06 American Heritage or 07 Newmar Essex ???

[smokin38]

We are trying to decide between a 2006 American Heritage with the 600 Cat or a 2007 Newmar Essex with the 500 Cummins.
The Am Her was $100,000 more (list) than the Essex was new, both fairly loaded. However the Am Her comes with more bells and whistles as standard equip. Comparable low miles, new tires, batteries, etc.
I can buy either for close to the same money.
I had an older Mountain Aire and am a Newmar fan, but from the outside am impressed with the Am Her as well.
What would you do..........Any advice?

Thanks

[Stanmawyer]

When faced with a similar dilemma, we chose the Heritage and have loved every minute of our use of it. We have been about 4,000 miles and are currently spending the winter in Naples. This coach has every feature we have ever seen on any coach...the Spartan K3 chassis with the Cat 600 is a very strong combo. All 8 tires are big 315s and the ride is sensational.

[Mystery]

Test drive both and review maintenance records. 100 hp can be a big deal in mountains. Both have outstanding reputations. The Essex is on my upgrade list but based upon your thread I will add the American Heritage to my list. No replacement for displacement! Safe Travels!

[Medico]

I would check the torque of both motors. Torque is what climbs hills. You might find the torque is comparable. This would be a very difficult decision for me as well. Newmar Essex is very high on my list and I have never looked at American Coach Heritage, but a neighbor here has one and loves it.

Either coach would be great. Because the AC Heritage is a year older, the pricing should be similar. Have fun deciding!

[HoleInOne]

I think DEF started in 2007 but was not on engines in 2006???? Might be something to consider.

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by HoleInOne

I think DEF started in 2007 but was not on engines in 2006???? Might be something to consider.

DEF started on engines produced after 1/1/2010. Due to many engines being produced before that date, DEF appeared in coaches in 2011. Same thing happened with the diesel particulate filter. Mandated in '07 but did not appear in coaches until '08.

The Cummins ISM is the engine in the Essex. It's a great engine in motorhome service. Much lighter weight that the Cat C15 or Cummins ISX. The ISM is capable of 7-8 mpg when driving conservatively. The only weakness in the ISM was the EGR valve. It was prone to failure in its 1st generation. I believe Cummins fixed this with a later designed EGR. It's torque rating is 1550 at 1200 rpm. It has a very flat torque curve from 1220 up to an out 1600.

[HoleInOne]

I knew there was something with 2007 vs 2006 coaches but couldn't remember what it was.

[Cat320]

One thing to consider is the tech service available over the phone. I'm not familiar with the service available for the Essex, but AC's service is great.

[jeryan59]

Have you compared the NADA of the two coach's? If one is worth considerably more that may have a bearing on what I would do, or investigate if one is significantly below the NADA.

New tires and batteries is another considerable factor, tires and batteries could easily be $5,000.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[spinn]

We have an 08 Essex, Newmar treats us fantastically and the service is great

[chuckster52]

Originally Posted by smokin38

We are trying to decide between a 2006 American Heritage with the 600 Cat or a 2007 Newmar Essex with the 500 Cummins.
The Am Her was $100,000 more (list) than the Essex was new, both fairly loaded. However the Am Her comes with more bells and whistles as standard equip. Comparable low miles, new tires, batteries, etc.
I can buy either for close to the same money.
I had an older Mountain Aire and am a Newmar fan, but from the outside am impressed with the Am Her as well.
What would you do..........Any advice?

Thanks

If you were looking at 2 brand new units...instead of two older units..I would say go with the Newmar.....but as they are used it has to come down to the condition they are in and the service....
I had 2 new Newmars and switched to American.......found the Newmars to be better built..better insulated....and I didn't have to go back to the Newmar factory within 6 months and 6,000 miles to have it rebuilt.......they spent 160 man hrs in 4 days to put Humpty Dumpty back together
Did find the American Service Ctr to be super and excellent service to repair it all
Chuck

[plasma800]

both great coaches! Just pick the one that makes you feel fuzzy,,,, it honestly ends up coming down to emotion. Don't pick the one where every time you go you say, "Man I wish I had the XYZ from that other bus"

[smokin38]

Thanks to all for your input. I determined I couldn't go wrong with either. I talked to customer service with both manufacturers and they were both great!
Once I compared the plus & minuses and bang for the buck for the used units I was considering I chose the American Heritage.
I closed the deal last Friday and will be picking it up in a couple weeks.
FYI- I dealt with Rick Stautmeister and his team at DeMontrond RV in Houston, TX.
He is a great guy and I had a good experience. I would highly recommend him.

[CLIFFTALL]

Congrats. Great choice. We 'll be expecting you to post plenty of pics .