450 LXI

[davidbrady]

(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.