Maintenance but was will ing to trade that off for very low miles and condition . She was also a 1 owner coach with service records complete up to 2013 ouch !! 🙂
Good Luck on your journey and keep in mind any company who converted a Prevost was a Great Converter in my opinion.
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Gluing anything at this scale is a very tricky process. Adhesion strength can be effected by everything from how the glue was stored, to humidity when it was applied, to mixing ratios (if it’s two part), to surface preparation. Add to that the problem of different parts expanding and contracting at different rates and it’s not surprising they had issues. My guess is if Prevost has a fix, they probably figured out the cause, but don’t want to air their dirty laundry.
Sounds like the options are find a couch that has had the fix, buy an H, or role the dice. Hmm…
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The use of adhesives for structural purposes is not uncommon. Planes have used bonding for decades. Some cars make extensive use of adhesive bonding.
To insure the problem on those coaches that experienced delamination was permanently fixed Prevost has a process that involves rebonding, riveting, and a metal strip to insure water running down the side of the coach stays on the exterior side of the skin panels. It may be overkill but what is certain is a coach that has had the repair is permanently fixed.
But remember……….not all XLII coaches have a delamination issue.
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Yep, my car has some aluminum body panels bonded to a welded steel unibody, most likely because it’s stronger and eliminates galvanic corrosion. The fact that the delimitation happens on certain buses suggest there is something inconsistent with their process. One would hope they did a thorough analysis and figured it out, but who knows. Maybe they just went with brute force for the fix.
It’s a shame. I really like the look and smaller size of the XL11, but this issue certainly gives me pause.
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“I really like the look and smaller size of the XL11”
I guess you mean the shorter height of the XLII (not eleven) over the taller H.
The added height of the H is in the bays and the interior height is actually lower than the XLII. The added height in the bay is nice but if you are a bit tall, the lower ceiling inside will be noticeable.
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