Looking to buy a Class A. Had one last year, and looking to upgrade to a better build/quality unit.
I have a local 99 Moutain Air, V10 Ford Gas 40k miles 37'. Asking price is 30k, 1 slide
I have a 40' 99 Diesel Moutain Air, 330hp Cat engine, $30k but it has 135k miles. I really like the layout and additional size. Really is in impeccable shape, extremely clean and maintained to the top degree. I just don't know if I'm crazy to consider a 130k mile unit for that much cash, even though I think it's a good buy.
The 3rd option is an 03 Southwind, 17k miles, V10 Ford, 2 slides, 35k. Not sure the south wind is of the same caliber as the Newmar though. Any opinions or thoughts I should consider with these 3 units as I'm up in the air on which way I'm going!
"I have a 40' 99 Diesel Moutain Air, 330hp Cat engine, $30k but it has 135k miles. I really like the layout and additional size. Really is in impeccable shape, extremely clean and maintained to the top degree. I just don't know if I'm crazy to consider a 130k mile unit for that much cash, even though I think it's a good buy."
There is your new coach. Just now broken in....remember this AINT no gasser engine. That motor is good for AT LEAST 350,000 miles.
Service the engine and install new tranny fluid and have at it man...
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
IMO, I would pass on all of them. If that's all that I had to pick from, then I surely would low-ball them all. Give them my name, number, and price I was willing to spend. Tell them I wasn't in a hurry, and to give me a call if they changed their mind.
The mileage on the DP wouldn't bother me assuming the maintenance has been kept up. Newmar makes a nice product and would be one of my first choices if I was in the market.
2004 Rexhall Rose Air
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
John&Joey wrote: IMO, I would pass on all of them. If that's all that I had to pick from, then I surely would low-ball them all. Give them my name, number, and price I was willing to spend. Tell them I wasn't in a hurry, and to give me a call if they changed their mind.
Why would you pass on them? Too much money you think?? They are all below low retail, given fuel prices I know they aren't flying off the shelf these days.
My reasoning process would be the DP first, then the gas RV's. Not that I would shy away from the gassers but, the DP is going to have a more substantial chassis and suspension. Repairs will cost more on the DP as it will have to go to the heavy truck place rather than the local garage. Diesel fuel cost more right now. That could change some day. The Ford V-10 is a good engine. I think some of them had an issue where some gasket would leak and throw a code for the EGR valve. That was more than minor surgery as anti-freeze was leaking into the EGR valve. Not sure on exactly which year models this effects. We had a fleet of chassis with the V-10 and 100% of them had this issue at about 100,000 miles or so. I would still get a Ford V-10 chassis. It's a good setup.
hershey - albuquerque, nm Someday Finally Got Here
My wife does all the driving - I just get to hold the steering wheel.
Superman was an illegal alien.
Expedition - Suzuki Grand Viagra
I would suggest you drive all three first, then decide. Remember you will be staying in the coach more than you will be driving it. Pick the best floor plan that suits your needs. Compare fit and finish as well as quality. You will know quality when you see it. Newmar usually doesn't scrimp on the corners. The diesel, being heavier will be much easier and enjoyable to drive. They cost a little more but I would never go back to a gasser...JMHO....Dennis
Dennis and Debi
Monaco Executive M-45PBQ Quad Slide
525HP Cummins ISM 6 Spd Allison
Chevy HHR W/ ReadyBrute
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John&Joey wrote: IMO, I would pass on all of them. If that's all that I had to pick from, then I surely would low-ball them all. Give them my name, number, and price I was willing to spend. Tell them I wasn't in a hurry, and to give me a call if they changed their mind.
Why would you pass on them? Too much money you think?? They are all below low retail, given fuel prices I know they aren't flying off the shelf these days.
You're exactly right. It's so much easier to buy one, then to sell one right now. There simple is not a lot of buyers out there. The day will come when you will either want to get out, or upgrade. At that point in time you'll have to look really hard at what you got, and what you can get for it.
Right now you're looking at some fairly high prices, 13 year old units, some with very high mileage, and low demand units. Ask yourself what you'll have to work with in 3-5 years and how much you expect to get back on your 30K+ investment. Honestly, that is the real bottom line when it comes to class A's. That statement won't sit well with some.
I'm on the road for 5-6 months and that is how it is when you talk with others that are also on the road. Sooner or later we all have to upgrade or get out. Those that are the lucky ones have a lower mileage, newer unit, that is a high demand rig. They are the ones that will get top dollar to go forward with.
Personally, I would take the Southwind off the table and focus on the Newmars. Assuming both Newmars have well documented maintenance histories, I would go with the diesel with the understanding that maintenance will be more expensive than the gas rig.
There are so many variables involved, nonetheleast of which is your personal financial situation. However, given my situation, this is what I would do. Good luck with your decision.
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