1999 Beaver Contessa vs. 1999 HR Imperial

[bulldog2655]

We are fairly green when it comes to this whole DP thing, but we are learning !!

So we have narrowed down our search to two units and would like to have some insight from the forum on which way to go. The beaver contessa naples 40 footer is in excellent condition and fairly loaded out. With a price tag of $60K it is on the high end of our budget. It is also a little bit above the NADA value (avg. retail - $55K). The HR Imperial 40 PBS is around $40K and needs a little work. Minor things, but I know they can add up. We are figuring on about $5k for fixes. This unit would be well below the NADA (avg. retail - $66K). We like both floor plans equally. They both run out great on the test drives . The Beaver has the 330 cat and the HR has the 350 cat, same transmission. Same basic amenities, Beaver has a satellite system and up dates tv's.

Were these built on the same line ?

What do you think the fair prices for each of these units should fall ?? Is the Beaver really worth $15-20K more.

Does anyone have access to or know where to find the original Brochure for the 1999 HR Imperial Line ??

We know you can Car Fax a Car, is there a similar one for motorhomes ??

Thanks in advance for your input.............

[docj]

In 1999 there was no business relationship between Beaver and Holiday Rambler/Monaco. Beaver was part of Safari and its coaches were built using the Magnum chassis. The Contessa was one of the lower-priced Beaver models that year, the higher priced models were the Patriot, Patriot Thunder and Marquis. However, all Beavers were known for the quality of their cabinetry and interior finish. I think it's fair to say that Beaver was considered a luxury MH manufacturer, particularly at the upper end of its line. I don't think the same thing can be said for Holiday Rambler except possibly for the Navigator.