Community Forums

tonyd48 · 08-04-2015, 09:59 PM

First time RVers and we're pulling the trigger on a used unit within a week or so. We have narrowed down our wants, needs, likes, balanced with a bit of "gotta have" and "would be nice but not necessary" and have landed on 5 different units. They range from an '05 National Sea Breeze to an '11 Itasca 30W. All are available for $55,000 or less. As loans are a profit source for dealerships we can write it that way and pay it off before the interest kicks if it helps with the negotiation. Right now I'm interested in feedback about these 5 specific coaches:
2011 Itasca Sunstar 30W
2010 FOUR WINDS HURRICANE 30Q
2005 NATIONAL RV SEEBREEZE 1321
2010 Coachmen Mirada 29DS
2007 Tiffin Motorhomes Allegro 30 DA 2-SL

Yes, it's a wide range but all are clean and after 30 minutes with each, just looking and tire kicking not test driven yet all can meet our needs and stay within budget.
Is newer necessarily better? Are Tiffin and Itasca really that great? Is a National RV or Coachman synonymous with shoddy workmanship? Any and all feedback welcome from personal experience to "I heard from a cousin of my deceased aunt twice removed on an elevator".

I've posted links to four of the five actual coaches on my web site here:
TonyD - Marketing Wizard

Local library has N.A.D.A RV Wholesale Appraisal book which we're referencing.

Thanks;

paz · 08-05-2015, 04:38 AM

Tony,

It looks like you have been real busy looking at RVs lately.

Are you aware National is no longer in business? They made decent coaches, but the Seabreeze a pretty old motorhome for a first time buyer when the company that made it is no longer in business.

The choice for me is a no-brainer. We used to have a Tiffin Alegro Bay, and were very pleased with it. Tiffin is a good company and provides good customer service. Not only that, but the Allegro is probably a higher level of build quality and amenities than the others.

ahicks · 08-05-2015, 05:59 AM

Identically equipped and you absolutely love the floor plans in each (in other words, all else being equal), I'd go with a newer one, likely the Itasca.

The '05 and '07 coaches would have to be REALLY nice in order to start trying to justify the purchase of something that much older. The '05 is already old enough where a lot of people would have a tough time financing it..... a HUGE factor when it comes to resale value.

twogypsies · 08-05-2015, 11:16 AM

It makes no difference if a manufacturer is not in business anymore. There's no issue in getting parts. A friend has an early National and is extremely happy with it. Good luck!

ralphie · 08-05-2015, 01:20 PM

Tiffin has an excellent reputation.

Hit_the_Rhod · 08-11-2015, 08:54 PM

In my opinion, the company in business only matters if it's still under warranty, which non of these are.

Floorplan, condition, and maintenance (proven by records) are the biggies to me. All else is secondary.

tonyd48 · 08-12-2015, 06:12 AM

Went with the Itasca, taking delivery this Friday, August 14th. Now only time will tell.

tim myers · 08-12-2015, 06:15 AM

I think that is a good choice. Enjoy

hal1phx · 08-12-2015, 07:49 AM

Congrats on the new rig ....

tim myers · 08-12-2015, 07:57 AM

We need pictures!!!!!

Mike and Cha · 08-12-2015, 10:57 AM

Congrats on the purchase, late to this thread but I would have recommended the Itasca or the Tiffin. And yes it does matter if the company went out of business, first there is usually a reason they went out of business when others were still able to keep their doors open, and two even though you may be able to get parts they may not be the exact match, and may be limited in availability. So good choice and congrats, now go out and enjoy it.