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bigdomino · 04-25-2012, 02:37 PM

Have a 2008 Knight and have been looking to upgrade. Have looked at the new Knight and Diplomat. Really nice. Seemed to have even upgraded to a level higher than my Knight. Price has risen too.

Was talking to DeMartini (my rv dealer) and he suggested a used Dynasty. They are great rigs. So I could get a 2008 or 2007 for the price of a new knight. It might have 30 or 40 thousand miles on the Dynasty verses brand new.

So what do you think? A good move? I assume most of the bugs are worked out. But, might be buying someone's nightmare. What would you do?

Steve

Steve N Sal · 04-25-2012, 02:46 PM

It seems it could be a role of the dice which ever way you go. Someone elses problem or problems right out of the factory. It's a hard call but if the floorplan works for you and it looks nice why not? As you said it's a higher end coach and there are alot of them on the road. Be sure to have it inspected by a qualified tech and see what kind of warranty you may be able to get from the dealer. Good luck in your decision.

Steve Ownby · 04-25-2012, 03:11 PM

Steve,

As nice at the new coaches are, I would not be able to pass on an older coach with a tag riding on the Series S semi monocoque chassis. I would even go back further. Here are some things to look for in an older coach:
1. Availability of maintainence records.
2. Age of tires would need to be factored into the deal.
3. TV's will not be digital & a change should be part. Of the deal.

bigdomino · 04-25-2012, 03:20 PM

Totally agree about the tires and the non digital tvs. I have ne'er bought a warranty before. Maybe this would be good to try with a used coach. There are so many negatives about the different rv warranties.

Steve

Barlow46 · 04-25-2012, 03:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

Steve,

As nice at the new coaches are, I would not be able to pass on an older coach with a tag riding on the Series S semi monocoque chassis. I would even go back further. Here are some things to look for in an older coach:
1. Availability of maintainence records.
2. Age of tires would need to be factored into the deal.
3. TV's will not be digital & a change should be part. Of the deal.

x's 2 on Steve's post. My 05 Dynasty is well made, well optioned, reliable and most important very easy to drive. The tag sure makes a big difference in my opinion.

dashdriver · 04-25-2012, 08:40 PM

I would go with the Dynasty in a heartbeat. You're buying so much more coach for the same money. In fact, less money when you consider the outrageous depreciation on the new units. I personally wouldn't bother with the extended warranty, but to each their own.

JimM68 · 04-25-2012, 09:13 PM

The Knight and the diplomat are the same coach. Same floorplans, same color schemes, same interior fablics, everything.

Difference is the knight has a rear radiator ISC, Dip has a side rad ISL. If you think your knight is underpowered, give them $40k for 40 HP...

Dynasty is a whole nother animal. Tag axle, aquahot, lots of cool goodies.

I'd still have a hard time going older. Your knight, like mine, is practically brand new. Modern colors, modern interior, digital TV's, all that good stuff.

distaff · 04-25-2012, 09:59 PM

I'm with Steve, the S chassis and semi monocoque with a tag is a totally different experience compared to a lesser chassis made by Roadmaster.

itdave · 04-26-2012, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68

The Knight and the diplomat are the same coach. Same floorplans, same color schemes, same interior fablics, everything.

Difference is the knight has a rear radiator ISC, Dip has a side rad ISL. If you think your knight is underpowered, give them $40k for 40 HP...

Dynasty is a whole nother animal. Tag axle, aquahot, lots of cool goodies.

I'd still have a hard time going older. Your knight, like mine, is practically brand new. Modern colors, modern interior, digital TV's, all that good stuff.

Jim
What year did the change the Dip to a side radiator? In 2010 it was a rear with a ISL I think the 2012 has a Maxforce. Regardless he should go with the Dynasty.

bigdomino · 04-26-2012, 08:03 AM

Dip has a rear radiator and a Maxforce engine.

JimM68 · 04-26-2012, 11:18 AM

Sorry guys, i'm thinking older ones, and probably throwing hr endeavers into my head as well.

Buddy has an 05 endeaver with a side rad isl...

vito.a · 04-26-2012, 12:17 PM

I think a used Dynasty is much more attractive than a new Knight. I like the idea of a non-DEF engine, Aqua Hot, and the tag axle. I like the slightly higher end faucets and peripherals that come on the Dynasty. It’s a lot more for your money. You might also consider a used Imperial, Navigator, Executive, or Signature as there are some great prices out there.

You can download the brochures from the Monaco brochure archive web site and learn a lot about the coaches. Start making a list of "must haves" and "nice to have" items as you search. You will learn something from everyone you look at.
http://www.monacocoach.com/monaco/brochures

Just my opinion on DeMartini’s current pricing. I remember 10-15 years ago DeMartini had very competitive prices. Today, they are a on the high side. The RV market has had some big downturns and some of the dealers have not followed.

Diplomat Don · 04-26-2012, 05:24 PM

I've been getting the itch and have been quietly looking for a 2008 -2009 Dynasty. Those two years offered a 39 footer in the Bishop model. 500 ISM and tag axle make it very appealing.

moisheh · 04-26-2012, 06:02 PM

There is no question that the Dynasty is te better choice. Of course I am biased! However I would be cautious in buying anything older than a 2008 (maybe 2007). Better electronics in the 08. Should have HD tv's so no worries about running HDMI cables to the bedroom. Multiplex wiring. Some of the older Dynasty's MAY have problems with fiberglass spider cracks. They are great buys these days. If you are still hesitating take a Dynsaty for a run and then jump into a Knight. Like night and day. Many of Demartinis units are auction vehicles.