Ventana vs Dutch Star?

[rmk83]

Hey everybody! I am getting closer to being ready to pull the trigger on a Class A and Dutch Star 4369 has been my goal and dream coach for a few years. I love all the high end features of them and the bus "look". As I'm getting closer and speaking w dealerships about numbers, etc I am finding that I may not want to spend what most of them are asking.

First question: What is the typical discount percentage from MSRP you all have experienced?

Second question: Is Ventana a good next level down alternative in your opinions? I know they have different slide mechanisms, awnings, tire size, etc. But is there a benefit to not having some of the things on a Dutch Star that possibly malfunction more often? Particularly slide outs.


Third question: What are some of the things Ventana owners wish they had from Dutch Star line and why? Real world experience kind of things that would make saving more money and getting a DS a smart move. LOL

I am looking to spend in the 250-300k range on a coach. Haven't found a Dutch Star w spec I like in the range yet. Not against a used 2016 but not much out there. All of them have the oak looking wood and I can't deal with that. LOL. Would like a 4018 or 4369 I think. 2016-2019 years only. Any suggestions, pointers, info would be appreciated!

Ryan

[PandS]

Hello!


We have a 2017 Ventana 4369 and love it!


Could have afforded the Dutch Star, but couldn't justify the extra expense VS. the added features, which mostly amounted to automated features such as window shades, basement tray, etc. on the Dutch Star and more simple, manual features on the Ventana. The fact that we could order the same floor plan with the same furnishings and appliances made the choice easy.


Funny you should mention slideouts. That was a big deal for us. We really wanted to stay with the tried and true design.


We have owned it a bit over a year and have been living in it full time for about 2 1/2 months. so far, we are very happy and feel we made the right choice for us.


You should get somewhere between 25 and 30% off of the MSRP. We got approximately 29% off.



Good luck! Hope you get exactly what you want and are as happy with it as we are. You can't go wrong with either Coach.-Paul

[Stuart W]

Both excellent motorhomes and the Ventana has some nice added options in 19.
The differences main that attracted me to the DS, more floor with no carpet, side radiator and independent front suspension. There other things but to me the above was on my must have list.
Discounts this time of year may be a little tighter I would say 26-28%
Besides what I mentioned above, popular options unique to DS, heated floors and Girard awnings. Like I said they are both great. Good luck, Stuart W

[FatChance]

Why not buy a one or two year old, used Dutch Star and get what you really want? If you buy new, it will be considered used and start depreciating fast the minute you drive off the lot.

[tnedator]

I wanted to buy new and I couldn't justify the cost of the Dutch Star considering how we would be using it, but there were multiple features only available on the Dutch Star that I would have liked to have.

Independent front suspension
tile on the full wall slide rather than carpet
heated floors
Sanicon system
Possibly, the Girard Nova awnings and power window awnings

The thing is that you pay more for the DS, and then when you add in some of the options I would really have liked, it winds up being about $60k or so difference, and that was more than I wanted to swing, even though I wanted those options only available on a DS and higher.

[Stuart W]

Originally Posted by tnedator

The thing is that you pay more for the DS, and then when you add in some of the options I would really have liked, it winds up being about $60k or so difference

When I did the numbers last year with what I wanted, the difference was closer to $80k. Definitely more money fore sure. The Girard package is $14k alone

[redbaron73]

A friend of mine is buying a 2019 VTDP 4369, and we shopped and compared deals at the same time. We optioned ours pretty much the same, with me choosing a few dsdp only options. Our price difference is $72k.

In that number is $12,000 for girard awnings, $3,600 for factory pickup that I am getting and he is not, $4,500 for heated floor and $2,000 for power shades. This is a bit over $20k of options I added not available on the vtdp, plus the factory delivery.

We both got custom paint, tile, and advantium.

I tried to talk him into the $50k upgrade for the extra 50hp, ifs, side radiator, basic girard, roof drains, no carpet, hydraulic slide, digital dash, cut n buff finish, and to no longer have something less than me (ribbing between friends). He couldn't justify it for the 50k, and knew that once he had the option it would be 72k.


If you dont see the value in the options I listed, then get the Ventana. It is a great option.

[tnedator]

Originally Posted by Stuart W

When I did the numbers last year with what I wanted, the difference was closer to $80k. Definitely more money fore sure. The Girard package is $14k alone

I think when I did my price comparison, I went with only the things I really wanted and opted to leave the Nova awnings, powered window awnings, etc. off. I was trying to see if I could get the difference down to something I could stomach, and I couldn't.

[Stuart W]

Originally Posted by tnedator

I think when I did my price comparison, I went with only the things I really wanted and opted to leave the Nova awnings, powered window awnings, etc. off. I was trying to see if I could get the difference down to something I could stomach, and I couldn't.

And I was adding, fiberglass roof, slide locks, chrome mirrors,power reals etc that were standard on DS

[Stuart W]

And it’s like then do you look at DS vs MA. Get what you will be happy paying for is the bottom line.

[tnedator]

Originally Posted by Stuart W

And it’s like then do you look at DS vs MA. Get what you will be happy paying for is the bottom line.

Exactly. If price isn't the main consideration, then a DS is an easy decision over a Ventana, and the various Air's over a DS.

They are all nice coaches, but the more you are able to spend, the more features and luxury you can get by going up the model line.

[TomandGloria]

We bought the VTDP 4369 and absolutely love it. I still cannot justify the extra 80 grand for the differences. Besides, John Sammut of Newmar told me the Ventana line is running very, very close in sales behind the DSDP.

I’d rather put the additional money in the fuel tank as we travel across this great country. 18 months of problem free ownership, great dealer support and lots of compliments from our neighbors in the campgrounds we have visited.

You won’t go wrong with either model you choose. Good luck in your decision and hope to see you on the road or at one of the fantastic Newmar Kountry Klub events.

[Mr_D]

When we ordered our '02 DSDP we went through much the same thing only between the MADP & DSDP. I really wanted the hydronic heating but Newmar refused and I couldn't justify paying $50,000 more for tha MADP then adding the options.

[Russ Potteng]

Nobody has mentioned the load/weight carrying comparisons. Is it significant enough to be factored in as part of the equation?