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I responded on the POG site to this but lets do it here also,2004 coaches have 315 front tires with a 17,200 front axle,and first generation slides, with a non EGR 12.7 liter 500 HP engine,2005s got the 365 tire upgrade on the front and tag with a 18,000 front axle,2nd generation slides,first year of the 14 Liter EGR 500 HP engine,2006-07s the engine got the EGR cooler and now it is 515 HP,2008 the latest generation of slides commonly known as the no pin slides,Moritz electrical system,2-3500 watt Outback Inverters ,2009 got the DPF which mandated the exhaust stack through the roof and reduced the rear closet by 1/3.I would prefer the 2008 from a living situation but the EGR motors rarely get over 6 MPG,the 04 would likely do 7+ MPG.Liberty really changed things in 08 with more batteries and the Outback inverters,I don’t like the fact that Liberty with the Watchdog automatic generator start system allows the batteries to be drawn down below 50% before the generator starts,so I figured out how to modify mine to start at 50% state of discharge,that is the only weakness that I see in my 08 coach.There is a great deal of difference in an 04 to an 08 Liberty,I would think that a 04 to a 09 could be more than 500K difference.in 08 Liberty built 28 total coaches I think that by 09 they were down to about half that which is where they are today.

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Jack,

Wow, Thank You !

Those are excatly the Cliff Notes that I needed. Now I can weigh the upgrades vs price to determine value. Sounds like I should be looking at an ’05 to ’08.

The key is to find a well maintained coach at a reasonable price. It appears that Liberty’s can fluctuate by $200,000 depending if you purchase them from a dealer vs a private party.

Thanks Again for your input !

Have a Nice Weekend,

Victor

[John]

I agree that the 05-08 is the most desirable IMHO,the other good thing is that Liberty was converting at least 25 or more each year.The decline in values in the last 4 years really makes these coaches a great value compared to a new coach and I think that these years are as good as a new one if it has been properly maintained.

[Bob]

Victor, I don’t think the price spread between a private sale, a dealer sale or a purchase from Liberty is as great as you might think.

When you factor in the risk you take buying a coach from other than the converter who built the coach to the virtual no risk purchase when buying from the converter of the coach (any converter) the costs start approaching one another.

There are exceptions such as a distress sale from an individual or a repo from a bank, but generally speaking what is perceived as extra cost from a converter is more than made up for in value added. If you are willing to sort out problems and issues on your own look for the cheapest price, but if you want to start out with a near new or near perfect coach go with the folks that put it together. In the middle will be the dealers most of whom are excellent at delivering excellent coaches but you might have to assume the burden of doing a very comprehensive inspection just to verify the coach is in perfect working order.

The coaches of the vintage described are very complex, both the house and chassis. When everything is right with them they are a joy, but even little details can be very frustrating to chase down so your own tolerance level for risk becomes a factor in your decision.

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I agree with Jon,there is also a warranty from Liberty on used coaches which is peace of mind.

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Jon,

I agree !

Very sage advice that should be taken into consideration for an enjoyable coach lifestyle.

Thank You !

Have a Great Weekend,

Victor