1994 MCI 102D3 vs. 1999 Prevost La Mirage XL (Can't decide)

[wg4t50]

Michael,
That B500R Allison, does the R indicate it having the Retarder ?  That is a biggie if it has the retarder, many ++++

[michael11]

Michael,
That B500R Allison, does the R indicate it having the Retarder ?  That is a biggie if it has the retarder, many ++++

I am pretty sure the "R" is for retarder..

"GO Transit took delivery of 20 Prevost Le Mirage XL45 coaches in 1999. The coaches are all powered by the Detriot Diesel Series 60 engines and an Allison B500R5 transmission."

As found here:
http://www.kevinsbusrail.com/gotransit_prevost.html

[wg4t50]

If it has the retarder, it will have a switch to turn off when road is slick/wet to prevent sliding the drive axle. The setup can vary wildly, my setup also has a stick/lever on side panel with 6 positions to manual select the amount of effect, or can leave it at 0 and let it work in a 3 mode operation  1/3, 2/3 or full 3/3 effect,  on my setup the retarder is rated at 2,000 ft lb restriction to drive shaft max 3/3.  Along with the disk brakes, it will surprise you at the stopping, things will pile up from all over, in the front if you get on the brakes, unlike my MC7.

[TomC]

If you could find a truck with a C12 and 10spd Autoshift, you could pull the entire engine and replace it. Then you'd have the best of all worlds. Good Luck, TomC

[michael11]

I guess the official name is:

Allison World B500R5 transmission

[michael11]

Not sure how old this ad is... but it looks like they were $29,990 at one point:

http://www.bargainbusnews.com/Buses/2697-1999PrevostXL-40/

[Timkar]

I would go with the Prevost, but it doesn't matter which one you get, you'll always wonder...Did I get the right one    

[RJ]

Not sure how old this ad is... but it looks like they were $29,990 at one point:

http://www.bargainbusnews.com/Buses/2697-1999PrevostXL-40/

Michael -

As a newbie, you're not real familiar with that website, but it has a reputation of "stealing" ads from other places and then reposting on their site with increased prices.  Beware. . .

There's a factory Prevost conversion 20 minutes from me that's for sale, owner passed away.  Not sure of the year model, but the asking price on the "for sale" sign is $79K.  If interested, I can get the contact info for you.  It's just south of Fresno, CA.

As others have said, in today's severely depressed market, it's far better to pick up a completed coach and remodel rather than starting from scratch.  OTOH, as on of our long-term posters likes to say, "Do it your way!"

FWIW & HTH. . .

 

[luvrbus]

I don't follow you on this you say Go Transit took delivery on 20 XL45 buses is the one you are looking at part of that order ? if so it is missing 5 ft

[michael11]

I don't follow you on this you say Go Transit took delivery on 20 XL45 buses is the one you are looking at part of that order ? if so it is missing 5 ft

ahhh. Good point. Whoever put that info. up on that site made an error..

I stole the wrong info... 

[opus]

Get them both and let us know which one was the better deal. 

[michael11]

Get them both and let us know which one was the better deal. 

haha...If only I could....

[Jerry32]

Al I can say is that backing in to RV spots in some parks is a whole lot easier with an auto than a clutch.  When that clutch wears out that manual won't go. Jerry

[michael11]

Al I can say is that backing in to RV spots in some parks is a whole lot easier with an auto than a clutch.  When that clutch wears out that manual won't go. Jerry

Funny you mention that.. I was shunting some trucks at work tonight, and remembered just bad my left knee actually is..

[Scott & Heather]

Honestly, not trying to be different, but I wouldn't buy either personally. I'd keep looking. And I would be looking down south. Those southern coaches have so little rust it makes me want to cry we bought ours in Michigan and had a lot of welding repairs done while we had it stripped down to the frame. Manual tranny stinks, so that and rust makes me say no to the MCI and the Prevost/corrosion/bad vibes from seller/expensive tranny, all say no to that too...


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