Old Prevost or New Entregra?

[Christian51]

Greetings everyone, first time poster with the primary question of what coach would be best for my needs. Since we have never owned an RV before, I've been reading all your postings to learn what I am getting myself into. From the many different sections of the forums I have complied a list of things to look for, thing to purchase once I have one, the issues of camping and maintenance, everything I can think of. This forum has been quite educating.

I decided to move from lurker to member today so to ask the opinions on my future purchase of my first RV. I know the first questions have to do with what I want out it, how I will use it, where will I use it. For a little back ground, I am an artist and inventor. Having finally earned the right to paint for fun after 40 years of working for others, it is time to explore the country for the scenes that capture my lust to record on canvas. Since I've been a flat-lander all my life, I'm ready for the grand vistas such as the mountain views of Colorado.

After a lot of internet study, I have come down to two coaches that may fit my needs. At MHSRV in Alvardo, Texas they have an 08 Prevost that is priced exactly what they offer a new 2013 Cornerstone. Both have great quality and livability from what can be gleaned from the materials and opinions provided. What concerns me is an 08 Prevost for 400 grand which from all the others I have seen listed looks like a very good price. So why is that? 65 thousand miles may say all the bugs are worked out and it has provided good service or it may not. I emailed the dealer a simple question about the lamination issues with Prevost and they responded as though they were insulted with such a question. So be it, I may have to find someone in the Dallas/FW area to assist me in the evaluation.

My main concern is which will be the easiest to live in, drive, and manage. I cannot help being drawn to the beauty of the steel, the design of the window system, the strength of the frame construction and what looks to be top level compenents on the Prevost. But for comfort and living environment, the Cornerstone looks even better! For the latest technologies it beats the Prevost hands down since it is 5 years newer. But then I turn to the views, the expansive windows in the Prevost where the Entrega's have a more closed in feeling from the images, fewer and smaller windows. The amount of “mother nature” that can come into the coach from the images provided, the Prevost looks to wins this one hands down. I could just keep going back and forth with examples I like about both and it gets ridicules at some point. . So if anyone has an opinion, I would be delighted to hear them. I'm at a point that I couldn't possibility make up my mind until it is time to go make a deal and see them in person. Not sure that will be the time to decide since I do will most likely make an impulsive decision on the spot. So if there are any points of interest that you experienced RV fans can point out, I’d be very interested in hearing them.

Thanks for reading.

[LA-HODAG]

Christian, as you note, the choice is quite personal. I'm not a full timer, but I'll nonetheless share my similar experience. My first Rv was an older used Prevost with no slides. The quality of the conversion, driveability of the bus and the huge windows sold me. I loved it, but as it aged it became very expensive to maintain and the systems and even the engine and chassis components were seriously out of date. It still ran great and was reliable, but lacked modern brakes and engine. kept it 7 years until it was 15 years old. A year and a half ago I traded it for a 4 year old Fleetwood Revolution, which is really nice but not quite as high end as Entegra. I drove many rigs including Entegra before deciding. We were seeking nice quality but lower maintenance expenses and modern systems. Last weekend we went back to the bus world. I traded the Revolution in for an 05 bus conversion. The Revolution was totally reliable and cost almost nothing to maintain due to the warranty I bought. But after living with it for a while i missed the quality of the bus, both chassis and house, and especially the windows. Other than perhaps a Newell, there is simply no comparison in drive and ride quality between a real bus and any RV. Depending on the converter, i think you will find most Prevosts to be much higher quality than Entegra inside, especially cabinetry, electrical and plumbing. And you get to see out through those fabulous windows. However, there's a lot to be said for having new stuff and a warranty. Stuff breaks down on any motorhome, and Prevost service is $$$. For me, the more costly maintenance is worth it for the quality, driveability and view. Just sharing my experience. You need to check out all your options and decide for yourself. P.s.: don't think about buying a used bus in that price range without inspecting yourself and having a pro check it out. Good luck with this. I think you will love the RV life.

[Les Stallings]

Drive both, then you will answer your own question.

Most folks will tell you to never drive a Prevost unless you are willing to buy one. You'll be spoiled.

[TXiceman]

I'd go with the Prevost if it has had all of the proper maintenance and they have records.

Ken

[Christian51]

Thanks for that! Interesting thoughts I received from the Entregra group in that direction but I wanted to hear from those that have experienced both. The link provided is the coach that caught my eye on the net.

Used Prevost for sale in Alvarado TX | 2008 Prevost XLII Luxury Motorcoach W/2 Slides Bus Conversion For Sale from Motor Home Specialist in Alvarado Texas

When the idea of how good the view would be when traveling, it looked to me that those in an RV would be moving around to see out at the grandeur of the country as we traveled. Willing to give up a bar in the center of my view driving for the better views others would get while ridding. I wanted to know if it was a concern or nothing to worry about. An 08 with 65,000 since new doesn't scare me if it is in great condition. Do not want to deal with anything serious right out of the box. This thing could have all the bugs worked out and be fantastic for all I would know so educating myself on how to inspect it as well as I can is a concern. I know I can take someone that would know and when we relocate and are ready I will look for someone. I always wanted to have my own plane but not at 61, heck with that but this is what replaces it for me. I just love the steel, the strength of a Prevost and I oh so want to make the right decision and it be this or a coach somewhat like it. Actually this is one of the interiors I like, most of the Prevost are to fancy for me. I see this one as modern conservative in its interior so I like it. But there are things to say about the Cornerstone so it makes it a competition. Like you say, I'll know when I see them both in person. Thanks for your remarks.

[tncruiser]

you say all the bugs worked out,is this a previously owned govt. bus
altho both are out of my budget i believe a prevost is the best looking unit you can see going down the road and i am sure just like a preety girl the maintenance is a little high
brianj

[Red1Barn]

I have been doing research and plan on buying a motor coach also, I joined Prevost Community which has turned out to be a GREAT source of information specific to Prevost. It is free to join and provides a lot of information on the forum made up of current and future owners. When I started my search I was looking at Newmar, Tiffan, and Newell, and wanted to just touch on Prevost because I thought they would be outside my budget. After I looked at them and found that I could find them within my budget I have focused my search on Prevost. When you experience them you may find yourself focusing your search as I did.

[Red1Barn]

They also have a lot of good information on the Delam issue on the Prevost Community forum. There seems to be a definitive Prevost factory fix for the Delam issue. There are some examples of coaches that have been through the process on the forum. It seems that the issue can be managed well if proactively managed, but I am not sure if I would want to try to manage it in a reactive mode after purchase.

[LA-HODAG]

Christian, that is a beautiful bus. It's all a matter of taste, but I'm with you on the clean, less fussy, interior design. When you check out the bus be sure to check the title for the model year. Often the Prevost chassis is made one year and the conversion might be finished a year or two later. Sellers sometimes refer to the bus by the conversion year, but depending on the state where first titled, the title might refer to the chassis year. You can tell when the chassis was finished from the VIN number. The model year on the title can make a big difference when it comes to resale value. Also, if the chassis is from an earlier year, you may need to replace the tires sooner than you think just due to age. Again, good luck with whatever you decide.

[LA-HODAG]

Oh, and by the way, I think the split windshield is a bonus, not a detriment. It makes no difference to the view from the driver's seat, and it is much cheaper to replace just 1/2 when you get hit with a stone and suffer a crack, and it's easier to remove if you need to change out the furnture. The cynic in me believes that RV manufacturers use one piece windshields only becuase it is easier for them.

[Christian51]

Well, you all have given me a more secure feeling to go through this bus and find out of it could be the one. To me, it is just beautiful, that steal is just stunning over a fully painted fiberglass coach. As an artist, I can't help but love the beauty of the thing. You've help me get past that and feel good about the potential of the whole package.
Thanks all, I appreciate your time to respond.

[tomwalt]

Just as a thought - ask around to see if you can find a trustable mobile RV mechanic. He/she can be a big assistance on a pre-purchase inspection and during your post-purchase learning curve - your next best friend.

[buck454]

C,
Welcome.

Since you mentioned the dealership in Tx might I suggest you also check out Motorhomes of Texas in Nacogdouches, home of Foretravel, another top end brand you might find worth investigating. Not long ago my wife and I looked at a 2008 CC magna at Southern RV Super Center in Tyler that was one of the nicest MHs we had seen...and we enjoy getting out looking from time to time. Yes, been to the two dealerships in Alvarado, lots to look at. We looked at a older model Prevost there and it was very nice but as someone mentioned upkeep on the Prevost might be a factor to consider......not that others do not have enough expense.
Good luck. Let us know what you find.
bill

[Christian51]

Originally Posted by tomwalt

Just as a thought - ask around to see if you can find a trustable mobile RV mechanic. He/she can be a big assistance on a pre-purchase inspection and during your post-purchase learning curve - your next best friend.

I'm going to try to. Thought I might go by the Prevost shop in the Dallas/FtWorth area and see if I could find someone.