Have to agree with univmd...
We've never bought a used motorhome. I'd rather buy a slightly lower-end coach if I have to, and be the first to 'break the wrapper' -- It's in MY choice of colors, MY choice of trim, and to MY specifications.
I know for a fact it's never been wrecked, never been smoked in, never had pets pee in it, doesn't have any hidden issues, and if something does break -- I've got a factory warranty.
I buy slightly used cars, but won't consider a well-used motorhome.
Depreciation is far less important to me than ending up with exactly what we want.
No disappointments yet! To each his own......
Depending on the condition and maintenance I would choose the older high end MH. In fact that is exactly what we just did. We had a choice between a 2011 39' Tiffin Red and an 2006 40' Itasca Horizon and we chose the Horizon. Everything about the Horizon was so much better than the newer Red. The fixtures in the Red were really cheap like overhead lights that looked like car dome lights with bulbs and clear lenses. The Horizon has very high end fixtures and appliances and interior finish. The floor has real tile and all solid wood cabinets. Windows on the Red were single pane and the Horizon has all double pane windows. Another biggie is the Red only had a 300 hp Cummins and the Horizon has a 400 hp and the Allison 3000 transmission so it's carrying and towing capacity is much higher. You really get so much more with a older higher end coach that with a newer low end coach. We really love the Horizon and are so happy we choose it. Good Luck with your search and Happy MHing All!
Jack & Peg
USN Ret AGC
K1ZMB
Sioux Falls, SD
06 Itasca Horizon 40KD
On an older rig, you can replace lots of stuff when necessary.
Fabrics, furniture, flooring, AV equipment, appliances, electrical components can all be replaced for reasonable cost.
But it is more problematic to add slideouts, aqua hot type heating system, engine, transmission, interior walls or floor plan, jake brake, air leveling etc.
So, buy the highest quality rig with the features you desire from the second list and modify the items in the first list as you need or want.
bluwtr49 wrote: I would vote for an older high end every time. Mileage is not really and issue if it was well maintained....the key is all in the maintenance and care.
AMEN!!!
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
ClassAGeek wrote: Roof, floor, springs, brake pads, belts, batteries, hoses, relays, seals, weather stripping, A/C units, caulking, hinges, electric steps, switches, slides, the fake leather used in almost all coaches, wipers, radiators, tires, exhaust, LP tanks, fridges, tables, mattresses, blinds, drawer and 100's of other items wear out at the same rate in all MH's.
Most every one of those items are of lesser quality in a lesser quality coach. They WILL wear out faster and need replacement more often. While I may not drive my coach 500,000 miles, it sure is nice to know that a national testing company has and in that 500,000 miles there were NO breakdowns that left it on the side of the road. My coach time is limited and I don't want to spend it waiting for repairs. Just my opinion, yours may vary. What is right for one is not for all. That is why all kinds exist.
A lot depends on YOUR definition of high end.....You mentioned a 96...brand, model, length......my Dynasty with 109,000 miles on her was bulletproof...we went full time so slides, to us, was important otherwise I would still have her......Dennis
Dennis and Debi
Monaco Executive M-45PBQ Quad Slide
525HP Cummins ISM 6 Spd Allison
Chevy HHR W/ ReadyBrute
Fourth Year Full Timing Click here to view our travel blog
Yes, This is not a new issue, actually, I fully agree with Brett (wolfe10) about the Foretravel, seems everyone who finally gets into a used one, feels the same, meaning, They would rather have a 10 year old Foretravel than a brand new anything else. This is from folks who have been there & done that.
Cheers
Dave
Mine was the most expensive thing you could buy when new. Had everything available and quality to match....I bought it used for 1/10 what it cost new and wouldn't trade it today for a new entry level of the same size. No way I could put up with the tacky, cheap, low quality, corner cutting, done in these new ones. I have had it 4 years now and at 91,000mi it goes down the road with no effort and not a rattle. So far everything works, interior is near perfect. I replaced the radiator because I didn't like the looks of it and 6 new tires this year. BUY THE HIGH END ONE. You won't be sorry.
Bought our flagship in January 2009..27K miles later (now 74K on the clock) and many trips I am happy to report that all is well and the only real maintenance has been preventive.
IMHO you can tell right away with an older DP how well it has been looked after and how much use the house was subject to.
With a high end used DP you typically get top end fit and finish and first class materials.
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