I am ready to buy this Bus.. BUT

[Toy Box]

Please post location of each as in web site. I have a buddy in Pa. who is looking for a less expensive way to get his Prevost. Thanks.

[Petervs]

Hi Viv,

Well,we have never met, but from your picture and the words in your letter you sound like a very nice lady. I am afraid I must chime in on the side of Do NOT BUY THIS OLD BUS.

This would be a great rig for someone who enjoys doing the work himself. I mean all the work. There will be endless repairs, leaks to fix, systems that were marginally designed and poorly maintained, etc, etc. If you can only afford $50k for the coach, you will be quickly dismayed at the endless repair bills. You will not be having fun. If you don't believe me go buy a 1978 Cadillac ( or anything else) and spend the next month driving it every day. See how you like it. You will find it is nothing like a modern car. The analogy applies to the Prevost too.

I suggest you spend the same amount of money on a 12-15 year old modern motorhome like a Country Coach or a Bluebird. You will then have a machine that has probably had good maintenance and service history all it's life, and the upkeep will be something you can deal with while still enjoying your travels.

Please do not make me send you an email in a year that says, "I told you so!"

[truk4u]

The Super Panoramique went into production in 1967 and was renamed the Champion. It was a 3-axle 40-foot coach with slanted windows and was built until 1981. Most were 96" wide, though a handful 102" wide models were also built. There were also a few 35 foot, 96" wide buses. The Champion was the first 40-foot coach in the industry other than Trailways' Eagles and Greyhound's Scenicruisers.

The first Panorama coaches were built specially for Murray Hill and featured the curved side windows that would make Prevost famous. Tecnically it was similar to the Champion. In1971 it was made available to other operators and in 1973 it was renamed the Prestige. Like the Champion it was built until 1981. There appears to have been built one 35-foot Prestige, but the standard version was 40 foot long and 96" wide.

The Le Mirage was introduced in 1976 and also featured the curved side windows. It is easily distinguished from the Prestige by the lack of the "step" in the roofline. From 1983 onwards a 102" wide version of the Le Mirage was built as the Le Mirage XL. This one became the standard and Prevost's best-selling coach. The XL-version also received new sqaure head lights and a different tail-light group. There have been a few 35-foot Le Mirage, though most of these were motor homes.



The bus Viv is looking at must be a Prestige. The Champion had different style windows.

[Jerry Winchester]

Some good advice has been posted here. I don't care how professionally cared for this coach has been, with that kind of age and that engine, this is a bus for a mechanic to own and will greatly disappoint you when you have to start pouring money into it.

[Journeyone144]

But I have found a 94 !!!! that does need air conditioning repair...otherwise it's a Palace on Wheels...A Liberty Lady...!!!! I'm so thrilled...there just are no words...I can't wait to get there to see and drive it ..I'll show it to everyone soon as it's mine..

Jon just said it looks good to him too and better if I fix any & all problems I find ASAP..and I will..!!..but it's taking every dime I can gather to get it..It's going to be so close I may not even be able to register it until Oct. 3 when Uncle Sam and AT&T make their monthly donation...smile...

I cashed my IRA in yesterday...Now have the money to pay the 130K Cash...but will be really low when I hand that over...lowest I've been in 50 yrs...but you all have to admit we can't take money to our graves...and the only thing I ever wanted in this world that I couldn't have was own Bus...

Well I can have the bus now and I'm taking it...but it could be made a lot easier for me to do if I could find a way to finance 20K more than the purchase...leaving me some cash for immediate repairs on the Air Conditioning..that I'll really need...

I do have a 30K Equity Loan from my local Bank but I really would be much better off if I could get a 50K Equity or other type loan...instead, and not take this one for 30K against my 297K valued house...which is unencumbered at this moment..

I remember seeing here that one member owns a Finance Company...but I can't find that person again ...I forget where I saw it..Can anyone direct me to this person...or maybe even another Finance Co. that has helped you...???? I'd like to apply...

I've paid cash for almost everything I bought in my life...except my house ...

Many Thanks...Warm Hugs Always...One very nervous and excited Vivian...

[garyde]

You might try to get a hold of Darl Wilson. He is traveling now, but might be checking in .

[Journeyone144]

Thank you so much...Since you think he's traveling I guess I'd better just watch for any posts from him...
Hugs Always Viv

[Gary & Peggy Stevens]

Thank you so much...Since you think he's traveling I guess I'd better just watch for any posts from him...
Hugs Always Viv

Vivian, try calling Gulf Coast Marine Finance (Spirito, Tom) (727) 578-5035 x 201 http://www.gcmfinance.com

Not sure if the mortgage industry shake up has changed his position or not, but I would call him, and tell him you are with POG.

Good luck, I know you are very NERVOUS & EXCITED TOO !

Gary S.

[phorner]

I dealt with Tom on a re-finance a couple of months ago to take advantage of the falling interest rates and he was a pleasure to work with.

Fast, easy transaction with no surprises or hidden fees.

I would recommend his services....