Re: 2005 Inspire
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 72005
Hi Karen - Welcome to the board!
Fun, and sometimes stressful, times when looking into new/used rigs.
The Inspire is a good coach. All owners I've talked to were pleased witht he coach they bought. Only one mentioned that CCC was something he had not considered, and he and the DW now do regular 'diet dumps', to keep the weights wtihin limits. So, that is something to consider for fulltime use. (Sure don't know if it was a one model year problem or not. But the stickers will tell you total CCC.) I also heard a few comment they wish they had a ISL, over the CAT 400. Some reported temperature control problems. (I do not recall if the 05 Inspire had teh CAT or ISL, and did not look before posting.) Janice, and I believe Stan C., as well as others on this board - are happy with their Inspire's - good 1st hand endorsement of these rigs:)!
As a fulltime rig, a few other items to consider. On demand Hydro Heat means never having to wait for a warm shower. Tag's do add more CCC, stabiity, and braking capability. Compression Jake Brakes. Etc.
The Inspire while a great coach, and being CC, a step above the normal coaches of other manufacturers, is the entry coach into the CC line. They did this by not having as many of the normal features as the rest of the CC line. Water Heater instead of Hydro, is one example. The link Dallas sent you, is a good one. If you take the same year 2005 Allure. (Next up from the Inspire, and the first in the CC line where the basic mechanical levels start becoming the same (Allure/Intrigue/Magna - all share most of the same basic mechancial options. (Some differences, like Big Block CAT's being available when you move to Magna (and I think some Intrigues too) line, but most of the differences between these lines are in the nicer goodies available for inside.) Compare the Damon write up between these, to get a feel for the differences in the line.
Many Inspire owners commented they wanted the CC quality, but with 'less to go wrong or to maintain', and the Inspire was what they wanted. That is great, as they have fine coaches, and are happy.
You might look at some of teh delta differences between the Inspire and Allure line, see if they are important to you.
As you are looking, if you do not yet have one, suggest you and the DH make a list of 'Must Have's' and 'Nice to Have's - then compare these to any coaches you are considering. As fulltime owners, you have the experience of what is important to you.
I always recommend dropping years to reach a certain level of quality, while staying within budget. I'd rather have a two or three year older but better quality coach, then a newer coach that is of less quality. IMO, quality lasts, and 10+ years from now, a two or three year older better quality coach, will still be nicer then many of the newer rigs coming off of show room floors. Sure, older, some wear - but, with good staying power if well maintained. Miles are not too important, as long as maintenance has been kept up.
One other factor the 2004-2006 was the first seiries of new smog rules on CAT's and Cummins. I gave extra points to our weighted 'Must Have's' spread sheet, to pre smog change engines. Most 2004 and before, are such. (Need to check Engine Serial with MFG, to be sure, as some coaches up into 2005, still had engine/chassis built with pre smog engines.)
Enough rambling - best of luck to you and the DH on the search.
Smitty
04 Allure 40' Tag, ISL
Topic: 2005 Inspire (Read 722 times)
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