There would be less rattles and banging if UK roads weren't so abusive to buses.

hell no, these are amongst the worst buses I've driven. They constantly feel like they're going to tip over when you turn any corner. Merc engine is also crap, our buses are 18 plate and nothing but problems. Also the horrible dashboard layout with the massive shelf at the front makes it near impossible to navigate tight spaces as you can't see that corner. And the plastic is just cheap quality which scratches just by running your finger nail over it. Most of the steering wheels we have are also replaced with iveco steering wheels, as the original optare wheel has fallen apart... yes, with only 5 years of age the steering wheel wore down so much it starting showing the metal structure. ALSO ALSO, optares are known for not storing air in their tanks for long periods of time, ours will dump their entire tanks after about 30 minutes of engine off. So if you're stopping for a break, you'll need 5 minutes to fill the tanks back up, which apparently is because these aren't fitted with an auto drain system to keep moisture out during cold weather. Should you find one thats kept its tanks pressurized with air, you can guarantee its frozen solid during cold weather, one time I had to wait nearly 10 minutes before I could move due to frozen air pressure lines. Yet I moved a streetlite instantly which had been sat for 3 days. I always call them the Optare solo, because you only need to buy 1 before you realize they're shite

Make sure its new, as getting parts for older solos now isnt possible, not sure for this bus, but optare only make EVs atm.

There is none in the uk

They're mean for school children.

It's a Mercedes-Benz OM934 engine.