2006 vs 2007 Newmar Essex 4502

[Mo Ichi]

After renting and exploring over and over, we sort of narrowed down 2 Newmar Essex 4502 coaches one is a 2006 and the other is a 2007.We love both coaches and they are literally $400 difference in price. I'd love you opinion of the following dealer's opinion:
"When you are comparing the difference between the 2006 Essex and the 2007 Essex there are very significant differences that would be worth way over several thousand dollars difference. I also do not think that the difference of a coach of this age having 60,000 miles or 70,000 miles really makes much difference. 2007 is when Newmar changed the platform of the Essex to have side hinge compartment doors and integrated roof awnings just to name a few. The Essex from 2004 to 2006 was very similar to the design of a Mountain Aire. 2007 is also the year that the Essex was equipped with Comfort Drive steering which is what sets Newmar apart from all other manufacturers to this day. I would pay $20,000 more for a coach with comfort Drive steering rather than a coach without simply to eliminate driver fatigue because I suffer from lower back trouble and sciatica. If the 2006 does not have brand new Michelin tires all the way around like our 2007 does it is really a no brainer as far as the value difference.

Is there that big a difference in the drive - never found comfort drive for rent! I know 2007 windshield is single piece changed from 2006. I'm really confused because they are so very similar = the only thing for me is the new tires and the comfort drive if it is as good as advertised. Thanks everyone!

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by Mo Ichi

After renting and exploring over and over, we sort of narrowed down 2 Newmar Essex 4502 coaches one is a 2006 and the other is a 2007.We love both coaches and they are literally $400 difference in price. I'd love you opinion of the following dealer's opinion:
"When you are comparing the difference between the 2006 Essex and the 2007 Essex there are very significant differences that would be worth way over several thousand dollars difference. I also do not think that the difference of a coach of this age having 60,000 miles or 70,000 miles really makes much difference. 2007 is when Newmar changed the platform of the Essex to have side hinge compartment doors and integrated roof awnings just to name a few. The Essex from 2004 to 2006 was very similar to the design of a Mountain Aire. 2007 is also the year that the Essex was equipped with Comfort Drive steering which is what sets Newmar apart from all other manufacturers to this day. I would pay $20,000 more for a coach with comfort Drive steering rather than a coach without simply to eliminate driver fatigue because I suffer from lower back trouble and sciatica. If the 2006 does not have brand new Michelin tires all the way around like our 2007 does it is really a no brainer as far as the value difference.

Is there that big a difference in the drive - never found comfort drive for rent! I know 2007 windshield is single piece changed from 2006. I'm really confused because they are so very similar = the only thing for me is the new tires and the comfort drive if it is as good as advertised. Thanks everyone!

Well .... side hinged compartment doors were standard on our 2005 Essex.

The Mountain Aire comparison is not valid ... the Mountain Aire was not produced as a 45ft in 2006.

I wouldn't pay more than $1000 for Comfort Drive but that's just me. I seldom drive more than 250 miles per day and have no issues with a lack of Comfort Drive. $20,000 buys a nice tow vehicle ... which is what I drive the most.

Integrated large awning on the 2007 is more attractive.

I would base my decision on which one you find more attractive and whether (for both years) all components of the Eplex System are working correctly. Search Eplex here on the forum.

New tires have a significant value.

In short, dealers are not always correct but they are dealers.

[TJ]

Some of what the dealer says makes sense to me; a lot of it doesn't!

If the 2007 really does have "new Michelins" on it (verify by checking date codes), that is a significant value. New Michelins would set you back about $4K if you had to buy them.

And, while I don't think I would pay an extra $20K for Comfort Drive, I do like it...a lot! If there is only "$400 difference in price" between the two coaches...and, assuming mechanical and cosmetic condition is the same, I would definitely go for the 2007. To me, Comfort Drive is worth at least $400.

Side hinges vs top hinges, integrated awnings, one-piece windshield vs two-piece, etc....meh!

TJ

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

Some of what the dealer says makes sense to me; a lot of it doesn't!

If the 2007 really does have "new Michelins" on it (verify by checking date codes), that is a significant value. New Michelins would set you back about $4K if you had to buy them.

And, while I don't think I would pay an extra $20K for Comfort Drive, I do like it...a lot! If there is only "$400 difference in price" between the two coaches...and, assuming mechanical and cosmetic condition is the same, I would definitely go for the 2007. To me, Comfort Drive is worth at least $400.

Side hinges vs top hinges, integrated awnings, one-piece windshield vs two-piece, etc....meh!

TJ

You just haven't taken enough skin off your noggin' yet ...

[TJ]

Originally Posted by bruceisla

You just haven't taken enough skin off your noggin' yet ...

That's all I have on my noggin, Bruce; skin! That's why I always wear a hat. It, at least, cushions the blow.

TJ

[bruceisla]

Originally Posted by Tranquil Jim

That's all I have on my noggin, Bruce; skin! That's why I always wear a hat. It, at least, cushions the blow.

TJ

Same here ... I'm a "ski beanie with a rag inside" guy. And I keep super glue handy to close the other wounds. As my wife would say when I come inside "you're bleeding again".

[TJ]

Originally Posted by bruceisla

Same here ... I'm a "ski beanie with a rag inside" guy. And I keep super glue handy to close the other wounds. As my wife would say when I come inside "you're bleeding again".

Around our place, "it's not a 'project' until the blood flows!"

TJ

["007"]

To get us back on track for OP, this link will explain some about the E-PLEX System and this link will add a few more things needed to know.
Good luck in your hunt.

[Mo Ichi]

Thanks everyone. Really appreciate the links with more info! Happy trails!