Fast track vs. custom-order. What’s right for you?

Need a new coach fast? Or are your needs highly specific? Chances are, MCI's Fast-Track coaches might fulfill both your need for speed and options. Outfitted with MCI's most popular features and options, MCI Fast Track coaches are usually in stock and ready to roll.

"The Fast Track coaches are pretty well-equipped," says new-coach sales representative Aram Nikitas, adding that the options are chosen based on what customers have been ordering most. "For a lot of customers, a Fast Track coach fulfills all of their needs, but it's potentially a big compromise."

So how do decide whether you should custom-order or go with a Fast Track coach? Nikitas offers the following advice.

Why you might want a Fast-track coach:

• They come in any color you want, as long as you want white, which is convenient for decal application.
• You can still designate which engine and transmission you want.
• The seating is Amaya's Brazil model with auto-retracting footrests. You may choose from two interior color schemes — usually blue and another neutral tone.
• J4500 and E4500 Fast Track coaches come with Blaupunkt AV systems rigged with six 15-inch flat-screen monitors; D-Series Fast Track coaches come with REI entertainment systems.
• Other popular features and options are included, such as window shades and aluminum wheels.
• You're interested only in additional options that can easily be installed at a service center.
• You need a coach quickly — you'll likely find your Fast Track coach on the lot, or your sales representative will be able to arrange a speedy transfer from another MCI sales center.

When you might want to custom order:

• You need a specific coach color or custom paint job (it's usually more expensive to repaint your coach than to factory-order it the way you want).
• You want seating by a different manufacturer, or in a different fabric or pattern.
• You want different flooring.
• You want difficult-to-retrofit options such as 110V seat outlets, or seatback audio.
• You don't want to do any retrofitting at all.
• You want a bare-bones model, or something really tricked out — Fast Track coaches come with a package of mid-range premium options.
• You're in no hurry — based on your business cycle, you don't want to take delivery right away.

Fast-Track options may vary from year to year as tastes change, and your sales representative is your best resource for finding the Fast-Track or custom-ordered coach that's right for you. To see what's available, call your sales rep, or stop by your nearest MCI sales and service center.

The FYI from MCI editorial staff values your feedback. Please e-mail any suggestions, comments, or ideas for future articles to fyi@mcicoach.com.