We purchased a new leftover 2007 Cougar on 2/1/08.
Been out 4 times already and no problems.
We love it and suits our family and lifestyle perfectly.
We think we got a good price also.
Jo
2007 Keystone Cougar, 291 RLS
2003 Ford F250, 7.3L, Lariat, CC, SB, 4x4
Isspro Gauges-overhead mount, 14K Pullrite Superglide
Firestone RideRite airbags & pressure gauge
Two Honda eu2000i generators, parallel kit
Bell Morningstar Canoe, bent shaft paddles
4-to-camp, my wife and I are seriously considering the 32QBBS as our first 5er. However, I have two concerns with it that I hope you can ease.
The first is two part - one - is that the front bunk wouldnt have enough room for a couple of kids to play in. Although I am sure most of the playing is in the living area or outside, - two - we plan to have adult guests, are the bunks ok for adults as well (i.e. comfort, etc)?
The second is the sliding divider. This seems to be fairly light weight and possibly fragile. Any issue there (with Kids)?
We were debating a Forest River Wildcat vs. a Keystone Laredo and ended up finding the Keystone product to be higher quality. I don't even remember the things that led my husband to that decision, but it was based on the structure and how the fiver was built. The Laredo is quite similar in price to the Keystone Cougar.
We ended up with a screamingly great deal on the 35-foot Laredo - cheaper than the 30-foot Wildcat we were considering. So we went with the Laredo.
Another very satisfied Cougar owner. We've been out three times in our 08 and no problems whatsoever. We were very interested in the Wildcat and I think it's a great unit. But be very careful with your inspection. We saw two new ones on a lot and both were extremely lacking in quality control. There were moldings that didn't meet, framing that was cut badly, etc. Any unit can have problems, but we were surprised by this. When we looked at a lot of Cougars we saw none of these problems. I have seen Wildcats that were fine, though.
John and Nina
2005 F-350, 4x4, V-10, Crew Cab
2008 Cougar 276 RL
Wife and I looked at Cougar 320SRX and Wildcat 31THSB. We love the floorplan in the Cougar with the long couch with twin dinette tables, the master bed slide (more room) but the WildCat has the air pin box, mag wheels, power awning, electric rear jacks, lower ramp door (mini garage in back -than the Cougar) and much bigger counter space. The Cougar has a better home feel but as we push and pulled on cabinets, buttons, recliner knob, etc, they felt cheaper, miss-aligned or wouldn't function. The Wildcat seemed more modern/newer with the extra features/fit and finish. Cougar has a better resale though. The Cougar was also 2k more.
So, reviews, comments, etc is what we have been doing over the last month. Dealers selling both models mention they sell 10 Wildcats to every 1 Cougar.
At this entry level price point it hasn't been easy.
Plus, we are driving out of state to save 5k to 6k over local, non-dealing Denver dealers.
I might throw a wrench into the gears....
I have spent the last 10 months looking ,studying and comparing the brands and models that have bee mentioned.
I think that you would be amiss, if you did not take a long look at the HEARTLAND SUNDANCE. I just ordered one from RV Price Busters at a really good price.
We've had our Cougar for a year and 2 days. I spent about 3-4 hours going over the trailer before I took it home. I couldn't find a single thing that needed adjusting or fixing. I spent another couple hours going over it in the drive way,and still couldn't find anything wrong. Its easily the most well put together trailer we've owned (4th RV total).
In the last year there has been exactly 1 thing that needed fixing. One of the cabinet door frames in the kids room started to seperate.
I don't know if one of the kids broke the frame or not,but when asked about a replacement door,the service dept. told me it was under warranty and they'd pick up the tab. I was fully expecting to pay for the door as I wasn't postitive it was a defect.
Before I ever bought my trailer,I spent at least a 1/2 hour on the phone talking to a customer service rep about their products. Everything from how they're built,to what they actually weigh,to how to get the best deal on a purchase. I was never once made to feel like I was "bothering" them with all my questions.
In my experience,Keystone's customer service has been outstanding.
When we buy our next rig,Keystone will be at the very top of the list.