2112
Texas
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Joined: 07/16/2011
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Thinking of buying a 2007 RT Versatile 210 with 68,xxx miles on it. It's in overall good shape in appearance. There is a little wear here and there inside and the gen has 364 hrs on her. It runs and drives fine as I could tell but the chassis has a soft feel to it. I haven't driven a chevy in quite some time but I believe this soft feel in normal. I haven't taken it to my mechanic yet but will before I buy if I do. My concern is the mileage. At what point would this be a deal breaker? It's on a lot and the dealer does not know anything about it. The carfax indicated most of that was put on in the first 3 years or so. I plan on using it as a mobile office when not pleasure cruising so I plan on stacking more miles on it, about 15,xxx or so a year. Should I be concerned going into this with 68K miles already on it?
* This post was
edited 08/21/12 04:53am by 2112 *
2011 Ford F-150 EcoBoost SuperCab, Timbrens, PullRite SuperGlide 2700 15K
2013 KZ Durango 1500 2857
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RonBoyd
Denver, Colorado
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2112 wrote: I plan on using it as a mobile office when not pleasure cruising so I plan on stacking more miles on it, about 15,xxx or so a year. Should I be concerned going into this with 68K miles already on it?
We have a 2008 210V that has traveled 102,000 miles since we bought it (started with ~1,000). I am unsure what your concerns might be. The Express Van is a commercial vehicle that under heavy use should easily surpass 200,000 miles (provided routine maintenance is performed). I don't know whether dragging along a 9,000 pound RV is considered "heavy" use or not but I expect our RT to go beyond 250,000 miles before major repairs start happening.
If the miles are a big deal to you, try to negotiate down to where you feel your "fears" are factored into the price.
2008 Roadtrek 210 Versatile
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2112
Texas
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RonBoyd wrote: The Express Van is a commercial vehicle that under heavy use should easily surpass 200,000 miles....
And there you have it  I wasn't thinking of the designed application. I was looking at this as any other consumer grade vehicle with a lot of stuff in it. This does put it in perspective.
Thanks
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2112
Texas
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One more question:
Anybody had or heard of issues with the front roof windows leaking?
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Hallibagger
Picton, Ontario, Canada
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The roof windows do leak from time to time. Especially when driving in heavy rain. Mine drip rather than leak and I have not found it too much of a problem. They are not glass and the sun probably causes them the expand and contract with the heat, especially if stored outside. Mine needed re-sealing with a window seal material.
I understand that RT does sell a kit that includes 3 new windows and the required length of rubber molding seal material. If you are handy you could do it yourself or you could have the dealer do it.
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SwanInWA
Western Washington
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Joined: 03/08/2005
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Depending on how soon you need it, I'd be tempted to pass on it. Not that the mileage is terrible, but we looked at close to 20 different RTs and PWs in the last year. Most were 2005 - 2008 and most of them had between 10K and 30K on them. A few were higher, but there are LOTS of them our there with low, low miles. Settled on a 2008 PW with 8,200. We plan to have it for a number of years, so the low mileage was definitely a selling point.
Teri (the RV.netter)
Eric (the significant other)
Angus (the fur-faced kidlet)
The B (2008 Pleasure-Way Lexor RL-4)
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." --St. Augustine
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2112
Texas
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SwanInWA wrote: A few were higher, but there are LOTS of them out there with low, low miles. I have seen lower mileage units but the selling point to me is the asking price of $38,000. That got me giving it a serious look.
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RonBoyd
Denver, Colorado
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SwanInWA wrote: Settled on a 2008 PW with 8,200. We plan to have it for a number of years, so the low mileage was definitely a selling point.
I would have to question how much damage was done by "just sitting around" on a vehicle with an average of 2,000 miles per year. For (a one of many) instance, did the previous owner exercise the generator for an hour and a half every month? -- as required by Onan. I would be much more afraid of the "use it or lose it" factor than of a RV that is being used as expected (assuming it was taken care of... a physical inspection is, of course, required before purchase.) In any event, it is sad that an RV of such quality was simply put in storage. (But, hey!, to each his own -- there are a million stories in this city.)
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SwanInWA
Western Washington
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The original owner showed us the generator's monthly maintenance instructions in our manual -- if I remember right it says 30 minutes every month. I will double check that though and make sure I didn't misread it. We were lucky, I think, to buy a rig from a very maintenance conscious person.
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BillJ999
Home
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Let's say you buy a brand new RT today. Zero miles on it! Do you see yourself worring about the mileage only 5 years from now? You'll have 75,000 miles by then and I bet you'll still see it a nearly new and reliable RV.
I have read so often that these are commercial vehicles and are built to last ... I'm starting to believe it ... and praying it's true!
Also, how much do you think you'll save vs a low mileage RT? I bet that can pay an engine and transmission rebuild ... that probably won't happen.
My 2 cents worth ... but I'm only risking 2 cents ... not $38,000 ;-)
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