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+--- Thread: Want to buy Bluebird (/showthread.php?tid=6018)
Want to buy Bluebird - martingregg598 - 11-23-2007 13:31
John, you are right in saying that at the end of 20 yr. a owner will
have paid $70,000 in interest, however, if one were to leave there
$100,000 properly invested in 21 yr, using the rule of 7, they will
have $800,000 in the bank and a old motor home worth something. Marty
Gregg
95 BMC 37
Kennewick WA
Want to buy Bluebird - Kurt Horvath - 11-23-2007 13:51
Marty,
All I can say is yes. I have cracked tiles and some minor grout problems around
the cabinets. I wanted to put in new tile with floor heating, but after reading
some of the recent posts on the question I think I'll live with what I've got
for a while. The guys at Parliment Coach told me eventually tiles will crack,
due to the frame and body flexing while underway. It's a roll of the dice, I
think the shorter coaches are more rigid in the frame and the body. While the
tiles are cracked none of them are coming off the floor. I have dropped several
heavy items on the tiles, never a problem with that. Knock on Wood!
When I bought my coach she pulled hard to the left. I had to replace the
airbags, shocks & weld upper shock mount left side, all the tie rod ends, and
drag link ends, and new tires, and of course alignment. It had 130,000 miles on
it at the time. As I recall some of the guys have had simular problems as I did
on our year coaches 95 PT-42. I don't know if this pertains to your coach,
Bluebird built the 42's chassie, I believe your BMC has a Spartan Mtn. Master
chassie. Take her to reputable shop and have them check it out. No let me change
that take her to several reputable shops, then make a decision on what needs to
be done. If anything, other than standard service. Never hurts to shop around.
Kurt Horvath
95 PT-42
10AC
----- Original Message ----
From: martingregg598
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 6:33:58 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
Hi Kurt, any Ideas why the tile cracked like it did on your coach? Did
the grout crack or the tile? On my coach no cracks, I have yet to drop
something heavy on the tile. I have never been a big rig guy so I can't
help but wonder when all those big front-end part ware out?
Marty Gregg
95 BMC 37
Kennewick WA
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Want to buy Bluebird - Pete Masterson - 11-23-2007 13:57
Hey, I wasn't saying that you shouldn't negotiate the best price you
can get from Mr. Oliver... My coach was originally listed on his web
site at $149k and I waited until he put it up on eBay (as he tends to
do if the coach doesn't move out in a reasonable time period) -- and
I paid the initial offering price on eBay at $119k plus a small Texas
transfer fee (under $200 as I recall) and necessary state
registration fees, etc. Since I purchased about 18 months ago, that
seems to be in line with (and better than most) BBs in similar age
and condition.
Of course, I'll add that I'd been on the WanderlogeForum as a
wannabe, and several folks suggested that I buy "George's bus" --
that was then at Mr. Olivers -- and after some exchanges with George
about the condition, I decided that it was the one that fit my needs
and budget.
I note that on Vintage Birds a 93 PT40 that caught my eye was offered
originally for $179K -- with an original listing date on VB of 1/05
(now shows 1/06) -- the asking price is "reduced" to $150K -- and
while the coach seems to be pretty good (as best one can tell from
photos -- I never went to look at this one because I felt the owner
was not asking a -reasonable- price) it's overpriced by at least 30
to 40K...
If you look at Vintage Birds and Bird Connection, you'll see many
coaches offered at unrealistic prices. It's endemic for owners to
overestimate the value -- particularly if they've owned the coach for
a time -- and if they've paid for various upgrades, etc.
I hope that when the time comes for me to sell "George's bus" that
I'll be able to price it realistically -- and then strike a bargain
that meets both my needs and the buyer's needs... I also realize that
I will not recover the cost of any of the upgrades/modifications I've
made. They were simply for my comfort or convenience -- and, of
course, maintenance expenses are not at all recoverable...
Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Lockhart Texas
On Nov 23, 2007, at 6:20 PM, Kurt Horvath wrote:
> I stopped at Mr. Olivers a few weeks ago and took a good look at
> the 95 PT-42 at the time he priced it, as is for $95,000 before he
> put a wrench to it, his words, I would keep looking, the paint was
> in poor condition and I would say she had been run hard and put up
> wet more than once. I did like the interior layout though. A little
> bit worn, But the one thing that I recall is none of the tiles in
> the kitchen or bathroon were cracked. I have a cracks that run
> front to back and two cracks that run side to side. The shower
> stall is a little smaller than the round glass type but it has more
> storage inside than mine has with lots of cabinets.The '97 was at
> the auction yard when I was there so I can't comment on it. But
> generally a coach that has been in use gets about 10,000 miles per
> year on average, I did 20,000 my first year so It may be in good
> running condition. I would have to be, to do that kind of mileage
> in 11 years, 18,500 a year MOL, Most every
> tech I ever spoke with said they would rather have a Bird that had
> high milage on than one that had low miles. These coaches were made
> to run not sit.
>
> Pete, I was hoping for a 10% finders fee
>
> Kurt Horvath
> 95 PT-42
> 10AC
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Pete Masterson
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 4:42:22 PM
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
>
> Having purchased my coach from Mr. Olivers, I can observe that he
> tends to price the RVs he carries at a very realistic price. $130,000
> does seem low for a 97 -- note that the '95 a bit further down the
> page is listed at $119,500.
>
> Looking at the photos (which can make the coach look a bit better
> than in person) it seems to be in fairly good condition. I suspect
> the high mileage is the key reason for the aggressive price (plus the
> more realistic pricing that Mr. Olivers tends to have when compared
> to the 'hopeful' asking price many owners seek (endlessly)) .
>
> As for "what needs to be replaced" -- probably no more than the usual
> unexpected replacements/ upgrades that most coaches end up needing...
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> aeonix1@mac. com
> On the road at Lockhart Texas
>
> On Nov 23, 2007, at 4:22 PM, martingregg598 wrote:
>
>> I am hearing you Gardner, Has anyone seen the 97 on Mr. Oliver's web
>> sight? It has 185,000 plus miles and the generator has 9000 hr. Is
>> there anyone out there with that may mile on that new of a coach.
>> Can't
>> help but wonder how much stuff needs to be replaced. $130,000 for
>> a 97
>> seems low.
>> Marty Gregg
>> 95 BMC 37
>> Kennewick WA.
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> ______________
> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
> http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
Want to buy Bluebird - Pete Masterson - 11-23-2007 14:01
I'll add that I had no cracks in the tile when we got our '95. A
'hard stop' opened the refrigerator, and something heavy fell out,
chipping one of the tiles on the surface. (An annoying cosmetic
issue, basically.) Learned a lesson -- I now put velcro strips around
the door handles to keep the refrigerator door from opening
unexpectedly -- and we open the door very carefully the first time
after we stop. (The home-style refrigerator does not have
particularly robust means of keeping it closed.)
Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Lockhart, Tx
On Nov 23, 2007, at 6:33 PM, martingregg598 wrote:
> Hi Kurt, any Ideas why the tile cracked like it did on your coach? Did
> the grout crack or the tile? On my coach no cracks, I have yet to drop
> something heavy on the tile. I have never been a big rig guy so I
> can't
> help but wonder when all those big front-end part ware out?
> Marty Gregg
> 95 BMC 37
> Kennewick WA
>
Want to buy Bluebird - maureyroad - 11-23-2007 14:07
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, "Larry Parmenter"
>
> Hi,
> We're looking for our first bird, 31-37 ft? Anyone with advice
would be welcome.
> Thanks,
> Larry & Linda
> Bandon, OR
>
> larrylarry75@...
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
Larry, since this is your first Blue Bird I would suggest caution.
These motorhomes are very expensive to repair and as they get newer
they get more complicated. It is no fun to be at the mercy of a
repair shop when something breaks but if you don't have the tools
and equipment you must pay someone else to do the repair. I think
just recently someone paid about 8K to have head gaskets replaced.
It is possible to have a 20K plus repair bill on a wanderlodge. And
the mechanics look at the coach and they know you are good for it.
You need to budget a reserve fund for repairs. It is possible you
will never use it but if you spend the whole budget on the purchase
price and then have to pay for a repair it can be difficult. I
would plan on a 30 percent reserve. So if your budget is $130 look
for a coach that costs $100 and leave the other $30 in the bank just
in case.
Dan
88PT38
Jackson, MS
Want to buy Bluebird - Pete Masterson - 11-23-2007 14:16
I had a 'shimmy' in the front end - and a pull to the right ... I
took my coach into Henderson's Line Up (in Grants Pass OR) and they
discovered that (1) the Blue Ox True Center unit installed by the
previous owner was bent and jammed. (2) The drag link needed a new
tie rod end. (3) The left front tire was ruined and (now) out-of-
round due to the wear caused by 1 and 2. I also had a shock mount
that was cracked.
I had the coach wheels aligned, the drag link was replaced (and a new
tire was installed), and a Safe-T-Plus unit was installed that
replaced the True Center unit. Both the True Center and Safe-T-Plus
have a dampener to help control steering and a "trim control" (dash
switch operated) to help relieve pressure on the steering due to road
crown, cross winds, etc. The shock mount was re-welded. The front
shocks, adjustable Koni's installed by the previous owner, were
tightened slightly.
(One might debate the addition of the Safe-T-Plus -- or the True
Center -- but it does seem to give a modest improvement to the
handling -- and the trim adjustment is a convenience that reduces
driver fatigue.)
The wear on the drag link didn't strike me as unreasonable on a
vehicle with 130,000 miles -- it might have been less likely if more
thorough preventative maintenance had been performed -- or not. The
components are large and heavy. But so is the vehicle. I've had front
end components on other vehicles (mostly automobiles) need attention
at similar (and less) distances -- one factor is the number of pot
holes, curbs hit, etc. that hammer on front end components. While one
vehicle might go 200,000 miles and not show appreciable wear, another
identical vehicle under more grueling conditions might show
significant wear after only 50,000 miles.
Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@...
On the road at Lockhart Texas
On Nov 23, 2007, at 7:51 PM, Kurt Horvath wrote:
> Marty,
>
> All I can say is yes. I have cracked tiles and some minor grout
> problems around the cabinets. I wanted to put in new tile with
> floor heating, but after reading some of the recent posts on the
> question I think I'll live with what I've got for a while. The guys
> at Parliment Coach told me eventually tiles will crack, due to the
> frame and body flexing while underway. It's a roll of the dice, I
> think the shorter coaches are more rigid in the frame and the body.
> While the tiles are cracked none of them are coming off the floor.
> I have dropped several heavy items on the tiles, never a problem
> with that. Knock on Wood!
>
> When I bought my coach she pulled hard to the left. I had to
> replace the airbags, shocks & weld upper shock mount left side, all
> the tie rod ends, and drag link ends, and new tires, and of course
> alignment. It had 130,000 miles on it at the time. As I recall some
> of the guys have had simular problems as I did on our year coaches
> 95 PT-42. I don't know if this pertains to your coach, Bluebird
> built the 42's chassie, I believe your BMC has a Spartan Mtn.
> Master chassie. Take her to reputable shop and have them check it
> out. No let me change that take her to several reputable shops,
> then make a decision on what needs to be done. If anything, other
> than standard service. Never hurts to shop around.
>
> Kurt Horvath
> 95 PT-42
> 10AC
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: martingregg598
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 6:33:58 PM
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
>
> Hi Kurt, any Ideas why the tile cracked like it did on your coach? Did
> the grout crack or the tile? On my coach no cracks, I have yet to drop
> something heavy on the tile. I have never been a big rig guy so I
> can't
> help but wonder when all those big front-end part ware out?
> Marty Gregg
> 95 BMC 37
> Kennewick WA
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________________
> ______________
> Be a better sports nut! Let your teams follow you
> with Yahoo Mobile. Try it now. http://mobile.yahoo.com/
> sports;_ylt=At9_qDKvtAbMuh1G1SQtBI7ntAcJ
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
Want to buy Bluebird - Kurt Horvath - 11-23-2007 14:29
Talk about negotiating, I called Country Coach last week just to see what they
give me on a trade in on a use Prevost. They looked up book value, about
$110,000.00 for a '95 PT-42'. The sales person then stated they would wholesale
it and that would be the trade in value. They offered me $65,000.00 for my Bird.
Birds have dropped in value the last few years which is good and bad. Bluebirds
have never been more affordable than they are now and the trend will probably
continue due mostly to the fact that most birds don't have slideouts.
Just keep looking you'll find just the right coach for the right price.
As far as I know the major diffrence between PT-42's and PT-43's are the way the
engine was mounted. They dropped the motor down into the frame 12" which in turn
created a walkin closet. I some convoluted thinking they figured they gained a
foot so the redesignated the '97 a 43' coach, but they are not 43' long they are
still 42' long
----- Original Message ----
From: Pete Masterson
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 7:57:28 PM
Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
Hey, I wasn't saying that you shouldn't negotiate the best price you
can get from Mr. Oliver... My coach was originally listed on his web
site at $149k and I waited until he put it up on eBay (as he tends to
do if the coach doesn't move out in a reasonable time period) -- and
I paid the initial offering price on eBay at $119k plus a small Texas
transfer fee (under $200 as I recall) and necessary state
registration fees, etc. Since I purchased about 18 months ago, that
seems to be in line with (and better than most) BBs in similar age
and condition.
Of course, I'll add that I'd been on the WanderlogeForum as a
wannabe, and several folks suggested that I buy "George's bus" --
that was then at Mr. Olivers -- and after some exchanges with George
about the condition, I decided that it was the one that fit my needs
and budget.
I note that on Vintage Birds a 93 PT40 that caught my eye was offered
originally for $179K -- with an original listing date on VB of 1/05
(now shows 1/06) -- the asking price is "reduced" to $150K -- and
while the coach seems to be pretty good (as best one can tell from
photos -- I never went to look at this one because I felt the owner
was not asking a -reasonable- price) it's overpriced by at least 30
to 40K...
If you look at Vintage Birds and Bird Connection, you'll see many
coaches offered at unrealistic prices. It's endemic for owners to
overestimate the value -- particularly if they've owned the coach for
a time -- and if they've paid for various upgrades, etc.
I hope that when the time comes for me to sell "George's bus" that
I'll be able to price it realistically -- and then strike a bargain
that meets both my needs and the buyer's needs... I also realize that
I will not recover the cost of any of the upgrades/modificati ons I've
made. They were simply for my comfort or convenience -- and, of
course, maintenance expenses are not at all recoverable. ..
Pete Masterson
'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
aeonix1@mac. com
On the road at Lockhart Texas
On Nov 23, 2007, at 6:20 PM, Kurt Horvath wrote:
> I stopped at Mr. Olivers a few weeks ago and took a good look at
> the 95 PT-42 at the time he priced it, as is for $95,000 before he
> put a wrench to it, his words, I would keep looking, the paint was
> in poor condition and I would say she had been run hard and put up
> wet more than once. I did like the interior layout though. A little
> bit worn, But the one thing that I recall is none of the tiles in
> the kitchen or bathroon were cracked. I have a cracks that run
> front to back and two cracks that run side to side. The shower
> stall is a little smaller than the round glass type but it has more
> storage inside than mine has with lots of cabinets.The '97 was at
> the auction yard when I was there so I can't comment on it. But
> generally a coach that has been in use gets about 10,000 miles per
> year on average, I did 20,000 my first year so It may be in good
> running condition. I would have to be, to do that kind of mileage
> in 11 years, 18,500 a year MOL, Most every
> tech I ever spoke with said they would rather have a Bird that had
> high milage on than one that had low miles. These coaches were made
> to run not sit.
>
> Pete, I was hoping for a 10% finders fee
>
> Kurt Horvath
> 95 PT-42
> 10AC
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Pete Masterson
> To: WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 4:42:22 PM
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
>
> Having purchased my coach from Mr. Olivers, I can observe that he
> tends to price the RVs he carries at a very realistic price. $130,000
> does seem low for a 97 -- note that the '95 a bit further down the
> page is listed at $119,500.
>
> Looking at the photos (which can make the coach look a bit better
> than in person) it seems to be in fairly good condition. I suspect
> the high mileage is the key reason for the aggressive price (plus the
> more realistic pricing that Mr. Olivers tends to have when compared
> to the 'hopeful' asking price many owners seek (endlessly)) .
>
> As for "what needs to be replaced" -- probably no more than the usual
> unexpected replacements/ upgrades that most coaches end up needing...
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> aeonix1@mac. com
> On the road at Lockhart Texas
>
> On Nov 23, 2007, at 4:22 PM, martingregg598 wrote:
>
>> I am hearing you Gardner, Has anyone seen the 97 on Mr. Oliver's web
>> sight? It has 185,000 plus miles and the generator has 9000 hr. Is
>> there anyone out there with that may mile on that new of a coach.
>> Can't
>> help but wonder how much stuff needs to be replaced. $130,000 for
>> a 97
>> seems low.
>> Marty Gregg
>> 95 BMC 37
>> Kennewick WA.
>>
>>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
> ____________ __
> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
> http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
________________________________________________________________________________\
____
Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Want to buy Bluebird - mbulriss - 11-23-2007 14:51
>They offered me $65,000.00 for my Bird.
That's an insult. There are sales people and there are thieves. I
wouldn't be wasting any breath talking with those folks again.
Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX
--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Kurt Horvath
>
> Talk about negotiating, I called Country Coach last week just to see
what they give me on a trade in on a use Prevost. They looked up book
value, about $110,000.00 for a '95 PT-42'. The sales person then
stated they would wholesale it and that would be the trade in value.
They offered me $65,000.00 for my Bird.
>
> Birds have dropped in value the last few years which is good and
bad. Bluebirds have never been more affordable than they are now and
the trend will probably continue due mostly to the fact that most
birds don't have slideouts.
>
> Just keep looking you'll find just the right coach for the right price.
>
> As far as I know the major diffrence between PT-42's and PT-43's are
the way the engine was mounted. They dropped the motor down into the
frame 12" which in turn created a walkin closet. I some convoluted
thinking they figured they gained a foot so the redesignated the '97 a
43' coach, but they are not 43' long they are still 42' long
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Pete Masterson
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 7:57:28 PM
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
>
> Hey, I wasn't saying that you shouldn't negotiate the best price you
> can get from Mr. Oliver... My coach was originally listed on his web
> site at $149k and I waited until he put it up on eBay (as he tends to
> do if the coach doesn't move out in a reasonable time period) -- and
> I paid the initial offering price on eBay at $119k plus a small Texas
> transfer fee (under $200 as I recall) and necessary state
> registration fees, etc. Since I purchased about 18 months ago, that
> seems to be in line with (and better than most) BBs in similar age
> and condition.
>
> Of course, I'll add that I'd been on the WanderlogeForum as a
> wannabe, and several folks suggested that I buy "George's bus" --
> that was then at Mr. Olivers -- and after some exchanges with George
> about the condition, I decided that it was the one that fit my needs
> and budget.
>
> I note that on Vintage Birds a 93 PT40 that caught my eye was offered
> originally for $179K -- with an original listing date on VB of 1/05
> (now shows 1/06) -- the asking price is "reduced" to $150K -- and
> while the coach seems to be pretty good (as best one can tell from
> photos -- I never went to look at this one because I felt the owner
> was not asking a -reasonable- price) it's overpriced by at least 30
> to 40K...
>
> If you look at Vintage Birds and Bird Connection, you'll see many
> coaches offered at unrealistic prices. It's endemic for owners to
> overestimate the value -- particularly if they've owned the coach for
> a time -- and if they've paid for various upgrades, etc.
>
> I hope that when the time comes for me to sell "George's bus" that
> I'll be able to price it realistically -- and then strike a bargain
> that meets both my needs and the buyer's needs... I also realize that
> I will not recover the cost of any of the upgrades/modificati ons I've
> made. They were simply for my comfort or convenience -- and, of
> course, maintenance expenses are not at all recoverable. ..
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> aeonix1@mac. com
> On the road at Lockhart Texas
>
> On Nov 23, 2007, at 6:20 PM, Kurt Horvath wrote:
>
> > I stopped at Mr. Olivers a few weeks ago and took a good look at
> > the 95 PT-42 at the time he priced it, as is for $95,000 before he
> > put a wrench to it, his words, I would keep looking, the paint was
> > in poor condition and I would say she had been run hard and put up
> > wet more than once. I did like the interior layout though. A little
> > bit worn, But the one thing that I recall is none of the tiles in
> > the kitchen or bathroon were cracked. I have a cracks that run
> > front to back and two cracks that run side to side. The shower
> > stall is a little smaller than the round glass type but it has more
> > storage inside than mine has with lots of cabinets.The '97 was at
> > the auction yard when I was there so I can't comment on it. But
> > generally a coach that has been in use gets about 10,000 miles per
> > year on average, I did 20,000 my first year so It may be in good
> > running condition. I would have to be, to do that kind of mileage
> > in 11 years, 18,500 a year MOL, Most every
> > tech I ever spoke with said they would rather have a Bird that had
> > high milage on than one that had low miles. These coaches were made
> > to run not sit.
> >
> > Pete, I was hoping for a 10% finders fee
> >
> > Kurt Horvath
> > 95 PT-42
> > 10AC
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----
> > From: Pete Masterson
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com
> > Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 4:42:22 PM
> > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
> >
> > Having purchased my coach from Mr. Olivers, I can observe that he
> > tends to price the RVs he carries at a very realistic price. $130,000
> > does seem low for a 97 -- note that the '95 a bit further down the
> > page is listed at $119,500.
> >
> > Looking at the photos (which can make the coach look a bit better
> > than in person) it seems to be in fairly good condition. I suspect
> > the high mileage is the key reason for the aggressive price (plus the
> > more realistic pricing that Mr. Olivers tends to have when compared
> > to the 'hopeful' asking price many owners seek (endlessly)) .
> >
> > As for "what needs to be replaced" -- probably no more than the usual
> > unexpected replacements/ upgrades that most coaches end up needing...
> >
> > Pete Masterson
> > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> > aeonix1@mac. com
> > On the road at Lockhart Texas
> >
> > On Nov 23, 2007, at 4:22 PM, martingregg598 wrote:
> >
> >> I am hearing you Gardner, Has anyone seen the 97 on Mr. Oliver's web
> >> sight? It has 185,000 plus miles and the generator has 9000 hr. Is
> >> there anyone out there with that may mile on that new of a coach.
> >> Can't
> >> help but wonder how much stuff needs to be replaced. $130,000 for
> >> a 97
> >> seems low.
> >> Marty Gregg
> >> 95 BMC 37
> >> Kennewick WA.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
> > ____________ __
> > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
> > http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
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> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
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Want to buy Bluebird - Kurt Horvath - 11-23-2007 15:00
Don't worry Mike that goes without saying, she's still in the nest.
----- Original Message ----
From: mbulriss <mbulriss@...>
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 8:51:48 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
>They offered me $65,000.00 for my Bird.
That's an insult. There are sales people and there are thieves. I
wouldn't be wasting any breath talking with those folks again.
Mike Bulriss
1991 WB40 "Texas Minivan"
San Antonio, TX
--- In WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com, Kurt Horvath
>
> Talk about negotiating, I called Country Coach last week just to see
what they give me on a trade in on a use Prevost. They looked up book
value, about $110,000.00 for a '95 PT-42'. The sales person then
stated they would wholesale it and that would be the trade in value.
They offered me $65,000.00 for my Bird.
>
> Birds have dropped in value the last few years which is good and
bad. Bluebirds have never been more affordable than they are now and
the trend will probably continue due mostly to the fact that most
birds don't have slideouts.
>
> Just keep looking you'll find just the right coach for the right price.
>
> As far as I know the major diffrence between PT-42's and PT-43's are
the way the engine was mounted. They dropped the motor down into the
frame 12" which in turn created a walkin closet. I some convoluted
thinking they figured they gained a foot so the redesignated the '97 a
43' coach, but they are not 43' long they are still 42' long
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Pete Masterson
> To: WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com
> Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 7:57:28 PM
> Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
>
> Hey, I wasn't saying that you shouldn't negotiate the best price you
> can get from Mr. Oliver... My coach was originally listed on his web
> site at $149k and I waited until he put it up on eBay (as he tends to
> do if the coach doesn't move out in a reasonable time period) -- and
> I paid the initial offering price on eBay at $119k plus a small Texas
> transfer fee (under $200 as I recall) and necessary state
> registration fees, etc. Since I purchased about 18 months ago, that
> seems to be in line with (and better than most) BBs in similar age
> and condition.
>
> Of course, I'll add that I'd been on the WanderlogeForum as a
> wannabe, and several folks suggested that I buy "George's bus" --
> that was then at Mr. Olivers -- and after some exchanges with George
> about the condition, I decided that it was the one that fit my needs
> and budget.
>
> I note that on Vintage Birds a 93 PT40 that caught my eye was offered
> originally for $179K -- with an original listing date on VB of 1/05
> (now shows 1/06) -- the asking price is "reduced" to $150K -- and
> while the coach seems to be pretty good (as best one can tell from
> photos -- I never went to look at this one because I felt the owner
> was not asking a -reasonable- price) it's overpriced by at least 30
> to 40K...
>
> If you look at Vintage Birds and Bird Connection, you'll see many
> coaches offered at unrealistic prices. It's endemic for owners to
> overestimate the value -- particularly if they've owned the coach for
> a time -- and if they've paid for various upgrades, etc.
>
> I hope that when the time comes for me to sell "George's bus" that
> I'll be able to price it realistically -- and then strike a bargain
> that meets both my needs and the buyer's needs... I also realize that
> I will not recover the cost of any of the upgrades/modificati ons I've
> made. They were simply for my comfort or convenience -- and, of
> course, maintenance expenses are not at all recoverable. ..
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> aeonix1@mac. com
> On the road at Lockhart Texas
>
> On Nov 23, 2007, at 6:20 PM, Kurt Horvath wrote:
>
> > I stopped at Mr. Olivers a few weeks ago and took a good look at
> > the 95 PT-42 at the time he priced it, as is for $95,000 before he
> > put a wrench to it, his words, I would keep looking, the paint was
> > in poor condition and I would say she had been run hard and put up
> > wet more than once. I did like the interior layout though. A little
> > bit worn, But the one thing that I recall is none of the tiles in
> > the kitchen or bathroon were cracked. I have a cracks that run
> > front to back and two cracks that run side to side. The shower
> > stall is a little smaller than the round glass type but it has more
> > storage inside than mine has with lots of cabinets.The '97 was at
> > the auction yard when I was there so I can't comment on it. But
> > generally a coach that has been in use gets about 10,000 miles per
> > year on average, I did 20,000 my first year so It may be in good
> > running condition. I would have to be, to do that kind of mileage
> > in 11 years, 18,500 a year MOL, Most every
> > tech I ever spoke with said they would rather have a Bird that had
> > high milage on than one that had low miles. These coaches were made
> > to run not sit.
> >
> > Pete, I was hoping for a 10% finders fee
> >
> > Kurt Horvath
> > 95 PT-42
> > 10AC
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message ----
> > From: Pete Masterson
> > To: WanderlodgeForum@ yahoogroups. com
> > Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 4:42:22 PM
> > Subject: Re: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
> >
> > Having purchased my coach from Mr. Olivers, I can observe that he
> > tends to price the RVs he carries at a very realistic price. $130,000
> > does seem low for a 97 -- note that the '95 a bit further down the
> > page is listed at $119,500.
> >
> > Looking at the photos (which can make the coach look a bit better
> > than in person) it seems to be in fairly good condition. I suspect
> > the high mileage is the key reason for the aggressive price (plus the
> > more realistic pricing that Mr. Olivers tends to have when compared
> > to the 'hopeful' asking price many owners seek (endlessly)) .
> >
> > As for "what needs to be replaced" -- probably no more than the usual
> > unexpected replacements/ upgrades that most coaches end up needing...
> >
> > Pete Masterson
> > '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> > aeonix1@mac. com
> > On the road at Lockhart Texas
> >
> > On Nov 23, 2007, at 4:22 PM, martingregg598 wrote:
> >
> >> I am hearing you Gardner, Has anyone seen the 97 on Mr. Oliver's web
> >> sight? It has 185,000 plus miles and the generator has 9000 hr. Is
> >> there anyone out there with that may mile on that new of a coach.
> >> Can't
> >> help but wonder how much stuff needs to be replaced. $130,000 for
> >> a 97
> >> seems low.
> >> Marty Gregg
> >> 95 BMC 37
> >> Kennewick WA.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
> > ____________ __
> > Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
> > http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
>
>
____________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _
> Never miss a thing. Make Yahoo your home page.
> http://www.yahoo. com/r/hs
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
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Want to buy Bluebird - Leroy Eckert - 11-23-2007 16:32
I would like to convey my years of experience in the tile and stone business. It
is possible to install a tile floor in a BB that will not break bond. I cannot
tell you the probability of success.. The more @#$% you do to prevent it the
greater the probability of success. It requires planning and proper
installation. Each installation is different. However, utilizing an elastomeric
membrane under the tile is the best shot to prevent telegraphing.
Grout cracking is a result of the tile breaking bond. (cause and effect) Grout
will never if properly installed, crack just because, unless something else is
loose. Small chips in glazed ceramic tile can be repaired or covered using
appliance paint. What you cannot see will not give you heartburn. Through body
Porcelein is unlikely to chip.
Installation should be performed by someone who isn't attending his first rodeo.
Typically, listening to a sales rep or some other tech at a RV sales house will
get you broke.
Kurt Horvath
All I can say is yes. I have cracked tiles and some minor grout problems
around the cabinets. I wanted to put in new tile with floor heating, but after
reading some of the recent posts on the question I think I'll live with what
I've got for a while. The guys at Parliment Coach told me eventually tiles will
crack, due to the frame and body flexing while underway. It's a roll of the
dice, I think the shorter coaches are more rigid in the frame and the body.
While the tiles are cracked none of them are coming off the floor. I have
dropped several heavy items on the tiles, never a problem with that. Knock on
Wood!
When I bought my coach she pulled hard to the left. I had to replace the
airbags, shocks & weld upper shock mount left side, all the tie rod ends, and
drag link ends, and new tires, and of course alignment. It had 130,000 miles on
it at the time. As I recall some of the guys have had simular problems as I did
on our year coaches 95 PT-42. I don't know if this pertains to your coach,
Bluebird built the 42's chassie, I believe your BMC has a Spartan Mtn. Master
chassie. Take her to reputable shop and have them check it out. No let me change
that take her to several reputable shops, then make a decision on what needs to
be done. If anything, other than standard service. Never hurts to shop around.
Kurt Horvath
95 PT-42
10AC
----- Original Message ----
From: martingregg598
To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2007 6:33:58 PM
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Re: Want to buy Bluebird
Hi Kurt, any Ideas why the tile cracked like it did on your coach? Did
the grout crack or the tile? On my coach no cracks, I have yet to drop
something heavy on the tile. I have never been a big rig guy so I can't
help but wonder when all those big front-end part ware out?
Marty Gregg
95 BMC 37
Kennewick WA
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Leroy Eckert
1990 WB-40 "Smoke N Mirrors"
Dahlonega, GA
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