Q. Where is Marathon Coach, Inc. located?
A. Marathon headquarters, sales, and service center is located in Coburg, Oregon just five miles north of Eugene. Just a short drive from several attractions in the northwest, our plant is clearly visible from I-5 and is accessible by taking exit 199, then west 2 blocks to Coburg Industrial Way.
Q. How many luxury coaches does Marathon Coach build per year?
A. As the world's largest and most experienced converter of new busses, Marathon builds over 80 coaches per year. The quality of our products and services is far more important to us than the quantity. However, our expansive state-of-the-art facility has enabled us to increase efficiency and maintain the highest level of quality.
Q. Why do bus conversions depreciate at a slower rate than class A motorhomes?
A. The simple answer is "supply and demand". With over 35,000 Class A motorhomes introduced to the RV market annually by a large number of manufacturers, the depreciation is accelerated every year. There are approximately 300 Prevost conversions produced each year. With this kind of slow controlled growth, owners of conversions produced by reputable, experienced, and financially stable companies should typically enjoy a slower rate of depreciation. Many Class A owners are turning to the used bus conversion market as an alternative to a new class A and avoiding the painful effects of the "D" word.
Q. Does Marathon Coach build Class A motorhomes?
A. No. While some class A motorhome companies may provide a stepping stone out of their fiberglass products by converting a few busses, their focus and interest will always remain in the fiberglass line (where their profit is realized). Marathon Coach has no divided interest. Our approach to product development, service, club activities, etc. differs greatly from that of the class A motorhome market. We are focused totally on satisfying the needs of a very discriminating bus owner who is concerned more with long-term value than price alone.
Q. Does Marathon Coach have independent dealers?
A. No. Marathon Coach is not bound to a dealer (middle man) agreement. These types of agreements decrease the manufacturer's control over how the customer is treated and increase the amount of true depreciation due to tremendous dealer markup (middleman fee). While the dealership concept may be more expedient for companies who mass produce (automobiles, class A motorhomes, etc.), the success of custom coach companies and the satisfaction of their customers can be compromised by such an arrangement. Marathon's factory direct selling approach has proven to be more effective in minimizing communication challenges and certainly eliminating the middleman fee. Marathon customers receive professional attention at factory owned service centers in Coburg, Oregon and San Antonio, Florida and through a large nation-wide network of more specialized servicing dealers than found at your typical RV center. Additionally, Marathon also offers on-site service at rallies, seasonal locations, and other special events.
Q. How can I view and purchase a Marathon Coach?
A. While there are various rallies and shows where Marathon Coaches will be displayed, the best opportunity to view a wide variety of floorplans, custom designs, construction techniques, etc., is to visit our headquarters and production facility in Coburg, Oregon. When considering a purchase of this magnitude, it would be logical to visit the recognized leader of the conversion industry. If you are in the immediate market for a new or used conversion, contact Phil Cornelius to make arrangements for a tour of our facility.
Q. Does Marathon Coach build to customer specifications?
A. As the world's largest converter, we continue to build spec. coaches in a variety of floorplans, décor, and exterior designs for those who are interested in an immediate purchase. However, we also supply the industry with more custom designed coaches than any other converter. Ranging from conservative, to tastefully elegant, to glitzy, to down right gaudy, our expertise allows us to fulfill a broad spectrum of styling preferences. We also customize to the special requirements of businesses, entertainers, race teams, and other entities. Visit the gallery page to view some beautiful examples of our custom work.
Q. Does Marathon Coach sell pre-owned coaches?
A. Yes. We receive excellent trades of different makes, floorplans, colors, etc. We also offer a large number of consignments. Our low consignment fee creates a win- win situation for buyers and sellers. See the inventory page for our selection of pre-owned coaches or contact Phil Cornelius at 800-234-9991 ext. 161 for additional
information.
Q. How many bus conversion purchases are financed?
A. Surprisingly, we provide financing for approximately 40% of the purchases. With interest rates low and high returns on investments, it makes better business sense to finance. In addition to keeping available cash free for investing, the interest may be deductible as a second home. We provide a variety of financing and leasing options to meet your specific needs.