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My Allure Page

Yahoo Message Number: 81989
Hi,

Finally got around to organizing a few bus projects for easy reference and perusing. Link is

here: http://www.muniac.com/Allure%20Page.html This is just one couple's experience(s) with one bus make, model and year. Take it in that context. Hope it helps a few others out there travel safer and with greater enjoyment. The blog works now should anyone want to make the experience interactive and additive.

Best - Scott

2006 Allure 430 #31349
(Bus-Stead Lemon)

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 81999
I enjoyed your blog and learning more about Country Coaches. But I was a bit discouraged to see all the repairs and expenses given an expensive and high end coach.

I have been considering buying a used Country Coach or Newmar, '02-06, but am curious as to repairs. there are those that are mileage related and those that are age related, and given the engines and transmissions seem to last, the remaining systems seem to have issues.
So I ask this forum about what might be expected in buying a used CC, what to look for and what to look OUT for.
Thanks in advance.

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82000
My advice is to purchase the older CC models. I have a 98 Intrigue and don't have half the issues that the newer coaches have. I've heard that after the 2000 model year CC started to cut corners. They added alot more high tech gadgets and lost sight od the K.I.S.S. method. Keep It Simple Stupid. Remember, " The more complicated the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain"

Steve & Jane

1998 Intrigue

#10557

______

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82002
Drawing an analogy, if you own a Ford pinto Maintenance and repairs will be less than if you own a Mercedes. A class B motorhome will be cheaper than a diesel pusher.
You also have a house full of appliances that experience an earthquake every time you drive.
So it does cost to maintain a nice RV

Bob Wexler
SOB

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82013
Thanks - I too was a bit disenfranchised with what came after the purchase. My outlet was to document the experience(s) for others to benefit from. I think all these vehicles have issues from the cheap junk right on up through the $1.5M+ Prevost (a new one sits in our park out of level). In some cases, knowledge can prevent a more expensive repair. In other cases, like radiator failures at 14K miles, it's nothing short of an outrage!! These vehicles are hand made so human error creeps in unlike automated mass produced products. It creates some unique short comings. Customer support (from the mfg) is HUGE IMHO. It helps us deal with repairs and should place responsibility back on those creating the problems in the first place. If builders know they will pay for fixes, it should encourage more careful design, construction and choice of components. As usual, it's all about whose wallet comes under attack. Deliberately using cheap parts, then charging the customer for premium parts and pocketing the difference has ethical issues. In time, the market usually resolves this by "putting the word out" on those engaging in this practice. Flagged businesses either shape up, pay what they owe and make amends or simply go out of business. Given our bankruptcy laws some businesses can run up a pile of debt (which is forgiven) then open up under another name and start the corruption all over again. This sucks!
As for the Allure we've been very comfortable in it and enjoy the lifestyle. As for CC, they have sadly fallen way short of the mark, that to include the shady dealer that scored the sale. Here's what's weird. I don't think I'd buy a different vehicle. I'd just buy a lot smarter given what I've learned. The goal with information is to accelerate the customer's learning process, put pressure on builders to do better and hope the industry continues to see improvements in the weak areas. Getting at the truth is really hard in today's high tech environment. Remediation will take time and needs everyone's input in one form or another. I try to do my part and send smoke signals in a little tiny corner of the market.
We enjoy the lifestyle afforded by mobile living. It would be almost perfect if it weren't for the constant repairs, breakdowns, surprise repair costs, safety issues and insecurity this breeds. It has caused both of us many sleepless nights. Many of which would be unnecessary if others on the builder side did their jobs with a bit more professionalism, wisdom and ethics.
As for your question of expectations, continue to read and get as much input from owner/operators as you can. The internet is perhaps the best place to start. Attend a rally or two (if possible) and speak to the community. Almost everyone is very nice. Avoid those who are gassed with pretty colors, mirrors and trimmings. You need those in touch with the nuts and bolts and who are willing to speak candidly about their experience(s). To include the not so nice side. The devil is in the details. I'd take a hard look at Bob Tiffen's products. Don't expect perfection and trouble free travels regardless of what you purchase. There are always issues. Learn as much as you can about what's under the hood so to speak. Setting aside a repair budget and planning on some downtime will ease stress when you come coasting to the side of the road. Accept no compromises on safety issues, however. Refrigerator fires, electrical fires, tag axles falling off and power steering failures are just a few issues to think hard on. Check recall lists as well. This news group is, of course, a great resource of great knowledgeable folks. Good luck!

At 05:25 PM 8/26/2012, you wrote:

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82014
Thanks Scott. In an effort to learn more about the 04 Inspire I intend to go see, I asked Country Coach if they could send me the build sheet/window sticker for the VIN #. Their response was to send $20.00 for a piece of paper, and the attitude in the emails from Customer Support (an oxymoron?!) was to "take it or leave it". The G2 I have seen tells me the new Country Coach has some issues they need to work out, and as a prospective customer, their attitude has soured me on the company. Mr. Lee ought to get his priorities straight or they will go down again!
Another member here was kind enough to forward a number of firms formed by former CC employees, and two of them have commented on the quality and attitude of the current employees at CC. Let's hope it improves.

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82015
The original Country Coach manufacturer went bankrupt several years ago (like many other RV manufacturers). Their assets were sold to other individual and companies. One new company purchased the intellectual properties (and much more) of the original Country Coach. They deserve to make some money for their efforts and financial risk to obtain, keep and maintain the information. It is good that the information was not trashed or lost in some back room.

Herb

CCO Group Moderator

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82016
I have an 08 Allure 420 and love it. I had to call CC support for alignment specs and was charged as well. I wrote to Mr. Lee about my dissatisfaction with the fee. He wrote back and stated that CC is trying to make a come back and he had to try and recover what he paid for the intellectual property rights at the BK. I don't agree with his thinking as we paid significant dollars when we bought our coaches. I understand he is in business to make money but to charge to get simple information doesn't make sense. It it were major detailed information then I would understand. But to get a build sheet and alignment specs----- not sure.....

Shawn

08 Allure 420FE

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82017
Good customer service goes a long way to get the money they deserve for their efforts and financial risk. The information would not had been trashed or lost in some back room. There were other people bidding on the intellectual properties, I know one of the bidders is from here in Texas.

Many times we read about good customer service from companies on this Yahoo Group, I for one try to do business with those companies. On the other hand I stay away from the companies with alleged bad customer service. Kevin Waite and National Indoor RV Storage are companies with good customer service and I spend money with them.

Walt

2004 Inspire #51010

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82025
My husband and I, in our 99 Affinity, just returned home from a trip to my nephew's wedding in Washington state.
Well, that is just SO close to Junction City, Ore, that we decided to take a couple of days and visit the factory, where they are slowly starting up again, and get a couple of things worked on. We had taken our coach to a local shop, before our trip, to service and work on a few little things, but they charged an arm and a leg, and BARELY knew enough about the coach to even do the service. Well, let me tell you about our stop at Country Coadh! Wow. Was that EVER an experience. The guys at the shop jumped right on it, and in less than 4 hours, had our dash air working, fixed the slide out button, put in replacement for the echo charger, patted, polished and adored her as they went!! John Emanuel was awesome. He remembered building the coach and showed us his signature on the air conditioner. Tonya in the office, asked me if I would like a print out of her original options and pricing.
Of course, I was thrilled, and she ran it off for me. She remembered the paint job. John showed us the right led light replacements to use, and explained to my hubby how to fix the air cond vaccuum if it went out, and what part to order to replace our slowly dying thermostat control in the coach. It gets more intermittent all the time.
We spent less than HALF of what our local shop charged for simple service, and got TWICE the fix. And they were a lot of fun too. So. I did not see anything but positive actions and look forward to a yearly trip to see them and catch up on any new additions to our "baby". We also made a stop at Countryside Furniture in town, and did end up updating our furniture. Wow. It was a great trip. Loved it. Thanks Allan and Kay 99 Affinity 5654

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82040
Shawn - No one here is at odds with a for profit business. Everyone understands a business needs to pay bills and make a profit (within reason) to remain healthy. It's all about service, ethics and finding that middle ground of value that works for both sides. Personally I think CC needs to sharpen their pencil and rethink how it treats its customers to restore balance. The whole story behind this complex mess is well beyond the scope of this new group. What's done is done and we all need to move forward. I have faith in the intelligence, reason and ethics of the owner's market. That said, education, communication and learning are always good undertakings. No one knows it all. The internet has given the customer base a powerful tool to focus our needs and speak openly about what should be improved. Builders that are blind to this will surely suffer the consequences. I can say here (customer side) no one is working a hidden profit agenda. People just want quality, support, safety and value so they can enjoy an expensive purchase that partners them with a lifestyle. Is this too much to ask??

At 12:27 PM 8/27/2012, you wrote:
 

Re: My Allure Page

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 82042
Great! We need more of this type of customer experience. Me thinks your 1999 came from a much different quality era. Junction City is on my list of places to stop when our travel plans gel. Heading in for service is also on the list whence we arrive. I can assure you, my story will be told in detail and I'd like it to be a positive one. Amidst the WOWs and accolades I still have a repair list a mile long and growing to include paint problems right on through to battery bay electrical problems and everything in between. I'll continue to document these things with solutions. All are open for comments, advice, opinions, additions and suggestions.
Some months ago I sent an email trying to engage CC about slide repairs. No one bothered to respond. Today's customers are also tomorrow's customers. I gather my email was flagged as not lucrative and thus was skipped. Not a problem as I will continue to follow up on this when we get closer to a Oregon stop. It's common knowledge that one bad customer goes a long way. Especially in today's times with the ability to proliferate content over the internet instantly and at no cost. It's important that those communications be accurate, complete and objective. The aspiring violin player tortures only his family. The aspiring journalist tortures everyone.
I can say (before the Howard crash) CC was very good about helping out and supporting their customers. I had received some good support on some early issues I had right after I took possession. As for my motivations, they aren't toward negativism and destruction. I'm hoping in time customers and builders can meet somewhere in the middle and find that profit/service balance that works for both sides. This process will be greatly facilitated by revealing the truth in what's been going on. That said, some rocky roads will need to be negotiated before it all smooths out. Hey.... "Remember me, I'm just that dumb customer that took his number, stood in line and keeps paying the bills!!" Sounds like the doctor's office. YIKES!!

At 07:49 PM 8/27/2012, you wrote: