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mike brez · 07-05-2014, 10:54 AM

Going to look at a 99 Magna. New tires,8 new air bags,cat 385hp just serviced with 114k miles,flat screen tvs. Says the dash tach needs a sensor and the temp guage reads high. He uses some digital screen that monitors all that and says the temp is normal and also uses it for rpm. If all checks out I think I can purchase for 60k or a little under. Does this seem like a fair price? Also what kind of mpg can I expect. I hear that the cats get a little lower mpg than the Cummins. I really was hoping for a CC with independent front suspension. How is the ride and handeling with the solid front axel? I know the wheel cut will be less.

Peralko · 07-05-2014, 01:03 PM

The solid front axle works fine--we have one on ours. While we miss the sharper turn radius, the ride is very comfortable, and not all that different from the IFS-equipped coaches.

deandec · 07-05-2014, 01:05 PM

I would think the ride is highly superior to your current rig. We have only owned one rig for 12 years so have no comparisons to furnish.

But we really like our rig with a Cummins on a Gillig chassis which is a forerunner to your target Dynomax.

I would get a mechanic's inspection of the engine and transmission. Those are very expensive items to replace/repair.

The price seems on the high side to me but value of these highline older rigs depends on condition mechanically, lack of water intrusions, and exterior cosmetics.

You probably would not regret spending that amount of money for a potentially great rig.

deandec · 07-05-2014, 01:29 PM

Well, I did a quick search of Oodle.com for your target rig.

Most asking prices are higher than your $60,000 target.

My "high side" comment may be wrong!

Peralko · 07-05-2014, 05:52 PM

As far as mileage, we get between 8 and 9MPG on mostly flat terrain with little wind going 65MPH. Lowest was a little over 6MPG with heavy headwind. Our engine is an earlier version of yours with 350hp.
Have you considered an Affinity? There is one here: 2000 Country Coach Affinity DBBB, Class A - Diesel RV For Sale in La Marque, Texas | Ron Hoover RV - La Marque 13164 | RVT.com - 118075. It has been for sale about three years here in San Antonio area before getting moved to it's present location last year. Last year the asking price was down to $83k--you may be able to get it down close to your budget. It needs some TLC, but seems like pretty good coach, and it has the IFS. BTW--I have no interest in it!

But good luck whatever you decide.

laj · 07-05-2014, 07:52 PM

i wouldn't worry a bit about the pre ifs cc. i would rather have one of those over a brand new :;"&$%^*.

as far as turning you will get acclimated to what you have and never feel slighted. your only talking a few degrees. there 's a lot to be said for build quality of those, great coaches. jmho.