Which Prevost?

[Mike in GA]

We may be in the market for a bus upgrade. Currently driving an MCI 96a3. We love it but for the next 5 to 10 years we thought we might want to do it in a little more style.
     We're looking at Prevost coaches ranging from 1995 to 2000. Is there much difference aside from the obvious appearance between the XL and the H-3 series? 
      Someone said that there is an independent front end suspension upgrade on newer coaches that is very desirable.
        Also which of the Series 60s is better? I have heard that the ones with fewer EPA devices are superior. Your input would be appreciated as always!
Mike in GA

[luvrbus]

The IFS on Prevost  came out in late 1996 if they have been upgrade it is ok if not you can spend 10K on one in a hurry,they made improvements in 2000 ,but really didn't get all the bugs out till 2003 now they are solid.Check  the recalls and be sure they were done,anything below 2000 will have a pre EGR series 60 a + 

[chessie4905]

Here's a little info... More searching should help also. I only looked at this one.

http://forum.prevostownersgroup.com/archive/index.php/t-4841.html

[luvrbus]

Prevosts do have a complex air system they use a lot of Norgren valves everywhere

[lostagain]

If your heart is set on a Prevost, great, it is a really good coach.

But here is my biased opinion:

I have been driving MCIs for 45 years. They always have been a really solid bus. Relatively simple to work on and maintain. Just a good bus, period.

I have driven Prevost Le Mirages, XLs, and H3s from the 90s to 2017s, and an 18 this summer.

Prevost has improved steadily over the years. The H3 is a great luxury coach. Especially with the IFS. Nice smooth ride. But, as Clifford points out, it can get expensive to maintain. Prevost buses are more complex in all their systems: French, lol. So it makes them harder to maintain.

Prevost have always been less solid than MCIs. Even the brand new 17s and 18s rattle in the roof, windshield and door area when the pavement is rough. MCIs not nearly as much.

Prevost buses are over-rated. I think it comes from the fact that Prevost really pushes their motor home and entertainer shells. They do a great marketing  job at that. Something that MCI has given up years ago. The newer Prevost motor homes and entertainers undeniably look good and sharp and classy, but don't be swayed by looks only.

Given a Prevost or an MCI, I would take the MCI any day...

The 12.7 liter S60, pre EGR, with the 6 speed Allison B500, is a great power train. I also prefer Jakes rather than a transmission retarder that puts out a lot of heat.

JC

[luvrbus]

The German made Knorr/Bremse brake system on those models are a great brakes but WOW when parts are needed you have to sell the farm

[Boomer]

Focus on '99-'01.  They will have the DDEC IV engine, pre EGR and much better.  Also in late '98 Prevost came out with two nice upgrades, the new instrument panel and the duel Bosch alternators.  Both much preferred. Also have the Knorr Bremse disc brakes, the best out there. Get all the manuals and stay in contact with your regional service manager.  Prevost has the best service in the industry.  IFS has already been discussed. When the XLII shell coaches came out they had siding issues, if you go for one make sure the siding issues have been corrected (adhesives failed under the polished stainless).  Differences between the H and XL is obvious. Plan on replacing all the Norgren valves and push on fittings right off the bat.  I have owned and operated both as well as MCI.  In today's market you should be able to find a low milage 99-01 for a low price.  Suggest you peruse Prevost Community for a while before deciding. HTH

[buswarrior]

Style?

cough cough...

The superior coach manufacturer on the continent won't give the converters extended credit for their shells,

The inferior coach manufacturer gives 'em the coach and says pay me when you can...

And then there was Eagle...

Follow the money, it will set you free?

happy coaching!
buswarrior

[Branderson]

I like Newells better.  I think they are less expensive and it seems a lot of the Prevost don't have slides.  You can get a 2-3 slide Newell around 99-00 for 100-120k.

Prevosts sure are pretty though. I'm a sucker for polished aluminum siding.

[bandsaw]

Hello, I assume you are wanting a completed conversion rather than a shell. A converted H3 is  tall and I am frequently driving in the middle of the road to avoid tree damage.  The tall bays are very nice when you need to work on systems (you can sit upright without hitting your head).  If I am not mistaken the GVW on the H3 is significantly higher than other shells.  I had a guy freaking out on my methods for doing a conversion.  He said I would be way overweight.  I am converting a H3-41 and the GVW on a 41 is the same GVW as a 45. I am actually a long way from the weight limit.  I started converting a MCI 102C3 and switched to a early '98 H3. Haul that dinosaur home, put it in your driveway and it will start eating your money!

[TomC]

I would take a used Newell anyday. It is the only motorhome manufacturer making the complete motorhome from the ground up.

[chessie4905]

It'll never be considered in the class with the Prevost, even if they are real nice. Many love Bluebirds too. I guess it really depends on your tastes.

[luvrbus]

It'll never be considered in the class with the Prevost, even if they are real nice. Many love Bluebirds too. I guess it really depends on your tastes.

All depends on the dollar amount there are so many high end conversions on the market now it is almost like used car dealers 

[lostagain]

In the end, it is like Ford versus Chevy, they are all as good or as bad as the others, they all need maintenance and repairs, and people in old VW vans, schoolies, and Winnebagos have just as much fun as we have. It really is a matter of personal preference.

I still maintain that Prevosts are over-rated

In the commercial charter business, a bus company has to have some Prevosts, because some tour companies demand them, because they are perceived as better, higher class. Although a MCI J4500 is as good, or better in some respects, like quieter with the Cummins ISX, and rides better with the new ZF independent front suspension. Bus drivers nowadays are about equally divided on their preference between the two brands.

Sorry, this is off topic since the OP was asking about years 1995 to 2000. I would look at MCI D3, or DL3 for those years. I think they generally have held up better than Prevost cars of the same vintage.

JC

[chessie4905]

He didn't state whether he was looking for a shell of already converted. If already converted, it won't matter which one holds up better as the mileage most likely won't be in the hundreds of thousands of miles. Is the MCI owner's group as big as the Prevost group? Just curious on this question.