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Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2165
Bob

I do not know much about the 1998 model except what I can relate to in my recent purchase of a 2000 Allure 40' with one slide from LazyDays in Tampa. My wife and I spent a year looking before we decided. We were going to buy into a diesel at an older model level (ie 95 or 96 model level). At that age, most of the units were non- slides. That was fine with us except for our potential resale. Most of the dealers and individuals would not come down to near NADA wholesale price or below. Remember the rules of "supply and demand". Rght now the rules are working in one direction. Units with slides are the majority of what is wanted by the public. So, that is what is selling today.

So, I took a different approach and started to look at units with at least one slide and I found that my room for negotiation was much better. With a current copy of the NADA book in hand we went shopping. We found the 2000 Allure 40" with kitchen slide (Chandler model) and were able to negotiate the price down to near NADA who;esale price. We did our homework and called CC, Cummins, Allision and some of the manufacturers of the equipment installed onboard. We asked about recalls, service bulletins, warranty issues and concerns, stayed up late nights reading as much as we could find on the internet and such groups as this. We asked questions and opinions and measured the responses. With all this information we incorporated it as part of our written offer to the dealer. We had them comply with all the bulletins and recalls, provide documentation on all suspected conditions or concerns, zero baseline all scheduled maintenance items. This included the obivious fluids and filters for the engine, transmission and generator. But, it also included such things as the periodic retorquing of chassis bolts, the balancing and rotation of tires, verification of remaining life on brakes, replacement of air system filter/desicant. After all this was done, I arrived early with coveralls on and with flashlight and mirror. I crawled all over the and under the coach. I found number of additional items that needed to be corrected. There were a few items I considered major and a deal breaker if not corrected. However, many of them were minor. All in all I felt from reviewing the maintenance records and documentation, the PDI and corrective actions LazyDays had performed prior to my arrival had already found many of the annoying fix-it items.

During the walk around with the technician later that day I had discovered a few more discrenpancies while operating all the systems during the technician's demonstrations with me. I pointed out all the discrepancies I had found at that time as well. SInce I was planning to spend the night in the coach 1-2 nights while there, I had to go ahead and sign the papers for accepting delivery and ownership. I figured this was a reasonable liability issue. The signing was all done with the clear (written) understanding of all the discrepancies found to be documented in there maintenance record system for correction before I departed two days later (Sunday).
Since this was all done on a Friday-Sunday period, it only gave the maintenance folks in service all day Saturday to correct the discrepancies. In addition to the ones I had already found and provided them, I provided a punch list of additional discrepancies we found as a result of having spent the night in the coach and operating all the systems.

You have to relize that I did not go after cosmetic discrepancies. I only listed those discrepancies that affected the intended functionality of the component or system.

On Saturday morning the service writer assigned to me went over all the items and we discussed them to make sure the technicians could clearly understand the discrepancies as they were written. He prepared all the service tickets and I left the coach with them for the day and asked the service writer to call me on my cell phone when it was completed later in the day. Wife and I went shopping with some friends.

Because of the shear number and complexity of some of them, I fully expected a few of the items could not be resolved in this single visit. I had to wait and see. The shop closes on Saturday at about 5pm normally. We received a call from the service writer at about 4:40pm and he wanted us to come back to go over what had been accomplished. We did and I was quite surprized what they were able to get done. There were a few items that were hanging and the service writer agreed to document the items as still needing correction at a later date on the service ticket. He gave me copies of all written service tickets and including those with items yet to be completed.

All in all I am very pleased with the coach so far and the experience working with LazyDays in Tampa. I feel comfortable with their responsiveness to the customer. I think some of the service folks and salesmen there probably thought I was nuts crawling all over and under the coach. I did not care what anyone else thought. It was my and the bank's money I was spending. I did not have the money to pay for it totally like some can. I had to finance like I guess most do. So, sice this is a major lifestyle change that my wife and I want to enjoy, I had to make sure that there were going to be as few problems with the coach as we could expect and control up front.

While there are many in my family think I am crazy for buying into something that always depreciates, I do not care. I tried years ago to justify on parper the cost of buying into such a lifestyle. There is no way to justify it economically or logically. You just have to make up your mind that it is something you want to do and just do it.
I guess this relates back to something my son Jim taught me. We used to enjoy renting motorhomes and going camping together as a family.
Even with only being able to do it just a few weeks a year, it was a great time. Even the times I spent tent camping with him in the Boy Scouts. Again a great time. He is now gone. Almost three years now. At age 12 he began having heart problems brought on by a flu virus. At age 16 he had a heart transplant. He was given just over tens years of enjoying life to its fullest. No matter what, if he decided he wanted to try something, he did it. I had taught him SCUBA diving, he did white water rafting, snow mobiling in the Sierra's, bungee jumping over Daytona Beach during spring break to his latest passion of skydiving. He was doing it all until his time ran out 2 August 1999. It was not due to his activities, but complications from all the medications he had to stay on. His original prognosis was possibily 7 years, but he did over 10. Those ten were the best times for him. Always a positive attitude and a smile, no matter what. He could be in pain and walk in a room and light it up.

This was one of life's greatest lessons for us. Get out there and enjoy life. We never know how much time we are given until the end.
We retire in less than 18 months and we are going to go for it.
Maybe I am crazy........who knows? Get out and enjoy it as well.

Happy travels......

Jim & Barb Hughes
Jacksonville, FL

2000 Allure Chandler #30511

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2166
Hi. Mike Lewis here. Just joined your group today as I just purchased a 2000 Allure Deschutes, 36 ft, with 7000 miles on the odometer. Traded in a gas Bounder. Right now I am overwhelmed with the complexity of the Allure. Afraid I did not check out the coach as thoroughly as Jim did...Using the A/C I now find that there is weeping from the unit...Also, why only one water pump and water heater switches??? My old Bounder had 3 water pump switches! The unit sure runs nicely and even with just a few miles driven I notice the absence of rock and rolling! Anyone know how to stop drops of water falling from the AC vents and eventually ruining the rug??? Thanks.

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2167
" Anyone know how to stop drops of water falling from the AC vents and eventually ruining the rug??? Thanks. "

----------------

I had this problem and received an Acrobat factory service bulletin from Chris Bryant via rec.outdoors. rv-travel newsgoup.
This document details all the steps to prevent condensation drips. If you do not get it from other sources I think I still have it on my hard drive and will gladly send it to you.

Sincerely

George W Becker

gwb36@... 1999 Country Coach Intrigue #10700

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2168
Well said Jim and Barb.

jerry in NM, '00 Magna, 98 GC Jeep.

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2169
Better yet....how about posting it here in the files section so everyone can view it.

Jim Hughes

2000 Allure 30511

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2172
Hi George. Thanks for replying. I would definitely appreciate your sending me the service bulletin you mention below. There was a big thunderstorm last night but no moisture (or flood) inside so it must be condensation. I just got the Allure on Thursday. On Friday I noticed or felt the dripping. On Saturday we decided to just use the Fantastic Fan and not the AC but there was still dripping...Does that sound like condensation? May I ask a few more questions??? Why no shoulder belts in the Allure? I cannot believe I was so blind to not notice their absence! I am surprised too that a coach costing over $200,000 new only has one water pump switch and one water heater switch. Both are up front...On my previous 94 Bounder I had 3 water pump switches in obvious places and one water heater switch but at the kitchen sink where it would be used most. Makes sense to me. The water pump should not matter if it works correctly as it will only go on when you call for water. The heater can be a nuisance though as it cycles...Guess I just have to get used to it. Also, there is no device at the water pump on my 2000 unit for pumping antifreeze for winterization...Maybe I am missing something but the pump is also hidden behind a trap door and there does not seem to be much room there to get to the inlet side to add my own device...Any suggestions? Last question: does your coach have air levellers? I have not tried using them yet as I am confused enough. Are they as good as hydraulic or electric units which have feet that extend downwards? I camp on some uneven ground and hope there is enough range with the air levellers...Thanks again. If you cannot send the service manual on condensation problems via an attachment then my address is Mike Lewis 260 Pittsfield Rd Unit D-4 Lenox, MA 01240. Thanks very much.
On Sun, 23 Jun 2002 16:54:23 -0400 "George Becker" gwb36@...> writes:

Re: 1998 Allure 40' nonslide

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2173
Bob,

I have a 98 intrique, bought it new , had numerous problems, biggest problems was getting the factory to fix them. Always were very reluctant to fix any thing. The coach is overloaded and should not be purchased.
ridgetop51@...

Re: 1998 Allure 40' nonslide

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2174
In a message dated 6/23/2002 7:14:43 PM Pacific Daylight Time, ridgetop51@... writes:

I have a 98 intrique, bought it new , had numerous problems, biggest problems was getting the factory to fix them. Always were very reluctant to fix any thing. The coach is overloaded and should not be purchased.

ridgetop51@... >>
Being new at this "Big Rig" stuff, what do you mean that "the coach is overloaded"? I know the Magna with a single rear axel is pushing or over the 20,000 lb federal highway limit, but I thought the Allure weighed a lot less.

Thanks,
Bob

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2175
Hi Mike, Jim here. I can only relate to what I have discovered and gotten answers to from my questions on the 2000 Allure40' Chandler I just purchased recently. The responses are provided following each of your questions.

Re: 1998 Allure 40' nonslide

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2176
And which competitors dealership did you say you worked for???

Damon

Re: 1998 Allure 40' nonslide

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2177
Re: [Country-Coach-Owners] 1998 Allure 40' nonslide on 6/24/02 8:11 AM, Damon at DRapozo@... wrote:

Re: 1998 Allure 40' nonslide

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2178
I have a 2000 Intrigue and I have had just the opposite experience while I have had numerous small problems, Country Coach personnel have gone far beyond what you would expect a large company to do in trying to find solutions to those problems. They have shipped parts to me while on the road, they have made phone calls to find shops in an area where I was traveling to find someone to fix a problem. My first problem was a camera that went out...it failed on my maiden voyage while I was heading from Florida to Arizona. I called Country Coach and they asked me what route west I was taking. They then made arrangements with a service center, Birdland RV, on my route through Houston to see me the next day when I arrived in Houston. They immediately got me into a bay and identified the problem as being a bad camera, Country Coach offered me the option of shipping the camera to Houston or anyplace else on my route if I wanted to continue my trip without having to wait in Houston. I chose to continue on to Tucson so they shipped the camera to Tucson and it was installed by Beaudry RV. While in Tucson I complained about the noise the AC compressors made...Beaudry working with CC and Dometic resolved the problem by replacing both AC units. They did this without hesitation once the technician stated he felt the AC units need to be replaced. I have found that most of my problems were not CC related problems but with systems purchased by CC from one of their vendors and installed ont he coach during the manufacturing process. Beaudry also replaced both house batteries with the approval of CC during that visit.

I doubt that better support could be found from any other motorhome manufacturer. One thing you can count on with CC is that when you call their 800 number you will get a caring person who will do his best to try and help in solving the problem. And, while the initial call will probably put you into voice mail they do call you back. So, if ridgetop is really a 98 Intrigue owner then he is certainly not relating the experience that I have had with CC.

Ray

Re: 1998 Allure 40' nonslide

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2181
Ray

While I have been a CC owner only a short time, I concur completely.
I am the second owner of a 2000 Allure #30511 and I called CC before and after my purchase over a dozen times asking questions and getting work done under warranty as part of the sale agreement. They have always been pleasant to deal with and go out of their way to be fair and make customers happy. Even the second time around.

Jim Hughes

Jacksonville, FL

2000 Allure 40' #30511

Re: 1998 Allure 40' nonslide

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2182
I agree. My contact with service people and parts people has been excellent. Have called for on road help twice (Both times minor things caused by me) and the techs were totally competent and pleasant and walked me through the solution in just minutes.

I have ordered parts twice. In fact just last Monday I placed an order while on the road. My call was the last of the evening. The very next day the part was shipped and was waiting for me when I arrived home Friday.

So far I am very happy with CC and will buy another just as soon as DOW reaches 15000. LOL

David and Karen,
2000 Intrigue 11062

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #16 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2190
Quote from: "
One thing I did discover, is that if you start your automatic > leveling process with the air bags fully lowered first it seems to

do

Quote
better in finding the level automatically and it seems to maximize > the range. You may have to tweak the system manually to get it > exactly like you want it. I do this because my wife is only 5'-2" > and short legged. This allows the entry step to be as low as > possible as well.
Dumping the air before leveling is not discussed in my owner's manual but makes sense to me if signficant leveling range is required.

Are there any negatives to dumping the air before starting the leveling process?
Dean

95 Magna 5280

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #17 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2196
Dean

Not that I know of. I posed that specific question to one of the chassis technicians a few weeks ago. He indicated that there was no harm in it because the chassis had some hard rubber bumpers that would bottom out to prevent any damage to the air bags. This makes since. Otherwise, we would be hearing allot of people having to have airbags replaced.

jim Hughes

Jacksonville, FL

2000 Allure 40' #30511

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #18 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2211
Hi George. Sorry for not responding sooner but my printer broke down a few days ago and I have been unable to print out anything. I bought a new one yesterday and got it hooked up last night. I am back in business and have to read your file now. People at CC contacted me too and hopefully it will be the pan and/or tubes coming out of the pan. Now it is up on the roof to remove the two covers and see what I find...Thanks for the info and your views of the CC. What are the pluses of the air levelling system? I still have not tried using mine but foresee problems at our lakeside property on Nova Scotia. We never did get the parking space level and the jacks on my Bounder would be quite extended esp in the rear...Guess I will have to construct some ramps to get the back higher. Learn with experience!

On Sun, 23 Jun 2002 16:54:23 -0400 "George Becker" gwb36@...> writes:

Re: 1998 Allure 40' nonslide

Reply #19 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2223
Hey Damon,

I drove a 2003 Allure a few days ago. It was great. Very comfortable, drove much like my MADP--and nothing at all like the Monaco Dynasty!

Love it!

Jurhee

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #20 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2283
(Late response.... on the road)

I thought dumping the air bags prior to leveling was a good thing. Now with my new coach there are times that the HWH system puts the frame on the rear tires when trying to level. That can't be good! Anyone have that problem? I'll be discussing with CC at my first opportunity.

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Member: CCI, FMCA
Dick May
2002 Intrigue, #11438, towing a
2014 Jeep Gr Cherokee ecoDiesel

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #21 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2287
I attended a seminar put on by HWH several years ago and was told the system works best when levelling down instead of up. Thus, if you let the air out before levelling you put more strain on the air compressor, especially if you turn off the engine and use the HWH 12 volt compressor. I've let the system do the levelling on all three of my CC's and have been well satisfied.

Walt Rothermel
2003 Allure 30811

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #22 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2292
After picking up my 2000 Intrigue at the factory in September 1999, I went to the Class Reunion rally. The HWH seminar speaker said that in the past HWH had told people to dump all the air before leveling; however, they had changed their mind and said that now one should now just level from where you are when you are ready to level.

Art

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #23 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2293
Dick,

What size tires do you have on the rear and are they the original for the unit? I have TOYO 275 70R 22.5 for my read duals and 275 80R 22.5 for the front. The front larger tires, I believe, replace the "70R" as part of a recall. (I purchased this unit a '98 Allure in Dec '01) My thought was to replace my rears with the same size as the front 80R, so curious as to what size tires you have. Maybe the larger tires (if you have them) cause them hitting the frame. Let us know what CC says on this matter. For me, I have dumped air and then leveled with no problem. Also have leveled without dumping air and again no problem like you are having.

--- MayMR maymr@...> wrote:

Quote
(Late response.... on the road) >

I thought dumping the air bags prior to leveling was > a good thing. Now with

my new coach there are times that the HWH system > puts the frame on the rear

tires when trying to level. That can't be good! > Anyone have that problem?

I'll be discussing with CC at my first opportunity.

Dick May

2002 Intrigue, #11438
Member: CCI, FMCA

-----
Sign up for SBC Yahoo! Dial - First Month Free http://sbc.yahoo.com

Re: My experience in purchasing a used 2000 Allure 40'

Reply #24 –
Yahoo Message Number: 2297
I have a 1999 Allure that has the 275x70R22.5 tires on the rear and 275x80R22.5 tires on the front (as a result of the recall). I have discussed future replacement with Doug Rutherford and he told me that when I was ready to replace the rear tires, they could be replaced with the 275x80R22.5 tires. While recently at a major truck tire dealer here, I asked which of these two sizes would be the easiest to obtain in an emergency situation away from a major metropolitan area. The owner and manager quickly said the 275x80R22.5. So, when I need replacements, that is what I will get for the rear.

Brian Davis