[cmillsap]

Hello All,

I haven't been on this forum for awhile. A couple of years ago I almost bought a Newell but bought a Wanderlodge instead. I chose another Wanderlodge because I had previously owned two and was more familiar and comfortable with them. I am now in the market for a newer coach and have been looking at Prevosts and again at Newells.  I would like to buy a coach in the '05 to '06 model year. I have noticed that there are several '05 and '06 Newell 2000i coaches on the market for sale at around $300k. As compared to a Prevost in the same vintage, these Newells are a bargain. 

Can anyone here shed some light on why this is the case? It appears the quality of the Newells that I've looked at online is as good or better than a Prevost costing $100k to $150k more. This is especially true when comparing the interior of a Newell to any Prevost conversion including Liberty. The Newell interior is far and away better. The rear bath floorplan is exceptionally nice and functional.

So I ask the following questions;

Are there extraordinary high levels of repair & maintenance costs causing the current owners to sell at the lower price levels?

Does anyone have any ideal or an educated guess regarding what the average annual cost is to keep an '05 or'06  Newell 2000i maintained (mostly by the factory)?

Has anyone compared the drivability of a Newell to a Prevost of the same vintage?

Is the engine size (HP) adequate for the weight of a 2000i model? Are there any cooling issues on steep grades?
Is a 500hp DD sufficient or does the coach really need the 650hp engine?

Are the mechanicals reliable? i.e. chassis parts premature wear, etc.?

I would surely entertain buying a Newell over a Prevost if I  could get more comfortable with what the level of maintenance is on a (say) '05 or '06 2000i model coach.  I do want to look more closely at what these Newells have to offer and intend to test drive one soon.

So any information that anyone is willing to share on the reliability and performance of a '05/'06 Newell 2000i coach would be greatly appreciated..... 

Chuck