Community Forums

Roamin Mike · 12-29-2015, 10:41 PM

Please hear out my long winded question. So, now I'm looking at a 2006 Alfa See Ya. And I'm reading some of the same things I was reading when I was looking at a Gulf Stream. "Walk away." "Nightmare." "Would never own one."
Why??? It's got a Cat engine which is good. It's got a Freightliner chassis which is good. It's got an Allison 3000 transmission which is good. So, what is the problem(s)? Are the cabinet doors going to fall off? Because honestly, I think I can handle that. I've heard talk about delamination, so yes, that's a concern, but beyond that what's the issue. I've read that some people looked at them and thought they looked cheaply made. How? Again, is this just low grade carpet and cheap fixtures? I'd really love to hear from people that have owned Alfas as well as other coaches so that I can get some true comparison rather than just hearsay, speculation, or the person that says "love it and wouldn't trade it for anything". HELP!!!

Mr_D · 12-29-2015, 10:55 PM

Open the cabinets and look at the construction. Soft wood frames with a thin luan backing. Drawers butt nailed, plastic door fronts even in the Gold I looked at.
BUT, like all things, it's built to a price point.
Also, I've never owned one so others might have real world experience too.

Roamin Mike · 12-29-2015, 10:58 PM

and then...???

Ranger Smith · 12-30-2015, 04:31 AM

There were and are lots of Alfa's made with defective exterior sidewalls. Little chips pop off the exterior and it looks like it was shot with a shot gun all over the place. It is caused from moisture in the side wall when manufactured and it freezing when in cold climates. It caused them to go under. I saw one I was going to buy for 35k with 13,000 miles on it. It was gorgeous inside but the exterior was awful and it was a 20 to 25k repair bill.

PorterC · 12-30-2015, 03:24 PM

My comment is, ,, yes i just bought it yesterday. The exterior is terrible with the pits. All the other seems wonderful. My doors are all solid oak and very well made. I see a lot of quality components for the money.
I think i can do allot to repair or minimize the bad look. Then i can enjoy a beautiful low mileage high quality coach for pennies on the dollar.
I need to find a manual if anyone can help.

vanbuskirk · 12-30-2015, 05:51 PM

I think they are beautiful units and very eye catching. The interiors are gorgeous. And yes, some of them have exterior issues that are very noticeable. If you can deal with the pitting I am sure you can wheel and deal on the price.

As far as Gulf Stream is concerned. Gulf Stream used to build quality MH's but they priced themselves out of the MH business. Do not compare the older Gulf Stream units with the poor quality of Gulf Stream TT's of today. There is absolutely no comparison.

Kim

montyhp · 12-30-2015, 07:46 PM

I like the way the alfas look. Sounds like you should get full body paint. Definitely shop around for the best price.

All of these RVs have flaws. It sounds like you committed.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/wher...ted-93370.html

If you got it for a good price, a $15k full body paint job may give you the most unique alfa in the country.

Brian W · 12-30-2015, 08:16 PM

We have one at our the dealership I work at that is the employees MH. Employees that don't have a MH are allowed to check it out as long as you bring it back clean and full of fuel. It doesn't have the exterior issues others have noted. Nice interior and runs well.

I have only been in it once or twice, but I have seen nothing that screams out cheaply made.

jamador1010 · 01-03-2016, 11:31 AM

I have a 04 GS crescendo 8356 with all said described in your post. While it is considered an entry class DP it has everything I liked, and too me quality built. Additionally, it has been no more work, as were the two Fleetwood I had prior. Yes, I got caught up in all the post of Huey pump, engine fan bearing and I do think of that from time to time. However, after annual inspection of these items I have had no issues thus far and I'm sure each will outlast me. I think if your looking at something you like, and it's affordable go for it. Truthfully, I would like to have an EC, but when I think about expense, and what I have now, it would be pretty hard to beat. I'm sure would also be equally labor intense.

Roamin Mike · 01-21-2016, 08:53 PM

Thanks to everyone who pitched in and offered their advice and input on my questions. I am now the proud owner of a 2004 Tiffin Allegro Bus 38TGP. I will post a couple of pics on the "New Rig Show-off" forum!