Community Forums

StuartT · 01-22-2017, 09:38 AM

Well, I may be back to the CC fold. I sold my 05 Allure in 2013 and went rogue with a Monaco product. But that ended when I sold it early in 2016 and thought we were done coaching. But the bug has come back and yesterday I got all fuzzy over a nice 2004 Magna I found.

It is a 42' triple slide unit with a C-12 505hp Cat. I reviewed Damon Rapozo's fact sheet on this coach so I know the basics. It has been maintained by Oregon Motorcoach Center and the owner has the file (and bills) to prove it. But that nagging thought still haunts me. What don't I know?

So if you are familiar the Magna series around 2004 and can provide some insight or "heads up" about this coach or its C-12 engine, I would be most appreciative.

Twomed · 01-22-2017, 09:47 AM

I maintain a C12 in a fiends 04 Safari Panther and it is flawless. Truckers will tell you it is one of the best CATS ever made. Tremendous torque. Fuel mileage much better than C13's!!
Probably in the 7-8 range, better when two laning at 55 too.

Wish I had this engine instead of my ISL...especially right after I drive hers .

StuartT · 01-22-2017, 01:45 PM

Thanks for the feedback. Sound encouraging for this engine.

BTW, what is "two laning"?

Mr_D · 01-22-2017, 01:53 PM

Do you know what trans is in it? CAT's sometimes came with a CAT trans and they were somewhat noted for being hard shifting.
The CAT engines are not noted for good mileage but then neither is my ISX (7.6 MPG over 47,000 miles), and two top end rebuilds!

Smitty77 · 01-22-2017, 02:18 PM

I'd call OMC and ask them for input on the coach. Ask the owner for permission to do this.

IMO, a solid coach and 04 was before too much of National's influence had crept into the components and choice of parts for building. And yes the C12 is a great engine, very mature in it's build cycle. Great question about transmission. Should be the Alison 4000, as I thought it was later years before the CAT trans worked it's way into some of the coaches.

Hope it check out for you, good luck!!
Smitty

gsander1 · 01-22-2017, 02:30 PM

I have 2003 Magna 6298 which the end of the 2003 run. I think 2004 Magna began with 6301. If you are looking at 6203 the paint is identical to mine.

The C12 is a great engine. Transmission will be the MH4000. The combination is bullet proof. I am running at 7.6 MPG over 80,000 miles.

The 2004 is the last of many years of this body style and engineering resulting in very well sorted out systems. The Hydrohot is installed sideways providing for very easy access for maintenance. The dash HVAC is superb with 19,000 BTU dash A/C and 13,500 BTU in the bedroom.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy mine again.

StuartT · 01-22-2017, 07:47 PM

Yes, it does have the MH4000. Did not remember when National got involved. I had a 2005 Allure with the newer body style, but there is something really appealing about this older style that I really like, especially with the stainless trim option.

This is coach number 6301, the first for the 2004 year. It missed the C-13 upgrade later units received, but it sounds like that may just be in my favor.

Have made the offer and we now have a deal. The road test went great and we will finish up with final inspections in the next day or two.

Below is a link to the coach if anyone is interested.

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2004...-42--119839543

2 Stroker · 01-22-2017, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartT

Yes, it does have the MH4000. Did not remember when National got involved. I had a 2005 Allure with the newer body style, but there is something really appealing about this older style that I really like, especially with the stainless trim option.

This is coach number 6301, the first for the 2004 year. It missed the C-13 upgrade later units received, but it sounds like that may just be in my favor.

Have made the offer and we now have a deal. The road test went great and we will finish up with final inspections in the next day or two.

Below is a link to the coach if anyone is interested.

http://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2004...-42--119839543

Yes that is a great looking coach. With all the upgrades you can't go wrong. I seen it about 2 weeks ago over on Yahoo CC, good find

2 stroker

Mr_D · 01-23-2017, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StuartT

Yes, it does have the MH4000. Did not remember when National got involved. I had a 2005 Allure with the newer body style, but there is something really appealing about this older style that I really like, especially with the stainless trim option.

This is coach number 6301, the first for the 2004 year. It missed the C-13 upgrade later units received, but it sounds like that may just be in my favor.

Have made the offer and we now have a deal. The road test went great and we will finish up with final inspections in the next day or two.

Below is a link to the coach if anyone is interested.

www.rvtrader.com/listing/2004-Country-Coach-MAGNA-42--119839543

My late DW would have liked that rig better then the '09 Magna we bought!

StuartT · 01-24-2017, 07:06 AM

Thanks for the favorable comments guys.

Mid year 2004 CC apparently dropped the elevating floor on the DS slide and went to a flat floor with ramps and arms (according to Damon Rapozo). Were these floors problematic. I have never seen one before and am a little concerned.

Smitty77 · 01-24-2017, 11:25 AM

I think you've found yourself a good one. Great job by the seller on advertising, and trying to cut his coach out from the crowd.

I too would have personally preferred that mature C12 over the C13. And I like the classic lines, as well as the interior layout of that specific Magna. Stated quality as far as appearance, and without much of the glitz that some of the higher end CC's had in some models and years. (Not my cup of tea, but many do like the glitz, and that for sure is OK.)

One last opinion. Sometimes it makes sense to pay more then the 'book value' for a well cared for and optioned out coach - especially if you like it, and it meets your needs. I'd rather pay $5, $10 maybe even a premium of $20K for an outstanding coach. Then get one where you'd could easily spend that kind of money, and more, to bringing it up to that level...

Fingers crossed for you!
Smitty

Larry Young · 01-24-2017, 01:02 PM

Looks like you found a beauty, good luck and happy travels.

smlranger · 01-25-2017, 05:11 AM

That Magna is stunning.....classic good looks. Wish we had seen that when we were looking.

Only negative I could see is, after having a stacked washer and dryer, the combo washer/dryer would be show stopper for the DW. She loves the stacked pair.

StuartT · 01-26-2017, 10:14 AM

I am sorry to say that we withdrew our offer to purchase this Magna after going through it with a fine tooth comb. I noted that there were enough items, either needing attention or were missing from my mandatory list, that my effective purchase price would be driving up by another 10 to 15 grand. I feel sorry for the seller because I also found he needed to replace 6 of the 8 tires and he is already upside down.

The seller has another possible interested party and I suggested he explore that before dumping the price any further. He is one hell of a nice guy and doesn't need to take a bath. It is a beautiful coach that has been well maintained, it is just short on some things important to me.

Thanks for all your input guys.