Anyone know this coach or available to look at in Phoenix

afm_man · October 28, 2011, 06:03:57 PM

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/2644397969.html

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/bfs/2623930985.html - same coach, newer listing.

Been talking with the seller and here is what they told me - It had a fire in the engine compartment. The engine has been rebuilt (they say it is a Cat but the posting implies a Detroit?).

The bus has everything we are looking for. There are some red flags: I am a bit weary if it has a salvage title. Plus, I am not confident in the details the seller is giving. Been watching the coach for a while and they have been dropping the price. If someone wants to PM me with what a good offer would be, let me know.

Bus is located at Buckeye and 20th. I think at Jesse's Paint and Body.

Lin · October 28, 2011, 06:32:46 PM

I do not know the coach. Do they say that all the fire damage has been repaired? They certainly can tell you if it has a salvage title. It would seem to me though that, aside from the off chance that someone knows the whole history, you will only know its value once it has been thoroughly inspected by a very competent mechanic.

afm_man · October 28, 2011, 06:49:14 PM

Yes, you are right. I like the coach, but being in Texas it is going to be impossible to look at first so I figure it is worth an ask around. Yes, they did state all the fire damage was fixed

As for price, I will get it inspected by a local company (Blackwell Automotive - I have a funny connection with the company because the owner is from Lubbock and he has been very helpful in discussing RV needs). But, I don't want to drop an addition $500 to get the inspection without agreeing to a price with the owner. I guess what I was asking is if people know what the Van Hool coaches were going for..

azdieselman · October 28, 2011, 07:32:40 PM

I am in the PHX area. I may have some time to look at it for you next week.

luvrbus · October 28, 2011, 07:52:31 PM

Call ABC Bus Sales in Ca with the serial # that one looks the same as the one they sold for 50 grand still has the ABC paint,

I hope you know what you getting into with a German drive train bus parts are`out of this world in price a casino here has 2-T945 and they cry like babies when I replace some parts

The bus may have a M11 Cummins engine most do very few series 60 in Vanhools and I was told series 60 only was in the 45 ft T945

good luck

Busted Knuckle · October 28, 2011, 08:45:10 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on October 28, 2011, 07:52:31 PM
Call ABC Bus Sales in Ca with the serial # that one looks the same as the one they sold for 50 grand still has the ABC paint,

I hope you know what you getting into with a German drive train bus parts are`out of this world in price a casino here has 2-T945 and they cry like babies when I replace some parts

The bus may have a M11 Cummins engine most do very few series 60 in Vanhools and I was told series 60 only was in the 45 ft T945

good luck

Clifford I thought that the series 60 was only in the T945 also, but a friend had a Van Hool 2041 or 2141 that had a series 60 in it. (he ha been told before he bought it that it had a Cummins in it) imagine his surprise when I told him "no it does in fact have a 60 series in it" after servicing it!

I don't remember which 20 series it was, but I do remember it was 41' and in my opinion (and later on his too) it was a huge POS!

BK

robertglines1 · October 29, 2011, 06:04:43 AM

Total rebuild prob = very high mileage on other parts. looks very dated on inside. The entertainer I bought was cheap in its conversion;I stripped it all out. Look close and make sure it is what you want. little to no storage for food or clothes/anything inside.Usually overkill on airconditioning and generators =$to operate. Things to consider in your decision. Bob

afm_man · October 29, 2011, 06:23:43 AM

All you guys are starting to talk me out of it. Like I said, there are a bunch of red flags, (engine type they state vs. what is posted, damage to the bus, and there were two different phone numbers which were different people in the postings). I'll see what more information they provide next week and post any updates. Thanks azdiesel, let me see if they provide the VIN and I'll call ABC first.

Maybe the Eagle from luvrbus (I know you have a lot of people wanting to buy it) or Bobs Prevost next Spring will work out.

luvrbus · October 29, 2011, 06:55:11 AM

AFM, I would make the decision myself after looking at the bus Caldwell Bros are top notch on their conversion they been around a long,long time it maybe the bus of your dreams you missed.

I will say the Vanhool buses rides and drives like a dream and ABC does offer parts and great support for the VanHools with service centers all over the USA they are easy to work on even for a old guy lol.

I would spend a few bucks and have azdieselman look at he knows diesel engines and that will have some type modern engine and he can plug into the ECM and tell you a bunch about it and he can check for rust if the bus is from back east yes they do rust and I think they are neat looking buses myself

good luck

robertglines1 · October 29, 2011, 08:04:25 AM

I didn't mean to turn you off! just pointed out have it evaluated! if Clifford knows the converter that's good enough for me. There are allot out there that just build glitz for that market!! ABC has a good program. Was also surprised to see the detroit in the coach. I do like their frame set up for possible slide mods. Have crawled all over them at ABC in Florida. Might be worth plane ticket to ck out or look at one at a ABC dealer near you. Bob Ck out ABC bus website for a location near you.

Busted Knuckle · October 29, 2011, 08:10:43 AM

Quote from: robertglines1 on October 29, 2011, 08:04:25 AM
I didn't mean to turn you off! just pointed out have it evaluated! if Clifford knows the converter that's good enough for me. There are allot out there that just build glitz for that market!! ABC has a good program. Was also surprised to see the detroit in the coach. I do like their frame set up for possible slide mods. Have crawled all over them at ABC in Florida. Might be worth plane ticket to ck out or look at one at a ABC dealer near you. Bob Ck out ABC bus website for a location near you.

Bob,
You go by Caldwell Bros. all the time. Old Hickory Blvd. exit 40 on I-24 in TN. They are the shop right off the exit on the right and Anchor Tours is across the street from them same side of the Interstate (South side & Prevost used to be on the North side same exit, but recently moved)

You should stop in sometime and see what they do. (They built the 2 black Prevo's for the guberment!)

BK

robertglines1 · October 29, 2011, 08:20:39 AM

BK; did not know who it was. Must being one of the ones still doing good with 30 to 50 new buses sitting there all the time. They do like Black!Prevost. My recent experience with the entertainer out of Alabama has made me very suspect of that type of conversion. Just like all FACTOTY conversions are not the same quality and the word factory or pro doesn't necessarily mean Quality. My pet peevee.... Bob but factory is always rite!!!

afm_man · October 29, 2011, 08:23:15 AM

Bob, don't worry about turning me off. It is too easy right now. We know we want to purchase a bus and have been looking for a couple years. The prices just seem to good to pass up this year.

However, it is still a major purchase and a lot of nervousness goes with it.

I honestly appreciate the comments from this board (good or bad). I have learned a lot and would rather have truthful opinions.

Brandon
Lubbock, TX