I'll add my thumbs up too. Good overall coaches.
Yep on the PTO check.
Also add in the radiator check to see if it is aluminum. (As I recall, higher odd's that it is with the Big Cat)
Both of these are items to know going in. If not yet repaired or handled, negotiate as if they will need to be. High price items if a PTO goes bad, and same with the radiator. (Good info on the CC Yahoo User group, with links and pictures. Search is a powerful tool here, and on CC Yahoo User group too.)
On Dry Rot. Any coach, from lowest cost to highest cost - can have problems if the leaking conditions are not taken care of in a timely method. Good advice to inspect accordingly, but this goes for all coaches.
I recommend a full mechanical Independent Inspection (unless you are on top of all the areas). Either case, I would get an oil and probably trans fluid analysis. Normal things you know, like check and understand tires.
I will also comment that the Allure-Magna lines, had the same basic chassis. Not clear about the statement on the Intrigue being on the same chassis as the Magna - as not much difference between them that I know of. (Sure could be wrong
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I suggest a look at Damon Rapozo's site on Country Coach lines. Good info to get standard vs options of different years and models of Country Coach.
When looking for an Intrigue, you can quite often find models with the Cummins ISL or the optional Big Block Cat's. I like the Big Block Cats (though I drive with the ISL in my 04 Allure, and it gets the job done), as the engines are just not working as hard as the mid size ISL (and C9 Cat)... If you keep your foot out of it, quite often the easier working Big Block (Cummins ISM/ISX are Big Blocks too) - will yield comparable MPG with the mid size engines. But, when needed, you have the extra HP/Torque available. And the Jake Brakes of the Big Blocks do provide better braking power then the large mid blocks. (These are general comments, and as always, you need to do the math on power to weight ratios. I was surprised that in the 04 Allure with ISL370, had a better power to weight ratio then the 04 Intrigue with Big Cat. The big blocks require bigger transmissions (4000), bigger cooling, bigger differentials, etc. Now the 04 Allure did not offer a Cat Big Block as an option, and much of the overall weight of the Intrigue was also with higher coach content, making the Intrigue with Big Block's ratio lower then the Allures... Hope I said that right, as I know what I meant to say
! Bottom line, is in 'like rigs', if you locate a clean one with the Big Block, don't shy away from it
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Best of luck on your search...
Smitty
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