Came across this older thread when I was just looking at the Monaco. Ended up buying it. We have had one shake down trip, a few hundred miles. DW and I are very happy, and I think the advice I received here and over at the irv2 site was invaluable. I still need to get under the front end and see if the cheap fix was done. The coach handles really well so I have a hunch it has already been done. One thing I learned is that the dealer really did not know much about this coach. I did my homework (carfax, reading the forums, hired an independent inspector) and negotiated a good deal. I also was lucky that the previous owner took good care of the coach and kept up with the maintenance. This I discovered after finding some old paperwork in the coach during our first trip. Recently bought a used Vitara as a Toad since my other vehicles can't be towed 4 down. Now just need to get the base plate and supp brakes with break away installed. Fit and trim on the Monaco is superb, which I was somewhat worried about considering they were going broke when the coach was made. All is good, thanks friends.
Bill