Should I buy?

[Pam in Kansas]

We're looking at a 1999 Monaco Diplomat --20,000 miles on it. It looks nice, it runs well -- it costs 66,000 -- should we buy this?

[Pam in Kansas]

We're looking at a 1999 Monaco Diplomat --20,000 miles on it. It looks nice, it runs well -- it costs 66,000 -- should we buy this?

[Jack Neefus]

I was always told in buying or owning a coach... People will tell you there option and what they think but in the long run you have to look at a few things and remember the following

1.What is your thoughts on the coach
2.do you like her and are you satisfied
3.What does the wife or girlfriend think
4.Can you afford her
5.what are yours plans to do with her
6.Do you have the time for her

When I went to buy my First coach and I asked for others option they gave it to me but they told me they are 7 things to consider when buying something, costing that amount of money... I hope i was some help to you

Best of luck

[mom2mastiffs]

What should Pam be looking for when looking at this coach?
I think that is what she is wondering. I told her you guys are the best and could provide her good info
I know we are thrilled with our Dip

Karen of

[SacsTC]

Welcome Pam
First thing I would do is check here to see if the price is in line or not.
Second is check the date codes on the tires. They are probably the originals and are due to be changed.
Check maintenance records and see if the trans fluid and filters were changed.. Oil also.
Probably needs antifreeze change.
Check NHTSA for any recalls and try to find out if they were completed. (If any)
Where are you going to be using the coach?? 275 HP will get you anywhere you want to go, but would be (to me anyway) a little weak if doing a lot of mountain driving pulling a toad.

If you just love the rig, go for it!! You are the only person who has to be happy with it. Spend time looking at it so that you are sure it fits you and the lifestyle changes you see it making.
Remember, M2M's coach is 5 years newer and probably has nicer bells and whistles.
According to Monaco Archives it only has a 5000 Lb towing capacity, so that may also enter into your decision.

[SacsTC]

Hello again,
Just found This discussion elsewhere on the forum..Same coach???

[MonacoMama]

Pam in Kansas...
First of all.. welcome to iRV2!! You will find this group of people willing to help anyone prettu much all the time... (Hopefully I will be welcoming you into the Monaco forum soon.)
I have found this link...Ecker is VERY familiar..so trust his judgement...

Good Luck.. and welcome

MM

[Daveo0o]

I owned a 1999 38' Monaco Dip with a 275-ISB and a single slideout for ~3 years. It was a fine looking coach that served well.

The mileage was great at about 11MPG, but the power was very limited. So much so that I never even considered towing. For flat land trips it was fine, but in high ambient heat and even slight hills I had to constantly monitor the temperature and adjust my speed appropriately.

There was a problem with oil and dirt buildup on the radiator, but frequent steam cleaning and a 6" exhaust extension solved that.

The basement bay doors were a problem as I had three of them separate from their hinges as they were being opened / closed requiring some repair & reassembly.

I now have a 2006 40' Monaco Dip, so I obviously liked the coach. For me, the added HP meant there was one less thing to juggle while driving.

Best of luck and remember, it's your choices that matter.

[Robin_M]

I think there is LOADS of negotiating room in that asking price. Be sure to check the NADA guide, as SacsTC suggested.

[Pam in Kansas]

Thanks so much -- I've learned a lot about resources in asking you guys for help! I have checked NADA now, I've looked up the issues on NHTSA -- It's not the same issue discussed in the Monaco archives, although the coaches are so similar as to be scary I'm not concerned about towing capacity, and since we live in Kansas (and it's not as flat as you might think, folks) the mountain-climbing horsepower isn't huge. We'll use this guy for dog shows, and we just don't travel west for those. We'll certainly get to those service records, plus we gotta talk tires.

Davd and Nance, I especially appreciate your feedback on your Dip.