(23 Feb 2014, 2:24 pm)Dan wrote The oldest SPD in the fleet which has only just been withdrawn is 8221 - new in 1999, it was withdrawn in 2014. It should have been withdrawn in 2011, but has lived for three further years.
The R-reg Renowns would have only lasted for one year longer than they should have, so they haven't really 'outlived' the SPDs in the sense that most are only going to be withdrawn a few months after they should have been.
It really isn't a case of lightweight vs heavyweight, because the "Citylink" branded Versas (lightweight) should be withdrawn in 15 years' time, just like the "Connections4" branded Mercs (heavyweight).
Forgot about this.
Wasn't ignoring you.
The Renowns have outlasted the S reg SPDs, two out of three of the acquired SPDs and the majority of anything bought since.
Granted there have been one or two SPD stragglers, but I think we are all agreed they should have gone a while back.
Mechanically they are sound, but the coachwork/chassis hasn't stood well - with examples around the country sagging and rattling.
Hand on heart, I cant see the Versas lasting for the duration you mentioned either.
They're not as sturdy as a Merc (they're not designed to be) and the poor state of the roads around the region test the most sturdy of vehicles.
Look at the rattles on some of the Solars - a heavier, stronger vehicle than the Versa.