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Old 08-01-2006, 12:52 AM   #1
Snowbird 2
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Default Purchase a New 2005 Independence?

I am considering the purchase of a new 2005 Independance double slide Class A MH. The dealer has just gone out of business and is clearing out his remaining stock. Should I buy it?? I know there are concerns re small the fresh water tank. It is fully loaded and we like the floorplan and it has a Workhorse drivetrain which is a + to me as I have a Ford 6.8 now in a Class C and find it lacks power on hills and reves up considerably.

Is there anything I should look for in a pre-purchase inspection?

It is loaded, withback-up monitor, gen., monitor, etc.

Since it is 2 model years old what kind of a discount should one expect?

I appreciate some quick answers as this one could go fast!

Snowbird 2
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Old 08-01-2006, 05:40 AM   #2
earljan34
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As the coach is 2 years old as soon as you drive it off lot you have a 2 year old used. I think 30-35 percent off sticker would be a fair deal, Only my thinking !

Good luck

Earl
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Old 08-12-2006, 09:49 AM   #3
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I looked at these before I bought my SunVoyager. The lack of storage is pretty bad. The tanks are really small as well. Just keep that in mind as these two things will not change after you buy the coach.

As for the price, it is a 2 year old used coach as soon as you buy it. I don't personally think 35% is enough off, especially for a dealer going out of business. I got 28% off on my 2005 that I bought in early 2004. I would want to see more off. Look up trade in value on a 2005 Independence (on NADA.com). That would be my starting bid.....
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Old 08-12-2006, 05:16 PM   #4
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Yes, the size of the fresh tank is very small for a 35' coach (also the propane tank!) but I understand that people have added a second water tank right beside the factory one. We generally camp at full hook-up campgrounds so rarely would have a problem with water shortage. One thing that bothers me is WHY would they put such a small tank onit at all--weight limitations? Took it for a drive and found the 8.1 /allison combination ran very well.

Still dealing as owner still thinks he can come out of it without a loss. Will see.

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Old 08-13-2006, 08:59 AM   #5
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The reason for the small tank is that they "push the limits" for
chassis weight Every 15 gal is a 160 # person
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Old 08-13-2006, 10:23 PM   #6
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Even on my Sunvoyager, the propane, water, and black tanks are just too small. I mostly camp with hookups, but dry camping for more than 2 days or so will cause you to worry about water. The propane tank is ok, but on a 14 day trip to FLA in January, I did end up having to fill the tank after about 10 days (it was cold, however)

As you said, you can add another water tank easy enough. There is room next to my existing tank for at least another tank of the same size. But at 8lbs a gallon, you need to watch your weight.

If you can't buy that coach well under dealer cost, it isn't worth it IMHO. Alot of dealers are sitting with 2006's and I even found quite a few 2005's (coaches in general, not just Independence's), and the 2007's are starting to arrive. With gas prices what they are, and buyers figuring that into their decision to buy an RV, I am sure there are dealers who absolutely do not want to be sitting on $500,000 of 2 year old inventory. Once you figure out this is what you want for sure, check out dealers on the internet. If this dealer won't budge, I guarentee someone out there will
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Old 08-13-2006, 11:16 PM   #7
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Thanks for all the info everyone has given me. I almost hate not to buy this rig as it's been fun corresponding with you'all. We really like the layout of the Independence 35' and it seems well finished inside as well. The Dealer is sitting at about $98000 Canadian (about $85000 US)and he says this is his cost. He will have to go down unless he finds a sucker for a 2005 but I know it cost him a pretty penny as the exchange rate when he bought it on Jan 2005 was considerably worse. One of the things I like about it is the GM 8.1 and Allison tranny and the fact that it has all the extras like levellers, color monitor, fantastic fan, 5.5 gen, etc. These options add up to quite an amount. But we'll sit on it for a while, like another month, and even then are hesitant after all your advise.

Do you think a 34' Georgetown would be a better rig re carrying capacity, water stge, etc? With the price of gas one is tempted to stick with my 31.5' Class C !!!

Thanks for all your help.
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Old 08-14-2006, 06:47 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snowbird 2
Do you think a 34' Georgetown would be a better rig re carrying capacity, water stge, etc? With the price of gas one is tempted to stick with my 31.5' Class C !!!

Thanks for all your help.
What is a Georgetown???
I don't believe that is in the Gulf Stream line. That's an SOB isn't it? (Some Other Brand)

Ron
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Old 08-14-2006, 12:59 PM   #9
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I love the way my SunVoyager drives and handles, and it is about the same as an Independence. I have the Ford drivetrain, which I was satisfied with until I started having tranny issues last week (goes in the shop next week, with 11k miles). The GM drivetrain is a strong piece. I am hopeful my Ford issue is a bad sensor or something.

If you really like the Independence, shop around on the 'net and see what 2005 models are doing. I would bet they are all well under $85,000 (depending on options.)

Do they still MAKE the Georgetown? I haven't seen one in years, and don't know anything about it.
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Old 08-14-2006, 03:33 PM   #10
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I bought my 2004 in June of '04 and paid $71k for it. It has the "koala" package which includes everything from satellite to corian. I think that was about $20-25K off of the sticker.

I think your best bet is to use NADA for a guideline as well as whatever else is similar on the used market.

For me, I would not shell out $85K for a 2005 Gas MH when I KNOW I could get a 2004 high-end Itasca DP for about $100K right now.
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Old 08-14-2006, 04:30 PM   #11
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With basic equipment NADA says AVERAGE Retail is $64,400.00

Best Regards, Clyde
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