I am about to purchase a 98 Limo by Krystal Koach

[pbunyan]

It has 40k miles.Some old rich guy is selling it to me. He never used it. Its a 10 passenger, has 3 opera llights on the side. Has tv, sunroof, dvd, etc. It looks pretty much like a standara 98 Krystal Koach limo.

Are there any common problems with these cars? I have a 98 TC now (Just replaced the COPs) so I am familiar with them. I also had a 91 TC for 4 years.

[v8_dave]

Besides not knowing what your going to do with it, it should be a good solid cars like yours. These '98+ are pretty bulletproof.

[pbunyan]

V8_dave,
Oh I know exactly what I am going to try to do with it. I think I may be in danger of losing my job, so I am trying to get a 'Backup plan' in place. I have a friend from high school that has a couple of Executive TCs. The plan is to get his Limo work, and whatever else I can pickup. He said he can drive or he has a driver for me. I know a little about Town Cars, but nothing about limos. Mechanically it runs great so at least I have that in my favor. I may have to re shellac a small section in there, but I have a friend who can do it for me. Other than that its good to go. Oh wait, the sunroof doesnt open but thats ok with me, my passengers dont need to be hanging out the sunroof any ways :-)

[Randy]

Other than the normal problems TC's have, you need to check

1 - The charging system, ideally you want a twin alternator setup with twin batterys
2 - Front end suspension - It carries a lot of additional weight and suspect components should be replaced immediatly - Top balljoints, Pitman arms and idler arms are almost annual changes
3 - Air Con - Leaks in the back can be a nightmare to find and generally need bespoke pipework.
4 - Rear Axle - Its a truck axle fitted with drum brakes. Check the endfloat as the LSD clutches can wear at low mileages if a driver has a heavy right foot or shifts through the box from Drive to Reverse when moving.
5 - The coachbuilder electrics -check it all works as it can be expensive and time consuming to replace
6 - Corrosion can be a problem in the stretch section. The metal is thin and the paint not fantastic. Check the door shuts, along the chrome strips and around the windows. It can be expensive to fix.

Hope that helps

[v8_dave]

Oh good! Yea, listen to Randy, he has the experience. About your new business adventure though, go now to apply for your livery license. You need to have a good driving record is all in CT anyway, but I think it takes a few weeks or longer. This way you will be all set to start transporting partygoers, etc. You will also need a special license to serve alcohol in the limo too. There are a few good limo forums you can get on too, but don't get discouraged when they tell you there is no money in the business.

[pbunyan]

Other than the normal problems TC's have, you need to check

1 - The charging system, ideally you want a twin alternator setup with twin batterys
2 - Front end suspension - It carries a lot of additional weight and suspect components should be replaced immediatly - Top balljoints, Pitman arms and idler arms are almost annual changes
3 - Air Con - Leaks in the back can be a nightmare to find and generally need bespoke pipework.
4 - Rear Axle - Its a truck axle fitted with drum brakes. Check the endfloat as the LSD clutches can wear at low mileages if a driver has a heavy right foot or shifts through the box from Drive to Reverse when moving.
5 - The coachbuilder electrics -check it all works as it can be expensive and time consuming to replace
6 - Corrosion can be a problem in the stretch section. The metal is thin and the paint not fantastic. Check the door shuts, along the chrome strips and around the windows. It can be expensive to fix.

Hope that helps

Randy,
Thanks! Thats just the kind of advice I was looking for :-) You seem pretty experienced in the Limo business. Do you know of any good Limo forums? I found one but its kind of archaic. limo-forum.com is the name. Everyone on there says it is extremely difficult to make money. We shall see!


*fingers crossed*

[Randy]

I cant recommend any good forums.

The only way you make money is by having a good service, clean cars and dont be the cheapest

Hope that helps!