Help - To buy or not to buy a Coleman?
OA
new 2001 Coleman SantaFe. I would like to hear your advice. Please post
your reply here. Thankyou so much for your assistance.
Here is my situation
The price for Coleman SantaFe is about 10,500$ Canadian before tax.
This is quite expesive for me, more than what I want to spend . My
husband feels that the quality is exceptional and that it will last for
years so the price is worth it. I am more favor toward Rockwood 10'
model which is about 6500 $ Canadian
I have several questions
- I hear that Coleman has problems with the ABS roof system prior to
2000. Is this a serious problems? Are there other major issues with
respect to the Coleman Grand Tour series?
- Coleman does not honour the warranty to the second owner, so if I
decide to sell the trailer, that will not increase the resale value.
What is the average depreciation for a Coleman Santa Fe model?
- Is that worth the extra 4000$ for the Coleman trailer over other
manufacturers (Jayco, Rockwood etc). In your opinion, which
manufacturers offer a decent product for reasonable price?
Thanks again
O.A (Ontario)
* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet's Discussion Network *
The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet - Free!
Ken Martin
problem". I've only been following this newsgroup for a couple of months
now and have seen hundreds of such messages. That alone is enough for me
to stay away from a Coleman. I do not mean to offend any Coleman owners,
I know many of you are happy with your Colemans, regardless of the roof
problem. Just my opinion, and that's exactly what they were asking for
... personal opinions.
Happy camping!
Ken
Jerry & Sandi Donovan
> I am so glad that i checked into this forum. I am close to purchase a
> new 2001 Coleman SantaFe. I would like to hear your advice. Please post
> your reply here. Thankyou so much for your assistance.
>
> Here is my situation
>
> The price for Coleman SantaFe is about 10,500$ Canadian before tax.
> This is quite expesive for me, more than what I want to spend . My
> husband feels that the quality is exceptional and that it will last for
> years so the price is worth it. I am more favor toward Rockwood 10'
> model which is about 6500 $ Canadian
>
> I have several questions
>
> - I hear that Coleman has problems with the ABS roof system prior to
> 2000. Is this a serious problems? Are there other major issues with
> respect to the Coleman Grand Tour series?
In the past, some models are more likely to sway while being
pulled. The first thing to check is the hitch weight. If it is below
12% of the trailer weight (empty) then I would be concerned.
This isn't a sure thing one way or the other, but generally
certain models are more prone to sway. (I saw a couple
of them do that while on vacation this year, and I though
one of them was going to lose it, but fortunately they did
recover.)
Some models have slow drains for the sink. That path
> - Coleman does not honour the warranty to the second owner, so if I
> decide to sell the trailer, that will not increase the resale value.
> What is the average depreciation for a Coleman Santa Fe model?
I did a little study of resale values last winter. If I remember correctly
the model to model differences were not all that great within a certain
brand of trailer. It can be found at:
http://home.att.net/~donovanhse/Pop-Ups/values.html
> - Is that worth the extra 4000$ for the Coleman trailer over other
> manufacturers (Jayco, Rockwood etc). In your opinion, which
> manufacturers offer a decent product for reasonable price?
Only your opinion (and you spouse's) really matters. I chose a
different brand, but many others go with Coleman.
Jerry Donovan
'99 Flagstaff 825D
'98 Ford Expedition
FOURJS5
bought a Skamper comperable to the Coleman Niagra for about $2000+ less. We
stuck with Skamper after being the 2nd owner of a 26.5 foot hard top trailer &
in the past 7 yrs just had to replace the flusher on the toilet. You may want
to look in to Skamper.
kimomjtb
sag, am I going to be frustrated with taking the time to get
roof replacements.Notice I said it with an s. There are many
people who have had more than one. Some on this group with 3 and
4. Coleman will stand behind their trailers as long as you the
comsumer can tolerate the inconvience. Lots of people love their
colemans and they are confident knowing that the company will
back them, however I am willing to bet there are more than a few
who if they knew of the problems before hand, they would have
gone a different route. At this point I think anyone would be
foolish to even think of buying a used coleman(no warrentee). I
did not know of roof sag when we purchased a year ago but I
still did not go with coleman. The roof was prob ably the thing
that I liked about it the most as the dealer pointed out the
strenghts of it. I decided against it as I did not like the
interior layouts and colors along with price and beleive it or
not sunbrella. I wanted vinyl with tinted windows ,more secure
bedding areas along with a few more things that coleman did not
offer.
Most people on this group are very happy with their colemans
weather it has roof sag or not so I guess the decission is up to
you.
Kim
99 Palomino Mustang
-----------------------------------------------------------
Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com.
Up to 100 minutes free!
http://www.keen.com
Mark J Strawcutter
>bedding areas along with a few more things that coleman did not
>offer.
>99 Palomino Mustang
Glad to hear Palomino hasn't given up on the "babies fall out of
Colemans" marketing strategy :-)
Mark J Strawcutter
Indiana PA
'97 Coleman Key West
Brian Wood
the SeaPine(2000) which was basically the same price as the Santa Fe...we
preferred the couch to the long countertop...we didn't haggle(we were new to
buying campers and since have learned), but we if the canadian amount is
close to the american amount then that is high....but then again that might
be a good price in Canada...i think other Canadians need to answer this
one...
regis
I'm looking for Rockwood 1604 2001 Tent trailer. In my dealer
overview, I have discover than Rockwood and Flagstaff tent
trailer are built by the same compagny (Forest River). If you
look for both company models, they are exactly the same except
for the number used, the brand name (for sure ;)) and may be
some differences for interior color. This morning, I was looking
for the specifications and they are also exactly the same
including warranty.
The difference is in the price.
If I compare the Rockwood 1604 to Flagstaff 620 (they are
identical), I will pay for the flagstaff, $300.00 less and I got
the outside screen room.(This is $350.00 extra charge from
Rockwood).
So, probably I will go with Flagstaff. I just started a new
topic about Flagstaff users satisfaction for my final overview.
I will pay $7695.00(tx not included)for the Flagstaff 620
including the fridge, furnace and screen room.
I hope that's will help.
By
Regis Levesque
Terrasse-Vaudreuil, Qc
Glen & Evelyn
with few options is $14,100 so a nearly $4.000 discount is not bad at all.
Our dealer threw in a lot of options and the GST so there is lots of room to
haggle.
Glen
01 Mesa
98 Explorer
Brian Wood
they have some links to manufacturers there
WB
OA <attcambrid...@hotmail.com.invalid> wrote:
> I am so glad that i checked into this forum. I am close to purchase a
> new 2001 Coleman SantaFe. I would like to hear your advice. Please
post
> your reply here. Thankyou so much for your assistance.
>
> Here is my situation
>
> The price for Coleman SantaFe is about 10,500$ Canadian before tax.
> This is quite expesive for me, more than what I want to spend . My
> husband feels that the quality is exceptional and that it will last
for
> years so the price is worth it. I am more favor toward Rockwood 10'
> model which is about 6500 $ Canadian
>
> I have several questions
>
> - I hear that Coleman has problems with the ABS roof system prior to
> 2000. Is this a serious problems? Are there other major issues with
> respect to the Coleman Grand Tour series?
>
> decide to sell the trailer, that will not increase the resale value.
> What is the average depreciation for a Coleman Santa Fe model?
>
> manufacturers (Jayco, Rockwood etc). In your opinion, which
> manufacturers offer a decent product for reasonable price?
>
> O.A (Ontario)
>
OA:
We've had a 2000 Santa Fe since May, been out with it several times,
and are quite pleased with our choice. I spent a LOT of time
researching the market for a replacement for our previous Jayco which
we found really annoying in several aspects ... the Santa Fe resolved
those issues nicely for us.
Unfortunately, you haven't specified what options $10,500 includes so
your quote really doesn't mean a lot but I can tell you from my
experience the price WILL vary from to dealer, and SOME dealers will
negotiate while others won't. Depending on where you are in Ontario I
might be able to suggest dealers I found to be quite reliable to deal
with.
I'd be glad to help with specific suggestions regarding the Santa Fe if
you'd like to contact me, but hurry, as we're headed off again in the
next few days! BTW, I researched every make and model available in our
area that I thought we would be interested in ... it's only my opinion,
but costly as the Santa FE may be, it IS worth the extra $$$.
I'm as annoyed as anyone else regarding Coleman's corporate position on
warranty, specifically on the roof, but reality is that despite
seemingly unending postings here on the NG about the issue the company
continues to be unwilling to improve the situation by extending the
warranty to subsequent owners. However, I wasn't prepared to let this
issue stand in my way so my suggestion is if you really feel the Santa
Fe will fit your personal requirements then go ahead and buy NEW from a
reliable dealer, venture forth and camp, and don't lose any sleep over
it. We did, and it's working out just fine!
Good luck!
Bill in Ontario
2000 Santa Fe
Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/
Before you buy.
kimomjtb
the bunk ends. It was just a pointed out feature that made more
sense to me. Not sure why colman hasn't added this very smart
yet so simple feature to their campers.
KIm
99 Palomino Mustang ( with secure bunk ends)
Russell
the beds, clean the bunk end tops, and easy for me to take down in the rain.
I don't understand why the other is "more secure".
To each his own.
Russell
Dallas, Texas
99 Coleman Utah
99 Chevy Express
"kimomjtb" wrote in message
Ken
done?
--
Visit My Camping Web Site
http://home.rochester.rr.com./sar/camping.htm
burpee
Russell
Are you speaking from personal experience? What pop-up do you have and how
long have you had it?
jenn...@my-deja.com
with the normal kind of facets and outside shower. We paid
$8695. We are happy with it, but have yet to take it out camping.
jenny
01 Bayside
98 Windstar
92 Kaitlyn
95 Megahan
V65Animal
OA <attcambrid...@hotmail.com.invalid> wrote:
> - I hear that Coleman has problems with the ABS roof system prior to
> 2000. Is this a serious problems? Are there other major issues with
> respect to the Coleman Grand Tour series?
>
> - Coleman does not honour the warranty to the second owner, so if I
> decide to sell the trailer, that will not increase the resale value.
> What is the average depreciation for a Coleman Santa Fe model?
Check www.nada.com
For what it's worth, I would not buy a used Coleman with the ABS
roof. This went into my decision NOT to buy a new 99 Utah this time
last year.
>
> - Is that worth the extra 4000$ for the Coleman trailer over other
Not to me! Have you checked Camplite?
> manufacturers (Jayco, Rockwood etc). In your opinion, which
> manufacturers offer a decent product for reasonable price?
I've never delt with Rockwood or Dutchmen. I believe they are more
bottom end though. That's just the feeling I've gotten from the ones
I've seen. I'd say the top brands are: (Not in order)
Coleman
Jayco
Camplite
Viking
Starcraft
--
F. Sam Woodson - Columbus, Ohio - 1993 Suburban 4x4
1984 Honda V-65 Magna - http://www.angelfire.com/al/v65animal/index.html
1968 Apache Ramada - Camping@Onelist Co-Administrator
Subscribe: Camping-...@onelist.co
Kate H.
>the bunk ends. It was just a pointed out feature that made more
>sense to me. Not sure why colman hasn't added this very smart
>yet so simple feature to their campers.
And what feature might that be?
~~~Kate
1998 GMC Safari
1999 Coleman Cheyenne
1989 Daughter 1991 Son 1994 Son 1998 Daughter
1993 Dog
"My Child is an Honor Student at Domestica Schola" [this is a joke!]
"These ARE the good old days!"
fiset
Try a search for Rockwood on this ng. I think you will find
plenty of info.
Most like Rockwoods, I am in the minority and do not like them
from personal experience.
Gene
MarkandLori
with the ABS roof. The Destiny series have the good old
fashioned aluminum roofs. We have a 2000 Coleman Timberlake
that we're very happy with, (Destiny Series) and after reading
about the ABS roof problems, we're very glad ours does not have
one! Even with the shower and potty, we feel we have plenty of
storage room. It comes with 1 stove, and when it's hooked up
outside, there is a countertop to fill in the hole left by the
stove. Outside, it's set up under the middle of the awning, not
near the end. We have 3 outlets, and the sink and shower drain
from the side of the trailer, not underneath. The curtains are
plenty full enough, so they close with no gaps. It tows just
fine behind our old van. For an "entry level" popup, we're
pretty impressed!
Lori
89 Astro
00 Timberlake
Stephen Talmadge
>>Everyone seems to overlook the fact that not all Colemans come
>>with the ABS roof. The Destiny series have the good old
>>fashioned aluminum roofs. We have a 2000 Coleman Timberlake
>>that we're very happy with, (Destiny Series) and after reading
>>about the ABS roof problems, we're very glad ours does not have
>>one!
Amen...
Steve Talmadge
2000 Coleman Sedona
2000 Ford Explorer XLT 4X4
D Fortner
My 2 cents worth. We looked at a number of different brands of pop-ups, we
felt that Coleman was the best quality available BUT, we didn't like any of
the floor plans and felt that they were terribly over priced. We ended up
buying a left over '99 Viking 2470ST for ~$3000 less than a comparable
Coleman. To be completely honest, until you get into the $50,000+ range in
RVs, none of them are well made.
My 2 cents worth . . .
Dave Fortner
OA <attcambrid...@hotmail.com.invalid> wrote in message
news:0ca853b4...@usw-ex0106-044.remarq.com...
> I am so glad that i checked into this forum. I am close to purchase a
> new 2001 Coleman SantaFe. I would like to hear your advice. Please post
> your reply here. Thankyou so much for your assistance.
>
> Here is my situation
>
> The price for Coleman SantaFe is about 10,500$ Canadian before tax.
> This is quite expesive for me, more than what I want to spend . My
> husband feels that the quality is exceptional and that it will last for
> years so the price is worth it. I am more favor toward Rockwood 10'
> model which is about 6500 $ Canadian
>
> I have several questions
>
> - I hear that Coleman has problems with the ABS roof system prior to
> 2000. Is this a serious problems? Are there other major issues with
> respect to the Coleman Grand Tour series?
>
> - Coleman does not honour the warranty to the second owner, so if I
> decide to sell the trailer, that will not increase the resale value.
> What is the average depreciation for a Coleman Santa Fe model?
>
> - Is that worth the extra 4000$ for the Coleman trailer over other
> manufacturers (Jayco, Rockwood etc). In your opinion, which
> manufacturers offer a decent product for reasonable price?
>
>
From the PNW
>Hi All,
>
>RVs, none of them are well made.
>
>My 2 cents worth . . .
>Dave Fortner
And just which $50,000 RV is well made? Flashy, yes. Well made I don't think
so. Many in that price range are still stick and staple.
Gail
In the Great PNW
Don & Julie Barber
has a slide out, 2 king beds, a stove, furnace and refrigerator. It is
part of Coleman's Destiny series and therefore does not have the ABS roof.
We are very happy with our camper.
Julie B
Oak Creek, WI
2000 Coleman Fairview
2000 Chevy Silverado
"Stephen Talmadge" <talm...@voyager.net> wrote in message
news:399936fa$0$60936$3929...@news.execpc.com...
CampALot
care what kind of roof it has, if it says Fleetwood/Coleman on the side. We
say NAY.
Happy Camping
"fiset" <ejfiset...@kear.tds.net.invalid> wrote in message
news:033c0fd4...@usw-ex0104-032.remarq.com...
> Hi Regis
>
> Try a search for Rockwood on this ng. I think you will find
> plenty of info.
>
> Most like Rockwoods, I am in the minority and do not like them
> from personal experience.
>
> Gene
>
>
Jim and Linda King
>with the normal kind of facets and outside shower. We paid
>$8695. We are happy with it, but have yet to take it out camping.
>
>jenny
Wow, that sounds like a good price! We paid $9295 for our '99 Bayside when we
bought it new in May of 99.
Linda King
Fleetville, PA
'93 Chevy Suburban
'99 Coleman Bayside
Christopher D. Fair, D.C.
That is a good price! That is less than the Utah I just
bought and pick up in 2 days. But we did add air, extra LP
Tank, and other assorted accesories. We did however, get
the string of tacky lights - Coke Bottles - at N/C!
Chris and Raquel Fair
01 Utah
99 Yukon
K. Kubek
I'm not up on the current exchange rate, but being a resident of the
United States, I had to do a quick exchange to get a feel for what you
are paying. Having said that, it looks to be about what people have
mentioned paying for that unit here in the states. Again it depends on
where you are geographically here too. Many areas pay more I've
noticed.
I'd say haggle! We were truly amazed both times we purchased the
Colemans, how much they negotiate. We bought a '99 Bayside, in '99,
yakima bike racks, anti-sway bars, all the bells and whistles for
$8995. That was out the door I believe. Considering taxes etc. we
were pleased with that price including our extras. (they also did some
cabinetry work inside for free)
We just bought a Mesa, '00, installing hitch on our van, anti-sway, hot
water for 7K. I think the 'sale' price was a couple thousand
higher...I have forgotten, they were trying to push a westlake on us
and it gets confusing.
You need to time it right. They need to get rid of inventory a couple
times a year at least.
As far as second owners/warranties etc, we plan on keeping our Coleman
for years (keep your fingers crossed LOL) so that is less of an issue
in some ways. At least around here, Colemans still resale well for now.
Ask yourself if this is long term use or a stepping stone, that might
help you decide. Personally I don't think you are comparing apples and
apples, MHO, Jayco or Starcraft are more comprable.
Good Luck
Kimberly
In article <01bfc06c...@usw-ex0103-023.remarq.com>,
kimomjtb <ldostie...@concentric.net.invalid> wrote:
> Sorry Mark but it had nothing to do with babies falling out of
> the bunk ends. It was just a pointed out feature that made more
> sense to me. Not sure why colman hasn't added this very smart
> yet so simple feature to their campers.
>
> KIm
> 99 Palomino Mustang ( with secure bunk ends)
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------
>
> Got questions? Get answers over the phone at Keen.com.
> Up to 100 minutes free!
> http://www.keen.com
>
>
--
Kubek Crew
'00 Astro ___________
'00 Mesa, replacing /___________\----+
our sadly missed Bayside (0)