New to Chinook

[Flame]

Dang, so sorry to hear that!! I'm a huge believer in everything happens for a reason. Upward and onward!! Your best deal is still out there and waiting for you to find!! Good luck and keep us informed!!

[chin_k]

Don't get discouraged. There are enough Chinooks out there, and you will definitely find one (or a few) out there that works for you. Try not to get too emotional with big purchase, and you can always modify it to some degree if it is not exactly the way you wanted.

[FatBuoy]

OK, gang- back in the race. I found a Premier decently priced. Is that not a Concourse? Is it a much cheaper model? If so, do you know where they cut corners and how much less they are worth, approximately, all things equal as far as year, miles and condition?

You all have been SO much help. Please don't grow weary of me! : )

I did find this in a search. It's for 1998s. Anyone know if the same apply?

https://chinookrvforum.com/download/fil ... &mode=view

[chin_k]

Regarding Premier and Concourse, the difference is major when it was new, but after so many years, I think the pricing different is much smaller, unless you like the way the windows looks. As long as you like what you see, and that it is in good shape for your use scenario, there is be minimum difference between them. Maybe I will pay a grand extra for a Concourse at the most, which is down at the noise level.

[FatBuoy]

Regarding Premier and Concourse, the difference is major when it was new, but after so many years, I think the pricing different is much smaller, unless you like the way the windows looks. As long as you like what you see, and that it is in good shape for your use scenario, there is be minimum difference between them. Maybe I will pay a grand extra for a Concourse at the most, which is down at the noise level.

Thanks! The windows don't bother me. I did see graphics are decals instead of painted and clear coated. Also not a big deal. I think I was more concerned with cheaper cabinetry, or build materials. Sounds like that's not the case.

[deppstein]

FatBouy--I have a 2004 Premier, and LOVE IT! I know that it was billed as the more "economic" cousin to the Concourse, but I have to tell you, that was not the case with mine for some reason. Yes, it has the rectangular windows and two burner stove instead of three, but it also came with solid wood cherry interior! So, go figure. I have the dinette model and prefer that over the club seats. Double sink has same counter covering as Concourse, I believe...mine is a nice neutral formica. I have done some modifications over time (removed TV and put bookcase in its place, pulled the microwave and built new double-door cabinet area as a pantry, reconfigured the wall support for the drop down table, and some other outside storage things. I posted pictures of some of this--if you search "additional outside storage" I believe you will find them.
If you like the layout and what the interior looks like, I wouldn't hesitate at all just because it is a Premier. The basic bones are the same. Other questions, let me know.
David

[chin_k]

I think there are a few features that is not available on the Premier, such as in the Concourse XL trim, there is a safe, but it is not available on the Premier. You can probably add it yourself anyway, if you ever need one. The other major difference besides the windows is that the Concourse has better stereo setup. This is why in the DC panel the Premier do not have a 15 A fuse compare to the Concourse. Not a deal breaker for most people.

BTW, the doors are solid wood in both Premier and Concourse, but the structural parts are MDF. No difference here in the models.

[chin_k]

FWIW, there are three older Chinooks in San Diego Craigslist that are under $12k. I don't know if any of them are legit, but some of them have the VIN published.

[FatBuoy]

How about an 01 Premier, with 93k miles, for $15k? Supposedly everything in working order, mechanically, interior great, just some oxidation on the paint. Can't see how I could go wrong there!

[deppstein]

Is it the layout you want?...or are you planning your own renovation so not such an issue. Over the six years I have owned ours, I really haven’t come across anything that can’t be fixed for reasonable price—so 96K listed for $15,000 sound pretty damn good to me. You should expect to put some more into it...but to my way of thinking, even if that came to $10,000 all-in, I’d still think you got a great deal! Go for it Fatbuoy!..and keep us posted.
David