Quote:
Originally Posted by mike brez
Pecking order
1-Prevost by CC
2-Lexa
3-Affinity
4-Magna
5-Intriuge
6-Allure best bang for the $$
7-Inspire
8-Tribute
Did not include Concept. Looked at a Inspire and was not up to my expectations.
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As in many cases, the specifics of the years and the model details comes into play
!
In genreal, I agree with Mike that the Allure is a solid 'bank for the $$'. (We have a 2004 Allure High Cascade 40' model, that we're very pleased with.)
That being said, to me, the sweet spot in the ay 2003-2006 Country Coaches were the Intrigue. That is because I really 'preferred' (Now for those of you the are married. This is what you really want. But, since the DW usually get's her way, not always get
!).
'Preferred?' - I always feel that more power, is better. The Allure is I believe only available with a Mid Sized Block Cummins (ISL370/400) or CAT C9 400 engine. Sure, you get the real 2 Staged Jake Compression Brake, and that is a big plus one an Exhaust Brake (Opinions vary on this...). But the Intrigue usually came stock with the Mid Sized Block Cummins ISL (Do not know if the CAT C9 was ever offered in the Intrigue?). But, it also was optionally fitted with the BIG BLOCK CAT. Depending on year, the C12-13 (Maybe the C15 in later years too??).
The BIG BLOCK, adds weight for heavier drive train all around, but still yields dividends in many areas. It usually is not working as hard to do the job. So MPG is relatively similar to the Mid Sized Block engines. It being a larger displacement engine, had more Compression Braking Horsepower via the Jake Compression...
So the higher HP and Torque provide a safety benefit of extra power reserves - if needed in an emergency. And, that BIG BLOCK? Well it provides more Braking Horse Power for those mountain roads.
Me? Yeah, I'd still rather have a BIG BLOCK engine. But, our Allure makes the DW happy. And, it has treated us well. Just always aware that at times, when I press the pedal - not much in the way of reserves for acceleration in an emergency. And again, the mentioned extra braking HP?
But you must like the coach. It must 'fit you', in more then HP/Torque power, as well as stopping capability.
The Tribute? Well it's a Country Coach. Entry level into the coach lineup. But, IMO, that 'Entry Level' CC - usually compares very well with the top end of many manufactures... So, it's a fine coach. IF, you do not need Aqua/Hydro Hot heating and hot water. And, Etc. on other missing higher end benefits of the Allure on up.
I always remember the Sales Man that I had asked for help in finding my coach. (Steve Wilson, from Holland Motors in Southern California. A true 'Professional'. Yes, he wanted to see a coach. But, he also really worked the referral and repeat business angle of the business. Preferring to suggest a customer 'Keep looking...' - if they suddenly became fixated on a coach he knew was not meeting what they said they were looking for...)
Steve's comment was: "The Allure, is the entry level into the upper end of Country Coach." Well, I went and kicked several tires, drove two days in each direction, flew at times to more distant locations to go look at coaches that 'seemed' to be meeting my needs. And, I found myself comparing each coach inspected to the Allure/Intrigue/Magna. So many other brands were, well, lacking... In component of materials, foundations of chassis - and build quality. That I just kept coming back to the CC line-up. (Always factoring our budget, and more importantly 'our needs'.).
Tribute? If it meets your needs and your budget, and is in good shape. Sure. But, please also look a bit higher up the food chain. And by the way, the Inspire, one model above the Tribute, in many years is worth looking at also...
Happy hunting,
Smitty
I think a couple of them got through as CC's before we at National re-badged them as Tradewinds LTC FE's 
Linear Mode
