Jim & Linda
When we began our search for a bus 5 years ago, I had very vague ideas of what I wanted. My budget was $200K or less and I did know that I wanted a bus with all bus windows and updated headlights and taillights (generally a 92 / 93 or newer) so that I could say it was newer in case the campgrounds had a 10 year rule. I didn't have much / any knowledge about converters. I looked at a dozens of buses via the internet. There are several sites that focus on pre-owned (sounds so much better than used) Prevosts (including the prevost-stuff.com site). I found a bus that I liked (not loved) and bought it because I had the fever. I purchased an 92 Angola (who was in business at the time and extremely helpful). I got a low price (now I know why) fully expecting that I would have to put some money back into it in order to bring it up to par. We spent about 15% of the purchase price to replace tires, batteries, airbags, rewiring the generator, replacing injectors, etc. Since the purchase, we have replaced / rebuilt a lot of items on the bus, some because they needed repair, some because I was concerned about reliability given the age of the component (like the roof ac's). We have put way too much money into the bus including a new paint job, engine rebuild, etc.
Under the category of if I had only known then what I know now, I would have done it differently. My list of must haves for the next bus include: 1) floor plan that I really like (sure you can change it but that gets expensive); 2) paint job that I like (again you can change it, but $$$$$); 3) a converter that is know for quality and support and that is likely to be around for years to come (having a converter that knows the bus and can / will provide assistance is invaluable); 3) Absolute evidence that maintenance has been a top priority (not only records, but apperance to confirm - I am waiting for Jon to sell his coach, because it is probably better than new); 4) Then I start to focus on the little things (axle weights, OTR air, cord reel, generator hours and exhaust location, invertors, bay storage, entertainment features, etc.). Each is important and any negative in any category could stop the purchase.
Where I went wrong on our current bus was number 2 and number 3. On number 2 - we have repainted the coach after having it for 3.5 years. It would have been much easier and cheaper to pay a little more upfront for something that had an attractive paint job. On number 3, this is where I really didn't do a good job. The coach appeared is so-so shape (not great shape). I had it checked out by a reputable shop, but that really didn't indicate the problems that I would encounter. I have looked at a couple of buses lately including a 2000 model. I walked away from the 2000 because the PDI indicated lots of little things that concerned me about the owner's care of the coach (the tires were original - 7 years old, several windows were delaminating, the genertor needed servicing and wouldn't start because "it needed a new battery", a number number of other items that when considered as a group made me question the owner's treatment / maintenance of the bus). I wouldn't purchase a bus (original MSRP of $1.2 million) and then neglect so many things which as a percent of purchase price are inconsequential and I don't think that I am overly maintenance focused.
That being said, when I purchase my next pre-owned bus I will probably (not absolutely) limit my scope to Marathons and Libertys because of how I perceive the quality of their product, their willingness to stand behind it, and the likelihood that they will be survivors in the bus conversion business over the long haul. I will probably (not absolutely) not purchase from the dealer because when I have talked to both Marathon and Liberty their prices are unbelievably high compared to what I see comparable units selling for by individuals in the market. Granted I have only tried to negotiate with one of them and didn't get very far. I will definitely pay the money for a quality PDI and try to bribe one or two of the members of this board to accompany me to inspect any potential purchase. I will try not to fall in love with the bus before purchase, although that's what I said last time.
This is not to say that other converters don't do a great job (I happen to like the layout and systems on my Angola other than the heaters), but I Angola is no longer in business and that is a big negative in my mind and when it comes to needing support on the coach.
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