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Beauty may be only skin deep
Page 66
Page 67
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NOT ALL coach jobs require top class vehicles nor do they all provide top class revenue. As a result there is, and probably always will be, a vast turnover of used passenger vehicles. This is particularly so with vehicles in the luxury-coach class and in this article I shall endeavour to set out some of the points that should be taken into account when setting out to purchase such a coach.
First and foremost one must ask oneself "What sort of work do I want to do with the machine?" Until this requirement is defined, a prospective buyer cannot possibly be objective about vehicles he is viewing. For instance, a five-year old simplyfurnished mass-produced coach which might serve very well indeed the needs of a twice-daily school service could hardly be expected to complete an exacting season's operation between London Victoria and Bournemouth. Neither would it be economical to purchase a heavy custombuilt vehicle to work a schools' service, for on short distance work this would most likely be heavier on fuel, and maintenance costs would probably be no lower than those incurred with a less-expensive machine. So the first rule, and this applies to any purchasing exercise, is to define the use to which a vehicle is to be put.
With quite astonishing rises in fitters' wages--mainly through supply and demand—the cost of vehicle engineering work has now become greater than that or body repairs. Furthermore, because p.s.v. bodies have largely advanced beyond the timber-framed assembly to a steel or composite-framed unit, it is highly unlikely that any coach of an age and condition sufficient to obtain a fitness certificate will be suffering more than superficial knocks and bruises. These should be relatively inexpensive to repair and it is obvious that more attention must now be paid to the mechanical condition of a second-hand coach than to the bodywork.
Need for vetting All the usual mechanical items need vetting and, as with other types of vehicle, be suspicious of the one with only 70,000 miles or so on the clock which is claimed to have a new engine. If this is the case find out why. It may turn out that some component has failed prematurely, in which case this is a good buy. On the other hand, the mileage may be fictitious or perhaps the vehicle has been badly maintained or handled. In either case there will probably be a good deal more trouble just round the corner.
The general appearance of a coach will give a good idea of the sort of life it has had but there are exceptions to the rule. For instance, a vehicle that has worked local tours in and out of tiny West Country fishing ports might well have a few more scrapes than that which has toured the Fenland tulip fields. It may well be, though, that while the former has covered a relatively low mileage and seldom exceeded 50mph because of the road situation in the West Country, the latter could have been thrashed up and down sections of motorway. This is unlikely to enhance its mechanical condition. Normally, though, a machine that looks well cared for will prove to be so.
One of a 'breed' Another point to consider is whether or not a particular used coach is one of a "breed" that was good when new. Rather like wine, with coaches there are good and bad years. Many have not turned out to be either what their makers, or indeed their first operators, had hoped they would be. Certain types can be seen for sale which at first sight seem to be terrific bargains. However, a little research often shows up a history of leaks, rattles, draughts, component failures and general breakdowns which have made the first owner only too glad to see the back of them.
On the other hand, there are a number of vehicles, often from the same makers as those mentioned above, that have surpassed not only the makers' expectations but which have proved so hard-wearing and reliable in service that, even when a number of years old and after many thousands of miles of service, they will still fetch an extremely good resale price.
A number of famous names in the p.s.v. manufacturing field have disappeared in the past decade or so. A reason in some cases may have been the poor after-sales service they offered. This is an important point to remember when buying a used vehicle. Check if possible what spares availability is like before buying.
Remember, the finest vehicle can be involved in accidents on occasions. Even if the maker considers that his product will never fail—and in this he could not be more
wrong—there are always the unfortunate accidents that will disable a vehicle no matter how good it is. To be able to get the necessary parts ,to repair a vehicle which has suffered in this way. makes it possible to keep losses at least to a minimum. Waiting weeks on end for parts, as is not unusual, can be catastrophic for a small man who runs perhaps only one or two vehicles. Remember when purchasing a used coach that £100 saved at the time of buying might well land an operator in the spare parts "no man's land" at any time from the moment he starts using the vehicle. The second point to remember, then, is to buy a popular well-backed make and try to ensure that like wine it is of good vintage.
One of the very best methods of being sure you will not get caught is of course to deal with a reputable organization. Fly-by-night dealers can jump in and make a killing with a batch of cheap vehicles which may well seem to be just what an operator is looking for. Later on, however, when the day of reckoning comes it's ten to one on that your man will have closed up shop and disappeared.
Even when dealing with above-board companies, however, it is worth while trying to buy a vehicle straight out of service and if possible to see and talk to the operator who last had it to get some background information. No dealer worth his salt will object to this.
Passenger vehicles must of course have a certificate of fitness before a carriage licence will be granted. A new vehicle after being approved by an MoT inspector—and every individual one is—is issued with a certificate which permits its operation for seven years subject to its passing an annual mechanical inspection. When the seven-year period has expired, vehicles are presented for further