Midlevel newer vs higher level older

[timjet]

Probably a question many people have to answer. Just getting opinions. Perhaps an example will help:
'11 Tiffin Phaeton 40 vs '07American Eagle 40/Fleetwood Revolution 40

Tiffin uses the Freightline chassis while Liberty is used in the other 2.

Weight carrying capacities are greater with the Fleetwoods. Should this even be a real concern?

Interior appointments seem about the same.

Newer is always better- less chance of having to fix things. But higher quality is better for durability.

Assuming an example in each coach meets your floor plan desires, and each coach checks out mechanically, what would you choose. Your gonna pay more for the newer coach of course, but looking for opinions.

[timjet]

I think the Fleetwood Revolution series in the '07-'08 time frame is a close contender to the American Eagle. Again I think the Tiffin Phaeton is a step down. Tiffin did not make a 40' Bus 1.5 bath in'07-'08 which would be somewhat comparable to the Revolution and Eagle.

[usersmanual]

timjet wrote:
Probably a question many people have to answer. Just getting opinions. Perhaps an example will help:
'11 Tiffin Phaeton 40 vs '07American Eagle 40/Fleetwood Revolution 40

Tiffin uses the Freightline chassis while Liberty is used in the other 2.

Weight carrying capacities are greater with the Fleetwoods. Should this even be a real concern?

Interior appointments seem about the same.

Newer is always better- less chance of having to fix things. But higher quality is better for durability.

Assuming an example in each coach meets your floor plan desires, and each coach checks out mechanically, what would you choose. Your gonna pay more for the newer coach of course, but looking for opinions.

depending on mileage+ tires and liking all the floor plans

1)eagle 2)tiffn 3)fleetwood

[timjet]

Well I did buy a 7 yo Infinity and sold it when it was 15 yo. So maybe that's the kind of guy I am.

I probably won't finance unless my advisor tells me to, so probably won't have to worry about being older than 10 years. Thanks to Isaac about the info concerning the price drop at 12 years, all good info. And Mr Mark, good info too, thanks.

I'm kind of learning toward a '08 or '09 Revolution. Not a lot of the E models around, but they are there. A newer '11 Tiffin Phaeton with the rear bath will be easier to find but will cost 20-40k more.

I want to sell my boat first, but if one of the above at the right price came along, well ......

[FlintlockCG]

We are kind of looking along similar lines.

I am tending to look at it like a car. Which would you rather own, a five year old Chevy or a nine year old BMW or Lexus?

If all else is equal, and I can buy the BMW cheaper than the Chevy, I am buying the Bimmer.

[Jayco-noslide]

Intriguing question but not sure there is a very good answer. In general, I think quality would win over age. But so many other factors, such as miles, past care and the floor plan. Having to constantly get things replaced/repaired is a big deal with motor homes and not sure getting newer will help much. We have a 2003 Itasca(Class C) and I must say I am am impressed with the quality and I'm glad we have it instead of a lower quality of the same year.I would get another Itasca/Winnebago.

[tropical36]

Blaster Man wrote:
Don't get hung up on chassis brands, both have good points and bad points. I've had both and both can do the job. Also, if you are looking at prices, comparing an Eagle to a Rev is apples to oranges.

You're right about that and with the 07 vintages, you're talking about $40K in book value. Not sure where it's at, after studying them closely, but the Eagle does carry the American name and that is very important to some.
Didn't realize that the 40J Eagle had a CAT, so that does give one an option for engine selection and assuming that you like it's floor plan.
Don't get me wrong here, as I do like the Eagles in those years, although it did surprise me, when I found out that they didn't even include a digital display for it's workings and engine diagnostics.
You also gotta realize, that Fleetwood went all out with a few years of these REVs, being built on the American platform and wanting to make a statement with a top of the line coach, carrying their name. All this adds up to a pretty good bang for the buck, IMO and it is all about money, with so many out there, that are quality built and with those to choose from.

[Blaster_Man]

Don't get hung up on chassis brands, both have good points and bad points. I've had both and both can do the job. Also, if you are looking at prices, comparing an Eagle to a Rev is apples to oranges.

[tropical36]

timjet wrote:
Probably a question many people have to answer. Just getting opinions. Perhaps an example will help:
'11 Tiffin Phaeton 40 vs '07American Eagle 40/Fleetwood Revolution 40

Tiffin uses the Freightline chassis while Liberty is used in the other 2.

Weight carrying capacities are greater with the Fleetwoods. Should this even be a real concern?

Interior appointments seem about the same.

Newer is always better- less chance of having to fix things. But higher quality is better for durability.

Assuming an example in each coach meets your floor plan desires, and each coach checks out mechanically, what would you choose. Your gonna pay more for the newer coach of course, but looking for opinions.

You buy what I bought of course.....lol
I've already done the research for you and not many are aware of what the FW REV actually is.
Keep in mind, that the Fleetwood mentioned was built on the Americian Platform, so it's not really a Fleetwood as per say, even though it was their top of the line, that year.
I've also found that it has some features, that aren't on some models carrying the American name, like the digital readout for engine diagnostics. Interior wood furnishings and quality are hard to beat and the leather is some of the most durable and softer than found anywhere in the industry.
The chassis is actually a Spartan, like Foretravel, Entegra and some other top brands uses, with some mods by Fleetwood and hence the Liberty name. It still says Spartan on the steering wheel, however and Spartan supplies the tech and parts for it.
It has the Spartan dual speed hydro driven side radiator and a deal breaker for me. Side rad that is.
Has a Cat engine which I like at 20 more HP than the Tiffin and without the later pollution gimmicks. Especially with not having to buy DEF fluid.
You'll find that the rear axle weight, when loaded will be pretty much right on and it'll be way lighter on the front. This is especially true with the 1 1/2 bath models, like ours.
Not knocking Tiffin, but in this particular case, you'll probably pay more for it and get less.
With the REV, as long as you buy it right and it's clean with low mileage, it should serve you well.
They were very popular, so there's a lot of them around to choose from.

[Isaac-1]

One thing to keep in mind is that motorhomes depreciate rapidly for 10-12 years then the depreciation curve flattens off considerably and it becomes much more about condition and features. Of course a large part of the reason for this sharp bend in curve is that most lending institutions will not offer loans on motorhomes over 10 years of age, a few will finance out to the 12 year point, so you tend to see an abrupt price drop when comparing 2 identical units on either side of this line. When I was shopping in this age range (ended up buying a 2002 model about 6-7 weeks ago) I that those under the magic 12 year old point were selling for at least 1/3 more than the price of the 14-15 year olds.

[Mr_Mark1]

Timjet, if you are financing, it might be easier on the 2011.

If everything is equal (condition, maintenance, etc.), go with the floor plan that works best for you. But, I think I would lean towards the newer unit.

Are the TV's in the Fleetwood the newer flat type? Also keep in mind that air bags for the air suspension also have date codes and may have to be replaced in the near future.

Good luck and safe travels,
MM.

[rr2254545]

Chose Tiffin not comparable to Fleetwood plus 4 years newer is great, the 07 needs new tires if it does not have them already - age counts on MH tires not wear