Van Hool Used Parts / Junkyard / Boneyard?

lostagain · July 07, 2018, 08:53:40 AM

In my opinion, based on my experience in the industry these last few years, is that Van Hool coaches are popular because they are cheaper than Prevost or MCI cars. The preferred bus in high end charter service is still the Prevost H3-45, followed closely by the MCI J4500. Van Hool is looked down upon as the Hyundai of buses. I have never driven one, but from what I hear they do ride nicely, but are cheaply made and junky.

JC

buswarrior · July 07, 2018, 09:10:16 AM

The double decker Van Drools do not stand up to the hard service that Megabus pounds into them.

Everything shakes loose, lots of hoist time to keep 'em going.

Running improvements between coach orders are extensive, they are trying to improve.

I'm not sure how close the savings of 81 seats and one driver and the down time versus running a set of J/D model line buses at 56 seats and 1 driver would compare.

Bigger resale market for the single decks? Only so many sightseeing operations to cut the roofs off...?

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

luvrbus · July 07, 2018, 11:37:55 AM

I drove a CX45 for about 250 miles those are nice buses a real plush interior,VanHool is opening a plant in the US so the business must be here

DoubleEagle · July 07, 2018, 05:40:38 PM

I've driven several Van Hool's with Detroit Series 60 and Cummins M11 engines. They did alright compared to the MCI's, and their turning radius was better. The side mirrors that hung from above were easy to snag and cost an awful lot to replace. The ones my company had did not seem to be down any more than the similar aged MCI's.

luvrbus · July 07, 2018, 07:03:19 PM

I don't think there is much difference in the price between the MCI,Prevost and VanHool,I recall when Don Laughlin was checking into buses in 2014 the base price was about the same $500,000 with no bells or whistles

Dave5Cs · July 08, 2018, 03:53:49 PM

But did they have Horns uhmmmm

Dave5Cs · July 08, 2018, 03:58:48 PM

The ones at the club by us in Thunder Valley and you see the 45 ft brand new Provosts' all shinny and fancy looking in front as well as the Van Hools but they are old and junky looking just dirty white, they drive up with the back tailgates opened as in overheated or trying to prevent it, LOL