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New to the Forum
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Tim and Cindy, Good luck on your search, You will pay a little more now, as compared to a couple years ago, seems a lot of people have discovered the world of Prevost. I cannot say enough about the due diligence you need to do. You will pay more buying from a dealer, Liberty for example, but you get what you pay for. In 2010 we bought our first Prevost a 2005 H3-45, We bought it from Liberty in Stuart Florida, we stayed in the coach on site till we were familiar with the basics. Seems as though they took care of most problems for almost a year, Troy was always available. Again you pay more, but that is the route I took, all records were with the coach from day of delivery of the shell to Chicago, and to this day they are kept current, just spent 40,000 for upgrades, new tires, new Life lines from Tom, New floors by Jeff and other things. Normal expenses a year for me are about 10,000. I am not trying to steer you away from a private sale, nothing wrong with that just do your homework, and you will be pleased with the results. I like the H models, just me, and I tend to replace rather than do roadside repairs, Gary
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Gary made an interesting observation about paying more by buying from a converter.
We’ve bought 3 coaches, each from a different source. The first was from a private owner, the second was from a dealer with a depth of experience in Prevost coaches and the third from Liberty. I think I have a fair degree of knowing coaches, especially since I have worked on my own coaches for at least 20 years now.
The first from a private individual was for us a major step. Niether Di or I had ever even stepped into an RV, and here we were ready to buy a nearly new Prevost. Just to be sure it was something we should be doing we spoke to the dealer that sold the coach originally, had lunch with owners of a converted coach, and then we arranged for a converter to do a 100% inspection on the coach before we made the purchase. The coach checked out well, and we bought it and it ranks as one of the best decisions we ever made. I think the price was fair but who knows?
The second coach was purchased after our first coach was in the process of getting about 9 months worth of repairs as a result of an engine compartment fire. We looked at it and in 20 minutes we decided to buy it if it would fit in our garage and after I inspected it. It fit into the garage and while it was in the garage over the pit I completed our inspection by going over the underside. It checked out and we completed the purchase. I think the price was fair, but who knows?
The current coach was one Liberty had and we saw photos and liked it. We had the opportunity to see it at a rally and decided we wanted to buy it if it would fit in our garage. It did and we went ahead with the purchase. As it turns out that purchase transaction was a no-brainer. I did not have to worry about a thing. Liberty fixed anything they found that needed to be fixed and when we came to Stuart to pick it up, inspect it and get trained on the new systems it was ready and it was right. I think I paid a fair price, but who knows? The bottom line in all three purchases is simple. We agreed on the price of each coach with the seller. We could have beat the price issue to death by trying to negotiate for the best price on multiple coaches at the same time, but we liked each coach and felt each price was fair.
But we are long time owners in the sense that we keep our stuff for a long time so it is far more important to us to get features we want than rock bottom pricing. If someone tends to trade often then it makes perfect sense to shop for the best coach possible at the cheapest price so when it is sold or traded the selling price is not going to reflect a huge loss. We all get a sense of the market prices by looking at ads of coaches for sale and recognizing those asking prices are just that.
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Tim,
Glad to see you made it over here. As you can see already the knowledge here is almost endless. Great luck in your search…
Ron
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I have vast experience in picking the brains of some Prevost Community “gurus.” All are helpful, but in my opinion, each has his specific field of expertise and idiosyncrancies that enhance your experience when you seek his advice and opinions. Please keep in mind that I am a relatively new member of PC compared to these “gurus,” and keep in mind that I have never met any of them in person (but I will in Alabama, probably right before they kick my ass!). To save you some time, here are some brief biographical summaries on the “gurus” who helped me select and purchase a bus:
1. Jon. Also known as “the Godfather.” Super knowledgeable guy about all things bus related. Somehow, I got his personal email address, and immediately abused the privilege asking questions about the overall buying process, market values, etc. He was very patient and helpful. The funniest thing he ever did is that he described another forum member (Peter Campbell) as “anal.” The irony of that comment was palpable. I spit my coffee out so hard, it cracked the screen on my laptop.
2. George. Always posts as “Corey.” Strange, but who cares? Very knowledgeable guy also, and seems to know just about every bus on the market…its ownership history, marketing history, etc. Definitely call him if you need opinions on pricing…he follows the market pretty closely. Very direct and “to the point.” Extremely entertaining, especially in the late afternoon (perhaps a lengthy cocktail hour?). One time, we were discussing a bus that we were both familiar with, and he described it at a “rolling piece of shit.” That was about 5:30pm, and it was damn funny, but be advised. I somehow got George’s phone number and called him several times for advice, particularly about the coach I ended up purchasing. He was very helpful, and I highly recommend that you consult him.
3. Dick in Wisconsin. Dick bought an older Liberty that had been somewhat neglected, and basically restored it via Jeff Rowe’s shop and a fat wallet. I considered this route briefly when I first started shopping, and Dick was very helpful. He has a great story (see above) about how he found his bus, researched its history, and returned it to its roadworthy grandeur, and you can tell that he really loves the bus. On the downside, he did get married recently, so I consider him somewhat of a “rogue” PC member, but he is still a really nice guy. I recommend him also, especially if you’re considering buying an older bus.
4. Jeff Rowe. Jeff is not in the business of giving free advice, but that didn’t stop me from bothering him to get it.. If you have any questions about any Liberty anywhere on the planet, chances are Jeff is going to know the coach (he used to work for Liberty). He really helped me out when I was on the Liberty kick. Of course, he will work on my Marathon, and I have an appointment with his shop this summer. I guess I am about to find out just how “free” that advice really was.He is busier now than when I was searching for a bus, but he was always very patient with me and answered my questions.
5. Gil. I’m not sure if Gil posts on this forum…I met him thru the other site. He was extremely helpful on educating me on the very basics of bus shopping (XL II vs. H345, slides vs. non slides, Prevost slides vs. aftermarket slides, etc). I think he has a Country Coach conversion, and he knows a lot about them. If you are considering a CC, I recommend that you seek him out and pick his brain.
Although these five “gentlemen” helped me a lot, many others on this forum answered my questions and pretended to be sympathetic when I bitched and moaned about the buying process, which at times became very frustrating.
I agree that you should go to the No Rally Rally if you can. To see a lot of buses of various years by various converters in various confirgurations and floor plans is very, very helpful in guiding you to the right bus. I did the same thing via the bus show in Tampa. The advantage of going to the No Rally Rally is that you get to talk to the owners, not sellers, so I think the quality of the information you gather will be much better.
Best of luck in your search.
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Peter is anal. And rightfully so.
I don’t think any motor home owners rely on their coach as much as Peter and he has a schedule carved in stone. When he has a problem with his coach he is screwed. So he goes above and beyond anyone that I know of to insure reliability.
And when he answers a post on the forums you can be pretty sure the answer is correct.
If you ever want tips on how to inspect a coach contact Peter. He leaves nothing to chance and sellers now fear him.
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Thanks Ron for the initial invite!
Thanks Double K for the contacts!
Jon, So what you’re saying is that I should pursuade Peter to sell his rig to me 🙂
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Peter’s coach isn’t for sale.
Tom’s is. Focus on Tom’s. Tom needs to sell his current coach so he can buy his next coach.
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If and when Peter decides to sell his coach I know for sure whoever buys it will be able to enjoy it for a long time before encountering and issues. The last one he sold I think has been with the present owner for a year and I don’t believe he has done anything other than enjoy it.
Peter’s current coach has literally been zeroed out. I cannot think of anything that is a moving part on the chassis that has not been replaced with new.
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Double K, that’s a terrific post with good fun humor. Interesting to read about all your adventures with some really great people here on PC.
So you have no hard feelings with these PC characters helping you spend a half million dollars ?
They are just waiting in the lobby for their next victim to post ” I’am unable to live without a bus any longer.” listen up…. it will be expensive, it’s not for the weak, you’ll never turn back on this adventure, you’ll love it.
Early advice at Alabama event;
All that bus information gained will be normal and useful during regular business hours. Happy Hour forward might be a whole lot better and you will learn more details after a couple of cold beverages.
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Tim, the price of whatever bus you buy will never exceed the entertainment this bunch of bus nuts provides. Oyster Fest should not be missed.
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Yes … I’m figuring that out!
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Tim & Cindy, Welcome to the forum and good luck in your search. What part of Virginia are you in? We will be traveling from NJ to Jeff’s place next weekend on our way to Oyster Fest. Not our first time to Jeff’s, bus seems to know the way but the trip is always well worth it. We would be happy to have you look at our bus and discuss the learning curve we went through.
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Phil & Joanne,
We are in Crystal City, VA but can coordinate to meet “outside” the city as well. We are basically just off I-395, just south of the 14th street bridge/potomac river. Since I’m still working till Dec. ’15, so evenings and weekends work best.
Thanks for the offer,
Tim
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Tim, I think we will have to try to meet on our return trip. On way to Jeff’s we go thru Baltimore and out I70. When we return we usually stay in Ashland Va for at least one nite. Email me ( emanon10@comcast.net) so we can try to set it up. Phil
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