priestlake
Spokane, Washington
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Considering purchasing a motorhome, my concern is the right age unit. Right age means how old a unit is prudent. My concern is something over 5 to 6 yers create real concern of repairs. What is the general experience with units that may exceed the 5 to 6 year age.
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RognBon
Roseville, Calif.
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Joined: 03/02/2003
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It might help to know what your criteria are. For example, are you looking for a gasser or diesel? We bought our '97 Dynasty dp in 2005, so it was already 8 years old. We have had it for almost 7 years and have never regretted our decision. There are many factors to consider besides the age of the coach, ex: service records, age of tires, etc. Generally, higher mileage is less of an issue with a dp then with a gasser.
RognBon
1997 Monaco Dynasty 40'
Cummins 8.3 325 HP
2008 Ford Edge Toad
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vegasfoodguy
Reno Nv
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Joined: 02/04/2003
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I think this guy or gal is fishing, Review his posts and he is "Considering" buying everything out there,
Monaco Diplomat, Cummins, 38a
Toad Grand Cherokee, Brake Buddy.
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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Joined: 08/03/2008
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vegasfoodguy wrote:I think this guy or gal is fishing, Review his posts and he is "Considering" buying everything out there,
I agree, the OP does a lot of 'considering'. Maybe they are asking for friends or clients?
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wildtoad
Blythewood, SC
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Joined: 06/05/2011
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I have owned 4 motorhomes in the past 12 years none of them new. The first was a 2 year old unit which had a roof leak, tire issues (finding them). The second a 9 year old Airstream Land Yacht mh (not a low ender)which too had roof leaks, air suspension issues. The third a 23 year old Winnebago which had all types of things wrong but I knew that going in. My current unit (low end)is 12 years old now which I purchased last year and other than a couple of now fixed minor engine maintenance items works just great.
You can also read on this an other forums how new units have minor to major issues right out the door. So do a lot of looking, checking, inspecting of whatever you decide to buy.
Tom Wilds
Blythewood, SC
2000 Hurricane 30Q
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Captain_Happy
Abilene, Texas
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We own a 12 year Damon Intruder (Gas), and sure don't plan on trading it for another one. Finally got things fixed the way we want it. In the process of painting the front of the coach, and then stripping the old vinyl graffics off and replace with paint.
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Dale.Traveling
Newport News, VA
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Joined: 12/16/2010
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You will need to approach each potential purchase individually. Each coach, regardless of when it came off the assembly line, will have its own personality and requirements. A lot depends on the former owner(s) and how well they maintained or neglected the coach. I would be more interested in a well maintained, moderately used 6 year old then something newer was used for a couple of weekend trips then parked under a maple tree in the back yard neglected for the past 2 years.
The key is both self education and a pre-purchase inspection. Little difference acquiring a coach then a home. You pay an expert, maybe even two, to check EVERYTHING. Buying new or newer used build doesn't mean problem free. A lot depends on your risk tolerance. With older coaches you will need to be more proactive on reoccurring maintenance and inspections particularly all environmental seals (roof and windows), and rubber based materials such as tires, belt, hoses, and such. Older coaches (5 years +) will have a lower entry cost but a slightly higher maintenance needs then something 1-2 years old.
Personally I feel the risk of the higher maintenance out weights the entry price of something newer and judging a coach first on a calendar age is not always a best practice. Sure newer is sexy but a 1995 Foretravel U-300 has a lot more class, character, and interest to me than what's coming off the production lines over the past couple of years.
* This post was
edited 04/19/12 07:45am by Dale.Traveling *
2006 Hurricane 31D aka 'Moby' the Whale
FCC(SW) US Navy Retired 1980-2003
Stella my Navigator
Bogart the All American RV Dog
and
Cocoui waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge
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Freeman2004
Central CT, USA
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Holy Crap! 80K for a 17 year old coach. Admitedly, looks like a very nice clean unit but 80K?
Scott & Karen
2004 Fleetwood Monterey
2003 Ford Ranger Edge in Very, Very Red
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Dale.Traveling
Newport News, VA
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Probably about the worst example I could have found. I do think the mid 1990's Foretravels are pretty cool looking but I keeping Mody the White Whale for now.
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vladen
Louisiana
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well if your a social climber and want to be accepted in the finer circles and CGs I would consider how long you can use it before it hits the ten year mark and you find yourself getting turned away at these habitats.
Vlad's busy workings
All hope is gone
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