Community Forums

rebelsbeach · 06-13-2007, 11:25 AM

The thread is about whether there's a benefit to high line service and I must say "you get what you pay for" is the most used phrase here in Camp Newmar...My own best friend has an '06 MADP and has experienced that level of service and was reasonably satisfied....There are those that think high liners put their pants on different than folks with the regular line coaches, but I can assure you we're ALL just interested in having a good time at a campground.
The fact we chose to buy a different price point of coach makes us no different than anyone else on the planet.
I full time in my coach and as such made the decision to go with the LADB.
I've met full timers here in Nappanee that full time in much less than what I full time in...
Bottom line is that we're all entitled to pick and choose what we want to spend our money on.
Some folks like red, some like blue....some like chocolate ice cream, some like strawberry.
Some choose to buy Essex and above, some choose to buy Dutch Star....I have good friends on this forum who own Dutch Stars, I havem good friends that own EXDP's.
I personally think the level of service is different given the higher cost of the unit.
But I'm not dumb enough to think we've not paid for it.

Oemtech · 06-13-2007, 12:25 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">"you get what you pay for" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I agree with this to a point.. But, at some level are you paying more for what really are you getting.

I chose a MACA as it was I felt I could afford. I looked at all the others and came back to Newmar for the quality, floor plan and warranty (3 years in 04). I have had good luck with my dealer and Newmar has worked with me other issues.

As long you feel comfortable with what ever coach you bought at what ever price range and are happy with it that's all that counts. I try not to judge anyone on by the coach the drive. But, I have seen some pretty snooty high end folks look down their noses when I was driving a class "C".

The quality issue is industry wide. Newmar happens to be better than most.. I have a buddy currently sitting at Gulfstream just down the road from Newmar and he is not a happy camper. I told him to go over to Newmar and a factory tour if he has time.

JavaJelly · 06-13-2007, 12:27 PM

Not sure why this discussion is happening. Bob's got it right in my book. If I spent what Bob did or anyone in the highline, I sure as heck would expect a different level of service. Can't really think of many industry's that aren't like this.

Secondly, the high line coaches are more sophisticated than non-highline and require more specialized techs. They are also typically more customized and require more time to diagnose and repair.

Third, you can be assured that Newmar has built the cost of high line service into the respective coach.

Fourth, I love my coach and still think I got the most for my money in looks and content. However, if the personal business case were there, I'd be in any of the highlines tomorrow. (Thanks to Peter (lugnut) and my wife for slapping sense into me this past winter.)

That said if I had pulled the trigger and put at least $350k+ on the table, the highline level of service better be there.

Fifth, with baby boomers retiring and relative level of wealth high, the highline range of coaches has become very competitive. Service is part of the package and Newmar has to compete.

Sixth, what was this topic about again?

Jetsmania · 06-13-2007, 01:38 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Sixth, what was this topic about again? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi! The topic that I thought I was creating was: (High Line Service- Is It?) Simply put, did it meet or Exceed what we expected from a "High Line Service Dept" My answer was YES YES YES.

It exceeded our Expectations by 100%. One of the reasons we purchased the MADP was to be in High Line. That is the same reason why we own a few Mercedes. We enjoy the much higher level of service that we get from Mercedes then we do from Jeep. The service is good from Jeep, just not the same as Mercedes. The same is true with Newmar, the service was good for our 2006 DSDP, just ramped up quite a bit for our 2007 MADP. I feel Newmar's Service overall is very good. I was just trying to make comments on my first experience with High Line. The only thing missing for us is Jason. We keep trying to get one up on Bob,

but we are having a lot of trouble topping Jason. In closing I would like to state that we have met a few snooty people in Class C Campers.

The last time we checked our MADP uses the same sewer hookups as the rest of the group.

Paul

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 06-13-2007, 01:50 PM

This is an interesting thread. I was at the factory last year and received excellent service. The techs performed the tasks identified by me and others that they identified. I don't imagine that I will return for service at the factory as my warranty has expired and I do not do cold and snow. Winter seems to be the only time that the service folk do non warranty work. BUT
I imagine that all of us owners are will eventually reach this milestone which brings me to what I think is a VALID point and that is the lack of qualified Newmar service centers across the country. I know that Newmar has dealers that sell their coaches along with several other brands. I have yet to find one in California or Arizona that knows the product anywhere near as well as the most junior tech that worked on my unit at the factory. With the short warranty period on the Newmar products it seems that regional Newmar service centers would benefit the company and the consumer.

Jetsmania · 06-13-2007, 03:58 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">regional Newmar service centers would benefit the company and the consumer. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi! Could be a good idea! I forgot to metion that we were told Newmar was planing to build a bigger shop. (who knows when) When they do they are going to offer year round service. Paul

Route 66 · 06-13-2007, 04:06 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">quote:
regional Newmar service centers would benefit the company and the consumer.

Hi! Could be a good idea! I forgot to metion that we were told Newmar was planing to build a bigger shop. (who knows when) When they do they are going to offer year round service. Paul </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

There was a rumor several years ago about a service center in Florida. So far it was just a rumor.

Newmar does need to do non warranty work year round, but they have yet to make it happen. A bit too conservative IMHO.

rebelsbeach · 06-13-2007, 04:19 PM

Ronnie, if you're ever near Carthage,MO and have some time, I would HIGHLY recommend making arrangements for service there. Marty Lown runs a great business there and they even have something like a 20 site campground for their service and sales customers.
I've never been there, but I plan to overnight there on the way from Colorado to Branson next month. I will post a review of the surroundings at that time.
I've been told that Coachlight's PDI and delivery process is most likely the ONLY one that rivals what they do at the factory.

Now....to address the issue of whether it's worth it or not.
Factory delivery is $1800....Over and above the cost of the coach. You get the opportunity to stay with your coach for five days and have ANY question answered, or ANY issue addressed.
When I bought my EXDP at Howard, I had ONE day to learn everything I was supposed to learn. If there was in fact something awry with a part, I then had to wait to have this part overnighted...I know you say the dealer should've gone through EVERY system BEFORE I got there....The factory does just that, AND if they find something, the parts are right down the street.
I'll always do factory delivery...it's more than worth it to me.

Hey....who said I'm buying another coach anytime soon?

BTW...You MADP,EXDP and KGDB folks get Carl or Jeff 24/7....While they won't fly out and fix something, I can attest to them calling me on a SUNDAY NIGHT to make sure I was ok.

Jetsmania · 06-13-2007, 04:51 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">BTW...You MADP,EXDP and KGDB folks get Carl or Jeff 24/7....While they won't fly out and fix something, I can attest to them calling me on a SUNDAY NIGHT to make sure I was ok </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi Bob! I agree. They have called us on weekends also but.... It's not Jason.

Paul

Dav5942 · 06-14-2007, 12:08 PM

Bob, as you brought up the subject of the $1800 PDI. It is the same price wherther you but a low end or a high end but the "service" with the PDI is not equal period(you do not get what you pay for)!

edgray · 06-14-2007, 12:30 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">It is the same price wherther you but a low end or a high end </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I'm such a nitpicker, I just had to verify the above statement. According to the price sheets on Lee's website, option 8D090 (factory pick up) MSRP is $1698.00 regardless of coach model. I would think high line PDI should cost more, since it is apparently much more comprehensive than what we bottom feeders will get when picking up a KSDP. ED

Dav5942 · 06-14-2007, 01:21 PM

Actually we paid $1800(no discount!)last year.

Route 66 · 06-14-2007, 03:34 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Actually we paid $1800(no discount!)last year. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Something wrong here. Never heard of anyone paying full list for any option or special.

Dav5942 · 06-14-2007, 04:09 PM

Dirk, PDIs where not option in 2007, it was a special. All specials are quoted from the factory at whatever you want to call it but it is the price you pay. Also all specials are grouped into one price. The only way we saw the price was it happened to be a separate line item on the specials price list for our coach. PS We did get 28.5% off the MSRP on the base and options on a factory ordered coach.