Three Bears
NE Pennsylvania
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Joined: 02/07/2008
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We are torn between two coaches -- a 2007 Mandalay Presidio 39F vs. a 2008 Monaco Diplomat 40SKQ. Both units have uniquenesses of their own: The Presidio -- hydraulic slides, a large side bath with good size sink counter and a full slide (MSRP $242,315) and the Diplomat --electric slides, a center entertainment setup with tv and electric fireplace 70/30 sink and 4 slides (MSRP $265,000) Both units are 40 feet long. The Presidio has the Mercedes 330 hp turbo engine and the Diplomat has the 400 hp cummins. Does anyone have either of these units and can you give me any ups and downs about them. We are really having a hard time making a decision but seem to be leaning toward the lower price to keep our payments a bit lower. We also tried looking at the units with the slides closed as you do spend time with them closed and having to use them that way at times. The Diplomat was hard to get a feel as we were at a show and people just wouldn't get out of the coach away from the tv and fireplace to give us the feel. The deal that we are being offered with that particular dealer is supposed to expire at the end of the show tomorrow as they claim they get a show allowance from Monaco that has to be used at the show sales only. Don't know if this is 100% true either or just a tactic to push us to buy. The salesman on both units already dropped each of their prices within one day $5K each. Again, any information from anyone will surely help us along with our decision. We don't want to jump into something so quickly and be disappointed. Thanks.
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escaper1
Centerville,Ohio,USA
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Joined: 11/16/2003
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The presedio though a nice looking coach is on a workhorse diesel unless they have changed to a frieghtliner. That alone would keep me from it. I think it is one of the only ones on the workhorse.
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Skyranch
Dobbins, CA
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Joined: 07/11/2003
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I really like the floorplan on the SKQ, and that is the only one on my short list if we ever replace ours. I like the idea that the TV is away from the front of the coach, and you could still see it with the slides in.
There are a couple of folks on this forum who have a SKQ and can give you specifics.
You may want to take a look at DeMartini's website as he has several SKQs in stock. We were just there looking at their new facility in Grass Valley and I know they are very willing to work with you on price. They also have a facility in Indiana.
Good luck ... let us know what you decide.
Regards,
Pat
2002 Monaco Diplomat 40PBT
'96 Explorer dingy
ReadyBrake
Forever in our hearts Skye ... Jake ... Rolling doghouse for Sailor & Sage
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joelbaker
South Bay SF area, CA, USA
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Joined: 08/25/2003
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Personally I wouldn't buy a Thor product but that is my opinion only. I think the Diplomat is one of the best values out there but of course I'm jaded. The SKQ is a great floorplan. Also, there's lots of support from Monaco and their dealers (some more than others), as well as three factory service centers. The Diplomat, combined with it's identical sister the HR Endeavor, has been one of the top selling motorhomes and DP's for many years. I had a Cummins ISC 330 in my last coach, and the ISL 400 in this one, and I wouldn't go back to 330 for anything. The ISL is a great engine and worth the purchase right there.
Joel & Bonnie
3 teen boys and 3 dogs
2006 Monaco Diplomat 40PDQ w/4 slides, 40.5', Cummins ISL 400
Toad: 2001 Town & Country, Falcon All-Terrain, Roadmaster EvenBrake.
Rallies Attended: 8;Gatherings Attended: 3
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jahapp
Wherever the soft breeze blows
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Joined: 04/10/2004
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Call Tim and Jon at DeMartini. They handle both and will give you straight info.
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bp19
Southern California
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Joined: 01/18/2004
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The Mercedes will be on the Freightliner Chassis. I bought from Jon Demartini and agree that Jon or Tim will be a great resource for you. Here is their website.
2006 Presidio 39B
States traveled in our motorhome
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bdemattia
Full Timer - Florida right now
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Joined: 12/08/2005
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We have the Diplomat 40SKQ - bought it from DeMartini through the Indiana store (they only have a HR franchise but can work with you) - very, very small differences in the HR and Monaco but there are some - cosmetic only. We ordered ours and have just about every option - not including the solar panels - listed about $275k - deal with Ron Cole at the Indiana store if you are in that area - final price will be below what you listed above.
We love ours - the list of problems is so minor it's not worth mentioning and DeMartini and Monaco both are superb in customer service.
PM me if you want some more on the pricing.
* This post was
edited 02/17/08 07:51pm by bdemattia *
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Bill&Pam
If its winter - probably AZ, otherwise - who knows
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Joined: 11/05/2006
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We also have the 40 SKQ. Love the TV in the middle. We like not having to look at a windshield to watch TV. We looked at Presidios and Mandalays with the side aisle and TV in the middle. Chose the Diplomat and bought from DeMartini.
Bill & Pam, Somewhere, USA
South Dakota domicile
2007 Monaco Diplomat 40 SKQ
2005 Chevy Colorado TOAD w/M&G Brake system
2006 Honda Rancher ATV
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spitfirepete
Great Outdoors RV resort
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Joined: 11/17/2003
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I have a Presidio and would buy another...lots of great standard features..great factory support....Buy the floor plan you want to live with...both are good coaches.
Peter and Linda
2007 Mandalay Presidio ISC
1975 Triumph Spitfire toad
2007 Saturn Vue toad
Bichon and Cocker (spoiled puppies)
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DanLefoot
San Diego
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Joined: 10/20/2007
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jahapp wrote:Call Tim and Jon at DeMartini. They handle both and will give you straight info.
We just bought a Knight from these guys. A great buying experience and saved $8K over the competition.
They had 3 of the SKQ models on the lot. Nice floor plan. But a 40 is really closer to 42' if I recall. That may not matter to you.
Dan
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