Community Forums

msu1966 · 06-23-2019, 06:02 PM

I am seriously considerering a 2007 Inspire 360 because it is the right size, right layout and right price. This will be my first DP coming off a 27' 5th wheel.
I know enough about the CC line up to be dangereous which is why I am reaching out to you folks.
I have read and heard that the years past 2004 when CC was sold that the quality, workmanship, important components and interior cabinetry, etc. significantly was downgraded and made cheaper. Because of that I was only considering 1999 - 2004 and the Infinnity & Magna models. I think that the 2007 +/- years had sigfinicant PTO issues and problems with the aluminum rediator to name just a couple of issues.
Should I pass on the 2007 Inspire or am I being too parnoid about potential problems. I am aware that any RV will require a certain amount of $ for maintenance/repairs. I just don't want to get into to an RV with a known history of problems.

Regards,
Ken

IASM · 06-23-2019, 07:23 PM

You need to be carefull reading the internet. The newer units are different but i personally have not seen a change to quality.I had an 05 and now an 08. My 08 had a recall on the pto so it would seem that at some point the problem was discovered and corrected. My 05 i had to fix the pto. My 05 also had the radiator replaced with a copper core but the copper core had problems and needed to be re-built.
If you like the layout and the machine seems maintained and you like the price then go for it.
I bought an 08 for some specific upgrades that came with time but i wouldn't have a problem owning any country coach.

2 Stroker · 06-23-2019, 10:06 PM

If everything checks out and you like it and the price is right, go for it. Some of the higher in coaches can have more problems than the lower more simple working coach.
2 stroker

Smitty77 · 06-24-2019, 08:04 AM

Ken - An 07 Inspire will be fine coach, and for it's price point within the CC lineup - quite a bit of bang for the buck... Certainly fresher more modern interiors then many coaches of that ear. Problems? Sure, all coaches will have them. And a used coach that has not had proper maintenance can take some effort to bring back into Bristol condition...

I agree with the input that if the major items check out, and you like the layout, and the price is reasonable - it would be a good coach, and worthy of any efforts and reasonable expenses to bring it back to 100% condition.

Happy hunting,
Smitty

msu1966 · 06-28-2019, 08:22 PM

To come full circle on my decision. I decided to pass on this one even though it was a great price at $ 80,000 I had the following reservations.
1. It had a Norcold refrig.
2. Owner wasn't sure it had a wet PTO.
3. It has Pac Brake vs Jake Brake which I think is better.
4. Owner wasn't sure it had Aluminum radiator or cooper/steel replacement.
5. Probably sealed the deal when I test rode it the, C9/400 hp with Allison 6 speed sounded very loud shifting up and dopwn through the gears. I also test rode a 1999
Afinity 40' Cat C 12 prior that was considerably quieter and a much more smoother ride.

Pat Ryan at Country Coach said that the higher end models had better insulation in addition to other upgrades that separates them from the entry level Inspire in the 2007 +/- era.
I think I will look for an older model in the better models: Affinity, Magna, Intrigue.
Thanks for all the advice.
Ken

Jean n Steve · 06-30-2019, 03:28 PM

Just being able to hear the transmission would have scared me. Up front in my chair I barely hear anything from "back there" and I like it that way!
I think you made a wise choice. There were a lot of future expenditure$ in that list!
Definitely check out the up-scale models for reference at least.
Happy hunting!
Steve