They really haven't lasted very long these buses have they. At only 11 years old they are almost seen as veterans nowadays.
Almost universally hated since their introduction, most of the time it takes a while for a vehicle type to build up a negative perception as they age disgracefully.
Let's see how many make preservation!
I always find the views on Streetlites interesting. The oldest examples are now 15 years old (WF version). That a couple of 11 year old ones are out of use is probably a reflection that they were parked up awaiting repair for ages (and that in itself is a reflection of First Scotland East's trials and tribulations). FWIW, I don't think there's much difference between a standard Streetlite (47***) and an equivalent e200.
The real difference is between the Max versions and the heavyweight options - e.g. Eclipse, Solar. I don't think anyone is suggesting that the Streetlite isn't a poor substitute for an Eclipse or a Renown.
However, I think there is also a bit of recency bias at work here. Are they the worst buses ever built? Have we forgotten how bad Leyland Nationals could be?
I'd not be surprised to see a Streetlite in preservation. Who would have thought that van derived minibuses would be saved yet we see Transits, Sherpas and Iveco Turbo Dailys now lovingly preserved.
