Buying a Pre-Owned Prevost

[Woodscrapper]

Hello Sandy,

Regarding the 97', could you provide: photos? Mileage? Generator hours? Tire manufacturer and last four digits of tire number? Type and model of engine and transmission? Thank you for providing this information.

Tom

[flloyd]

Welcome Woodscrapper,

I was also in your shoes a couple of months ago and today I'm 1 month into a 3 month tour in my "new" coach. I bought mine from Steve Bennet at California Coach and can't say enough good about him. He's is about the best person I could ever recommend to buy a coach from, period. His support, both before and after the sale, have been phenomenal and trust us when we tell you, you're going to need some.

Also, joining POG is also the best thing you've done as well. The collective knowledge here is unmatched in the Prevost community (okay, so I'm sucking up a bit... :-)

My coach is a 1997 Liberty. It has just over 100,000 miles on it and the engine runs as strong as when it was new. I have proof of that by virtue of a computer readout that shows engine RPM, Torque, Horsepower, fuel flow, everything. And, it doesn't leak a drop of oil. It's one great driving machine that is perfectly at home going down the highway. A Prevost is like the BMW of coaches, as far as I'm concerned.

I've never owned a bus before and although I have had some big rig experience in the past, nothing really prepared me for this ride. It was all learn-as-you-go, and by-the-seat-of-the-pants (with a lot of help from POG and Steve) that has gotten me down my first 2,000 miles of highway. Some things, however, you have to learn yourself, like, how to make wide turns and how to judge whether a given parking lot is big enough for you to turn around in. You get really good at this when you're towing a vehicle because in that case, there is no backing up.

There is a whole heck of a lot more to think about when operating a Prevost. It's not like a pickup truck where you just sit down in, buckle up and turn the ignition key. There is a checklist of things that you have to be aware of at all times. There are systems, systems, and more systems to learn. Some of them don't make any sense and most coaches have no "operations manual". In my case, the manufacturer has been very good at answering the phone and taking my questions, even though this coach rolled out of their shop 13 years ago. Kudos to Liberty!

Are you confident with basic hand tools? Good, because you're going to need them. Otherwise, plan on never driving more than 500 miles between repair shops of all kinds. Your coach will need electrical work, cabinet work, door hinges, window shades, latches, plumbing, batteries, tires, oil, and diesel. You probably won't need any engine work. You can forget all those if you like and just remember the 4 things that keep a Prevost running: $10's, $20's, $50's, and $100's.

I highly recommend getting a box of disposable rag terry cloths to wipe your hands on because every time you go outside your coach, you will get your hands dirty. Unhooking the toad is fraught with the danger of getting oily black soot on your hands, clothes, and shoes. Track that back into the coach and be prepared for the fallout! There is no avoiding dirt on the outside of the coach.

When I was searching for coaches, I had my pick of this one, a 1997, and one that was 5 years newer and cost two times as much. After my first month on the road, I'm completely certain that I picked the right one and saved a bundle of money by buying the older, cheaper coach because I probably would have had the same or similar problems with a newer one. Both coaches had the same ride going down the road, and both were awesome in their own right.

The most difficult part of owning the coach so far is the steep learning curve and the inevitable disappointment that comes when things don't work like they are supposed to. It takes a certain amount of faith in knowing that you WILL sort out the problems and soon, real soon, everything will be "normal", more or less. At least that's what I'm telling my wife, who swears that we bought a lemon. Lightning shot out of her eyes last night when the hot water ran cold while she was in the shower. There had been some electrical problems earlier and the heater had not been turned on for a while - oops. In addition, the toilet wasn't working correctly and let me tell you, nothing makes life more miserable in a coach than a malfunctioning commode. Second on the list is poor A/C.

Today, at least the toilet is fixed. The electrical problems stem from a campground whose 50 Amp breakers keep blowing when I try and run more than half my equipment. Of course, the campground owner thinks it's my fault because other (non-bus) coaches don't trip it. He doesn't seem to appreciate that this is the first such easy-blow breaker system that I've hooked up to since my trip started a month ago. Fortunately, we're in Minnesota and we can survive on 1/2 AC availability as there is no point in arguing with the campground owner.

Good luck on your search. Be sure and look at a lot of coaches. You'll need to really understand them before you throw down the big bucks. Know that you're buying a house on wheels, and not just a vehicle. Like any house, this one needs a fair amount of upkeep and maintenance and you'll be happy that most have a nice slide-out toolbox for a reason.

Finally, make sure that your co-pilot has a camera ready when you drive it off the lot. There will be a big smile on your face that won't wipe off for quite a while, and you'll want to have a picture of it.

-fred

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Don't let Fred scare you. I know he is part tongue in cheek, but there is some truth to what he says. All of us owners initially end up tweaking our coaches, finding stuff to repair and in the end we get to know our coach very well and recognize that any house going down the road is being shaken apart and needs occasional TLC.

But the reality is that these homes on wheels are truly very reliable.

[truk4u]

Woodscrapper,

I don't agree with Fred's assessment that you can't get beyond 500 miles of repair shops. If you buy a bus that has set around for a bunch of years, you will have problems. Buy one that is run on a regular basis and properly maintained and you will have a good experience. The cheapest price is not always the best deal. Do your homework and ask lots of questions on this forum, the knowledge here is endless.

[Jon Wehrenberg]

Fred said:

"I've never owned a bus before and although I have had some big rig experience in the past, nothing really prepared me for this ride. It was all learn-as-you-go, and by-the-seat-of-the-pants (with a lot of help from POG and Steve) that has gotten me down my first 2,000 miles of highway. Some things, however, you have to learn yourself, like, how to make wide turns and how to judge whether a given parking lot is big enough for you to turn around in. You get really good at this when you're towing a vehicle because in that case, there is no backing up.

There is a whole heck of a lot more to think about when operating a Prevost. It's not like a pickup truck where you just sit down in, buckle up and turn the ignition key. There is a checklist of things that you have to be aware of at all times. There are systems, systems, and more systems to learn. Some of them don't make any sense and most coaches have no "operations manual". In my case, the manufacturer has been very good at answering the phone and taking my questions, even though this coach rolled out of their shop 13 years ago. Kudos to Liberty!"

Perhaps the hardest thing for a new owner to deal with is stepping away from the purchase process and looking at these coaches as complex systems that require not only a good inspection while in buying mode, but being assured that after the sale and during the whole process this is a learning experience that cannot be avoided. A lot of owners just want to know where the ignition key is. They or the people that end up buying their coach soom regret that method of operating. Few of us on this forum, regardless of how much experience we have know everything about our coaches so it is important to get as much knowledge as possible. And please, with all due respect to those selling coaches, that knowledge needs to come from the converter or someone who knows the particular conversion intimately.

[Woodscrapper]

Hello Fred,

I enjoyed reading your message and know exactly what you mean regarding up-keep and maintenance. Fortunately, I guess, I am blessed with basic skills in plumbing, electrical, cabinetry (wood working is my primary hobby), mechanical repairs, and an innate ability to ferret out problems. I despise plumbing and electrical work though. My wife is a nutritionist and is very handy with interior design, decorating, and sewing so we make a pretty good team in managing and maintaining our properties. I admit I am a perfectionist and this drives my bride crazy so we do have our spats at times but love conquers all and I loose a few battles. Thanks again for your input and advise. We love Minnesota - especially Duluth and north into Canada along Lake Superior. Beautiful country! Happy trails!

Woodscrapper