Re: Another newbie in town....
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 68751
We are semi newbies with our new/used CC...
We did our research, came up with a list of Must Have's and Like to Have's, weighted based upon importance factor.
We ended up looking at three manufactures, and specific models of coaches. Travel Supreme (the non top of the line model, Foretravel (U295 and U320) and Country Coach (Allure/Intrigue/Magna).
We also gave extra points for 2004 and ealier engines, as the first series of smog rules kicked in during 2005. So when looking at 2005 models, we first checked the year of engine manufacturing.
Due to the interior galley size (we wanted a non slide galley as our Must Haves), the Country Coaches became the favorites of this group. Not every CC has large galley's, but certain models did. Our target coach was the Intrigue, as it had the best balance of content, without having too many 'bells and whistles' (As already commented on, the more of these, the more chance of items to repair.) We also found the Allure and Intrigue line total weights, were lower then the Magna and Affinity lines, and we felt we could be served well with a ISL engine. (Nothing wrong with the big Cat, but when you add the extra weight of the bigger block, transmission, differentials and axles to serve the big blocks, much of the added torque is consumed pulling that extra weight. By doing the math on the Allure and Intrigue per pound weight ratios, we found the were either better, or very close to the big Cat.)
We ended up with the 04 Allure High Cascade, 40' Tag model. The galley sold the wife, as it is larger then most 45' rigs. As optioned by the first 1st owner, it had all of the options we were looking for, crossing over into the Intrigue line. The mechanical and chassis were very good for the weight. (ISL, 3060 trans, two speed compression Jake, Hyro/Hot (single 120V vs the 240V available in some Intrigues and most Magna's - not a big deal, but a factor), the grey/black/water were great. The interior wood work was very good, but we do feel the fabric's of the couch were not of as good as quality as the Intrigue + lines (we prefer fabric over leather). But, we knew we would do a remodel of this coach before full timing, so this was not a major factor too.
I went thru this long winded response, to suggest you come up with your Must Have's and Like to Have's. Factor size, mechanical (side ver rear radiators, tag vs non tag, ISL vs ISM or C12+, year range, interiors, etc.) We also found Damon Rapozo's CC model history, to be a great source of info.
http://www.damonrapozo.com/model_history/index.php
Best of luck on your search - as many have said all CC's from the Inspire to Affinity, are a cut above... Hard to go wrong, plus you have a great support group on this board. I learn from them weekly!!! Smitty
04 Allure 40' Tag, ISL 370, High Cascade
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