Tri-State Custom Coach

[R.R.Coleman]

Does anyone own a limousine built by this company?

The little information I can find only says they are no longer manufacturing.

Do other builders service vehicles made by companies that are no longer in business?

The interior of the car I am looking at is absolutely beautiful!

Any advice?

[R.R.Coleman]

If no one on the board owns a limo by the company or has even heard of them maybe its not such a good idea

[joel yee]

They went out of business several years ago.
what year is the limo ? it must be pretty old. where are you located. any limo repair shop should be able to
work on it. although getting parts may be difficult.

Tri State Custom Coach. 371 State Rt 17 Mahwah, New Jersey 07430-2128, Phone: 201-512-9301.

were also know as

DaVinci Coachworks
371 Route 17 North
Mahwah, NJ 07430
Phone: 201/512-9301
Fax:
201/512-9344 Taimur Durrani NJ 1992 - Oct, 2001

[R.R.Coleman]

I am looking at a 1996 Lincoln Town Car (6 Passenger). I am guessing this would have been manufactured by DaVinci eventhough the door sticker says Tri-State.

Per the Ford website DaVinci was an approved QVM.

I know this is the older bodystyle but the interior is so beautiful that I can't pass it up. The current owner has owned it for only 2 years and has made so much money that he is buying a 2009 model.

[Cedar Mill Limousine]

I am looking at a 1996 Lincoln Town Car (6 Passenger). I am guessing this would have been manufactured by DaVinci eventhough the door sticker says Tri-State.

Per the Ford website DaVinci was an approved QVM.

I know this is the older bodystyle but the interior is so beautiful that I can't pass it up. The current owner has owned it for only 2 years and has made so much money that he is buying a 2009 model.

If he is making so much money on it, then why is he getting rid of it?

[R.R.Coleman]

The company operates two (2) sedans and one (1) stretch. It is run by a partnership. 1 person wants to get rid of it while the other does not. I found two (2) "major" issues with the vehicle:

1) Needs to have a second battery installed. Electronics drain the single installed battery.
Could this be another issue?

2) Rear suspension is sagging. I am not sure if it has failed or the switch is just not engaged from a recent tire change. Will check on this.
Is this an expensive fix/conversion?

Seems like it could still be a good purchase at only $2000. Has a near mint interior and only 150K miles.

[Cedar Mill Limousine]

The company operates two (2) sedans and one (1) stretch. It is run by a partnership. 1 person wants to get rid of it while the other does not. I found two (2) "major" issues with the vehicle:

1) Needs to have a second battery installed. Electronics drain the single installed battery.
Could this be another issue?

2) Rear suspension is sagging. I am not sure if it has failed or the switch is just not engaged from a recent tire change. Will check on this.
Is this an expensive fix/conversion?

Seems like it could still be a good purchase at only $2000. Has a near mint interior and only 150K miles.

Seems to me if it is making so much money no one would want to get rid of it.

Battery issue: how fast is "draining"?
Rear suspension: bag(s) torn? Switch bad? There is a couple of threads discussing rear suspension. I prefer air suspension (you mentioned conversion), but others here would disagree.

There are a lot of limos with nice interiors and 150K miles or less. Now, for $2000, that's a different story. But, in most markets, it would be difficult to build a clientele with a '96. This is what makes me wonder why this company wants to get rid of it. If your market is prime for a '96 to the point of making all this money, then why get rid of it? I would really research this. But hey, for $2K, it could make a great car even if you don't make it as a limo biz!

[R.R.Coleman]

The battery is not really "draining" - it seems that there is only one battery hooked up to the vehicle. When there is excessive power usage (tv/bar lights/divider/etc) the engine stalls. Seems like this can be easily fixed by installing the 2nd battery. Am I right?

***Dumb Move Ahead*** When I went to look at the car for the first time it was dark and raining so I didn't have the opportunity to check out the rear suspension fully. He stated that a rear tire was recently replaced so I am hoping that the switch was not re-engaged. I will check this out more when I look at it again later this week.

Rich - I agree with you and EVERYONE else on the board that purchasing the older bodystyle may not create an overwhelming clientele base. I am seeking to get into a vehicle with no overhead and make enough within the next 2-3 years to get into something newer.

[joel yee]

Sounds like you want to buy someone else's headache.

The limo is 14 years old with electrical problems & air suspension problems.
Both of which can be expensive to repair.

Most likely adding a second battery is not to going to help, sounds like
the alternator is not putting out enough amps / volts , or a possible a short.

The air suspension may need bags, compressor , until a mechanic looks at
it for you, you won't know.

Trying to start a limo business with a 14 year old 6 passsenger limo, &
expect to operate it for 2-3 years to get $$$ to buy something better.
Is a real difficult situation to be in.

[Jack @ JD]

Why is it exactly you want to be in this business so badly?