450 LXI

[tcandt]

(11-21-2013 13:21)davidbrady Wrote:  

(11-19-2013 13:41)Bird Owner Wrote:  David,

I can't speak for Newell or Prevost but can say, without a doubt, that of the three types of Wanderlodges I've owned (1990 PT40, 1999 LXi43, and M450) the M450, hands down is the best of the bunch. I have not needed Johnney or Allen's service but have relied on technicians from Coachcraft (many x-Blue Bird employees) and Parliament/Coachworx for competent service. I am sure there are others as well. 95% of the "package" is not Blue Bird specific. Cat or Detroit, Allison, Meritor, Bendix, Girard, etc, etc, etc. All parts ARE available, you need to know where to look. The M450 is, every bit a bus, (read the 500,000 mile report) and my local bus mechanics love to work on it. I'll stick with Blue Bird until I no longer own a coach.

Rich,

Again, doesn't it depend on the lens you're looking thru and the use-case of the owner? We've been over it before but I guess it bears repeating. Some owners want a coach to drive to Costa Rica, so limited electronics, weight and light offroad use may be foremost on their minds. Other's may want a coach that's County, State, and Federal Campground compatible where length issues are a large consideration. Other's may not be very hands-on so they want a coach that has a manufacturer standing behind the slide-out systems and behind the other coach systems, suspension for instance. I could go on. The point is each can only be rated as good, better, or best in terms of how it meets the needs of the owner's use-case. Not to speak for you but I think what you're saying is that for your needs the M450 was best. Remember, at some point assuming we're still in the game we are all either buyers or sellers.

Actually, this started as a "what's better" luxury coach discussion, not all comers; Prevost, Newhall, and M450. Like others, I have considered all 3. In comparison walks through at shows, the M450 was the best layout and decor style we found. Style is in the eye of the beholder. I actually prefer slightly the Prevost H3-45 body style over the M450 and all Prevost and Bird body styles are better than the Newall.

In the short time I have owned my 450, I have found it to be heads above the Blue Birds of before. I can still get it repaired when I need it. I am still learning so I have Johnney Anderson on retainer. If I had a recent vintage Prevost or Newhall, I would have an equivalent Johnney on retainer if they exist. My repairs are made with a Platinum card unfortunately. Given a choice of one, I would drive any of the three but I started with Blue Bird and will stick with one as long as I can. When I can't, Prevost might be my next choice.