Community Forums

tdwayne69 · 12-20-2012, 09:21 AM

I have at least four four years before I retire from the military and about two before I make a purchase of our first MH. I'm the type of person that likes to do some thorough research before making a big decision. So for individuals that purchased the Cornerstone, why did you choose that model over the Anthem and Likewise for the individuals that purchased the Anthem, why did you choose it over the Cornerstone?

Thanks in advance,
Tony & Ramona

tnrzryd · 12-20-2012, 09:44 AM

Tony - the only reason we didn't order the Cornerstone was price. We just couldn't justify paying over $100k more.

tdwayne69 · 12-20-2012, 10:13 AM

Hello Tom,

Thaks, that's pretty much what we are thinking as well. I know the Cornerstones comes with the 600HP engine and some interior upgrades, but what esle would make you pay and additional 100k?

Regards,
Tony & Ramona

RandyP · 12-20-2012, 11:26 AM

The K3 chassis is nice but the Cornerstone is not worth the difference in price.... That is Entegra's biggest mistake to date.... Not a large enough difference in the "house" section of the motor home.

deafcone · 12-20-2012, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandyP

The K3 chassis is nice but the Cornerstone is not worth the difference in price.... That is Entegra's biggest mistake to date.... Not a large enough difference in the "house" section of the motor home.

what are the differences then between the Anthem and Aspire? only thing i can see is the anthem has a dishwasher, upgrade in shower, and better awning.

not being critical, just would like to know.

DC

Jake62 · 12-20-2012, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deafcone

what are the differences then between the Anthem and Aspire? only thing i can see is the anthem has a dishwasher, upgrade in shower, and better awning.

not being critical, just would like to know.

DC

On Cruzer's website he compares the three different models. Both the Anthem & Cornerstone have IFS and the Aspire does not. The Aspire & Anthem are on the same Spartan chassis & both have the same engine & transmission, but they have different floorplans. The Cornerstone has the Spartan K3 and a 600 HP engine, compared to the 450Hp in the Asprire/Antehm. There are other differences like the Aqua Hot system is different between the Aspire & the Anthem. I think the Anthem is a good choice, and the primary reason I think to go with the Anthem over the Aspire is the IFS and the 450D Aqua Hot system. But, like anything else, is it worth the extra money? I believe that's a personal decision.

Good luck ... as I'm on about the same time line you are and Entegra has certainly peaked my interest as the number one contender right now. I hope to do a factory tour next year to see for myself, since I've done the AC last year.

wnytaxman · 12-20-2012, 02:38 PM

Tim,

Once you do the factory tour the deal may be sealed. It is a very impressive place and these folks know what they are doing. We did the factory tour this fall and I was very impressed with what I saw. Now if I can just convince my better half that this is a necessity.....

Problem we have got is that we have twins and we have started to look at colleges. If you think RV's can give you sticker shock, check out the top universities!

Ed

TgovSr · 12-20-2012, 03:47 PM

Tim, get ready for tuition and everything else that college brings. State schools for first degree for sure for us, we're from Indiana and had 3 at Purdue and one at Indiana University (still there). We had our first 3 at Purdue at the same time and the costs we're significant and thank goodness for in state tuition but room and board / fee's really add up x3!!! Our oldest son has his 1st MBA (Marketing/Finance) from Ball State and is now getting his 2nd MBA at Notre Dame (Strategic Planning/Leadership and graduates in May!! Hopefully, that's it!! His company paid for both MBA's graduate degrees are really expensive........However, you'll love tailgating and going to the functions with your MH, wish we had one back then. We're about to order our first RV (Anthem) and we'll be tailgating at the Purdue, Indiana and Notre Dame football games. The question is scheduling and who do we route for......LOL

Ann n Gene · 12-20-2012, 04:27 PM

DC, in addition to the already mentioned differences, the Anthem comes with fireplace and dishwasher standard. Also the availability of the Girard Nova DUAL awning system with the kick back awnings and the standard awning covers with the raised front cap standard on the Anthem and not available on the Aspire. The dual Girard awnings is an option on the Anthem and not available on the Aspire. That, along with the IFS and bigger axle and steer tires and wheels, dishwasher, fireplace, diesel Aqua Hot, LED televisions and interior lights and several other upgrades on the interior trim (Villa furniture) make the Anthem an easy pick for us. IF your BUDGET can accept it, the Cornerstone is again very worth the cost of the upgrade. The K3 chassis and the big IXL Cummins are the ultimate for a motorhome in addition to the stainless trim on the outside, the power bay locks with auto on lights and the many upgrades make the Cornerstone a for sure top of the line coach. Alas, our budget does not stretch that far, stretch plenty far with the Anthem. Everything is a trade off in an RV and for us, the most bang for our buck and the coach that fits the combination of our needs, wishes, desires and budget is the Anthem. Bottom line, study your lesson well and make the choice of the Entegra coach that best fits you, you can not make a bad decision as they are all among the very best in the industry and backed by the best warranty and dedicated company in the business. All just my opinion and experience.

Jake62 · 12-20-2012, 04:33 PM

Maybe I left the wrong impression, but my kids are thru college. My daughter graduated from Arizona two years ago and my son graduates from Wheaton College in IL tomorrow. Bottom line, no more college bills which certainly free up the $$$ flow.

Yes, I love doing the factory tours. I've done Newmar, AC, & Tiffin and certainly want to do the Entegra tour next year. Wish we had it now since we're heading out to the Fiesta Bowl and it would have been great to tail-gate there. I was thinking of doing the Newell factory tour, but thought it would be too depressing, knowing that absent some large inheritance I don't know about, so the manufacturers I mentioned will suffice to choose from.

tdwayne69 · 12-21-2012, 05:11 AM

Hello Guys, thanks this is some great information. I'm just wondering, if I looked at the differences in cost vs payments alone it may discourage me from going with Cornerstone. However when I take in consideration that I could get a 20 year loan, this makes monthly payments only a few hundreds more than the Anthem. I love both coaches, I was initially drawn to Entegra by the Aspire, but I figure if I'm going to truly do this, I want to get the most reliable and appealing coach for the money. I was just looking at some of the end of the year close out prices for both the Anthem and the Cornerstone from Motorhome Specialist out of Texas and right now they Anthems (44 DLQ) going for $309,911.00 30% discount and Cornerstone (45 DLQ) going for $399,911.00 32% discount, difference of 90K and about $600.00 a month difference in payment on a 20 year loan. So I'm just wondering is this truly a good price or could I get it cheaper?

Tony

Tamatha · 12-21-2012, 06:34 AM

It was all about the $! Having just purchased an Anthem this Fall I have to honestly say that we did not even consider the Cornerstone, as it was about $100k more than we wanted to spend. We originally started with a budget of $200k for a used Country Coach and then added another $100K to get us into a new Anthem/Allegro Bus. I'm not exactly sure what all the differences are between the Anthem and the Cornerstone other than the larger motor and a few upgraded finishes/furniture? We took the Anthem with most all available options (no ipad controller), including the Mobile Eye, which I have to tell you, we think it was a waste of $2k. The Girard awnings are beautiful but they scare the crap out us, especially when it rains. Other than a few minor repairs, (we've only put 2,000 miles on it) we're very happy!

tdwayne69 · 12-21-2012, 06:48 AM

Thanks Steve and Tami,

Definitely valuable information. I tend to send more than my wife, but I try not to waste the money that I send and you know how it goes when two people are making the decision, we always have to come an agreement that will suit both of us. The beautiful thing about making the decision is, I have time and I don't want to rush the process only to be disappointed later, to much money is on the line and I know my better half will hold my feet to the fire. Both coaches are beautiful so it will be difficult to choose if I don't base my decision on price.

RandyP · 12-21-2012, 08:15 AM

Tony, right now i think the Anthem is the best buy out there but "I hope" over the next two years (when you are ready to buy) we will see a good number of changes so who knows which Entegra coach will be the best overall value at that time. I think you will see some different floor plans and even though the 44DLQ is popular, I think you might see it go away as many possible Entegra buyers are staying away or buying another brand due to the fact that you cant get to the bedroom area when slides are closed etc......many people still shop and buy a coach pretty much based of the floor plans offered by the manufactor and that is the one place Entegra is lacking.