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Old 12-18-2017, 09:12 PM   #1
Mini-Skoolie
 
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Location: Daytona Beach, FL
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Thomas Vistas

Hi, I see alot of folks with these old say like 94-97 thomas vista buses, are these good long lasting buses, are these usually a good buy ? I'm looking at one and its got just over 200,00o miles on it, just curious how others have experienced these very nice buses

thanks!

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Old 12-19-2017, 04:49 AM   #2
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Originally Posted by mdbutler79 View Post
Hi, I see alot of folks with these old say like 94-97 thomas vista buses, are these good long lasting buses, are these usually a good buy ? I'm looking at one and its got just over 200,00o miles on it, just curious how others have experienced these very nice buses

thanks!
IMO- They're one of the worst buses you can buy. Really crappy engine access, crappy ride.
THat said, I have a friend or two who are running around the country in Vista's.
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Old 12-19-2017, 08:26 PM   #3
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Vista fun

LOL, that's well worded and pretty funny!
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Old 12-20-2017, 08:05 AM   #4
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Charlie hating on my Vista again!

I have a 5 window Vista. I like it a lot. I've put nearly 30k miles on it since I bought it almost exactly one year ago.

Every bus has trade-offs. My Vista is easier to work on than a cutaway van, but you don't have the engine access you would with a full dog nose. THe work I've had to do on mine has been straightforward enough, I've replaced AC compressors, the alternator, and the glow plug relay, and the engine configuration was not a factor for any of these. The only time it's a pain is that you have to fill the oil from inside the bus.

The ride has only been annoying in Louisiana. I don't know why their roads are so messed up, they just are.

In the end I wouldn't consider the Vista better or worse than other options, it's just a different combination of the same parts you would get elsewhere. There are a lot of 3800 buses around and relatively few 3600 Vistas.

I've documented my experiences and journey here:
http://www.skoolie.net/forums/f27/sp...bus-17338.html
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Old 12-20-2017, 02:48 PM   #5
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The ride has only been annoying in Louisiana. I don't know why their roads are so messed up, they just are.
RIGHT?!?!? Wow, yeah, I recall Louisiana's buckin' bronco roads from a couple years back. That state has the worst roads of any I have travelled on in the US of A. Then you get to Texas and it's like your driving on pure sunshine..

EDIT: Don't know anything about the Vistas. Sorry. I sure do like the look of 'em, though!
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Old 12-20-2017, 03:37 PM   #6
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Thomas Vista... International 3600 - School Bus Fleet Magazine Forums

A good conversation from folks running Vistas on routes.
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Old 12-20-2017, 05:42 PM   #7
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There are 2 kinds of bus. The kind people complain about, and the kind nobody drives.
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Old 12-20-2017, 08:27 PM   #8
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There are 2 kinds of bus. The kind people complain about, and the kind nobody drives.
LOL my bus is BOTH kinds of bus. Nobody drives it (much) and I complain about it, too.
Vistas are a love them or hate them bus.
The lack of access is the main grip of mechanics, and the engine heat seems to be the main complaint of the drivers. I just don't like the harsh farm truck ride.

The quality control is what's known to be really hit or miss with the Vistas.
You two definitely got a good one.

I've seen the ones that didn't get the body properly set/leveled and they lean to one side.
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Old 12-21-2017, 07:29 AM   #9
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I can honestly say that the engine heat hasn't been an issue, the heat issue I have is the sun coming through all that glass!
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