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02-07-2017, 04:22 PM
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#1
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New Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Outer Banks, NC
Posts: 6
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Would you buy? 1995 Thomas Vista
Hi bus-minded people, my husband and I are about to bite the bullet on a 1995 Thomas built Vista 66 passenger with a DT466m and an AT545 with 180k miles for $3,250. We're looking at this bus to convert to a full time travelling home for our family of 2 dogs, 2 cats, and our son. Our question is, would anyone that has experience with this bus recommend it? Space/Mechanics/Reliabilty input is appreciated. Thanks!
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02-07-2017, 04:45 PM
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#2
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 58
Chassis: Crown Supercoach
Engine: Detroit Diesel 6-71 Mid-ship
Rated Cap: 78
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Well, the d466 is a fine modern engine. The 545 is ok, but not great on the highway. Thomas is a fine body manufacturer.
BUT the real question is the condition, rust, etc. that I can't answer without pics!
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02-07-2017, 04:51 PM
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#3
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New Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Outer Banks, NC
Posts: 6
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Here are some of the photos, we haven't seen the bus in person.
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02-07-2017, 04:54 PM
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#4
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 58
Chassis: Crown Supercoach
Engine: Detroit Diesel 6-71 Mid-ship
Rated Cap: 78
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Meh. Not terrible not great.
Devil's in the details and the rust.
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02-07-2017, 05:00 PM
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#5
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New Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Outer Banks, NC
Posts: 6
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We've been told it isn't loaded with rust. My concern is the body damage, age, and transmission. Which we would like to replace
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02-07-2017, 05:02 PM
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#6
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Mini-Skoolie
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Oakland, Ca
Posts: 58
Chassis: Crown Supercoach
Engine: Detroit Diesel 6-71 Mid-ship
Rated Cap: 78
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For over 3K, get a bus with the transmission you want already installed. It's a huge project to change.
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02-07-2017, 06:35 PM
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#7
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Not that great a deal and not the ideal bus for highway miles and comfort.
They ride like farm implements.
SOrry vista owners, but that's my opinion after a ride in one.
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02-07-2017, 07:15 PM
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#8
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Dowdy Lakes, Colorado
Posts: 1,444
Year: 1989
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Saf-T-Liner ER
Engine: 3208 CAT/MT643 tranny
Rated Cap: 87
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I agree, you're better off waiting for the engine/tranny combo you want and need along with the gear ratios for highway use. My vote would be "pass" and wait for the one you really want. It took us three years of being extremely picky and getting us what we wanted at the price point we were looking for. It was sooooooo worth the wait!!!!!!!!
M
__________________
Firearms stand next in importance to the Constitution itself. They are the American people’s liberty teeth and keystone under independence. — George Washington
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02-07-2017, 09:20 PM
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#9
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Bus Crazy
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Winlcok, WA
Posts: 2,233
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At $2K that would be a great bus.
Over $3K that bus is not even so so.
With the AT545 transmission the engine is probably, at the most, set at 190 HP. It could be as low as 160 HP. So while it is a great engine, in that bus it is more probably going to be a slug that rides hard and it won't go very fast anywhere.
Take your time and find a better bus.
Good luck and happy trails to you!
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02-08-2017, 10:37 AM
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#10
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New Member
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Outer Banks, NC
Posts: 6
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Thank you all for your input! We're hard pressed to find the drivetrain we'd like in our area. Looks like we'll have to go further North or West
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02-08-2017, 01:34 PM
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#11
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Bus Geek
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Eustis FLORIDA
Posts: 23,764
Year: 1999
Coachwork: Thomas
Chassis: Freighliner FS65
Engine: Cat 3126
Rated Cap: 15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by minitoba
Thank you all for your input! We're hard pressed to find the drivetrain we'd like in our area. Looks like we'll have to go further North or West
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Go as far as you need to.
A solid AZ or CO bus is hard to beat.
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