Today's diesels have a pretty god reputation for reliability. You don't need to have an RV dealer work on it as CAT dealers and service centers are everywhere. I've had a CAT 250 and now have a CAT 330 and I've been very happy with both.
They would probably be rather costly to repair, but rarely need anything other than regular service. More reliable and less cost than my Ford 460 was.
Paul
Paul & Helen
2002 Winnebago Journey DL
1999 Jeep Cherokee toad
Yellow Lab, Jodie and Chocolate Lab, Coco
FMCA 98905
If you get the serial number you can call the CAT customer service line (877-777-3126) and find out if there have been any problems with a particular engine. If not, I find they and the associated Allison transmission are fairly bulletproof.
Caterpillar engines are very good engines. Like the previous post stated, they are bullet proof. You ask if they are expensive to fix? The answer is yes to any diesel engine. But with proper care these engines last a long time.
2002 Gulf Stream Scenic Cruiser
330 HP Caterpillar
3000 Allison Transmission
Neway Freightliner chassis
2005 Honda Pilot EXL 4WD
Aventa III
FMCA member
I never heard of this RV, and I got it for half of what RV NADA values it at.
When I say I got it, I mean I made a mistake on eBay, it was not an bid, it was a classified, and there was a maake an offer button. I thought for fun I would make an offer, little did I know that the system accepted it and locked me in, now I am stuck, either I buy it or accept a negative feedback. I was not aware that making an offer is like winning the bid. grrr. Anyway, what do you think of this RV?
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ugh wrote: Also, if something goes wrong with it, can any truck shop work on it, or does it have to be a RV dealership?
Personally I wouldn't use an RV dealer for engine repairs. The diesel mechanics at most truck centers have more experience and probably more continuing training.
The diesel engines used in RVs are exactly the same as the diesel engines used in large trucks. Relatively expensive to maintain or repair, but far more reliable than car engines. The much higher compression of diesel engines requires that they be built much stronger than comparable gasoline engines.
I never heard of this RV, and I got it for half of what RV NADA values it at.
When I say I got it, I mean I made a mistake on eBay, it was not an bid, it was a classified, and there was a maake an offer button. I thought for fun I would make an offer, little did I know that the system accepted it and locked me in, now I am stuck, either I buy it or accept a negative feedback. I was not aware that making an offer is like winning the bid. grrr. Anyway, what do you think of this RV?
Let me respectfully suggest that you read the eBay rules before ever looking at another ad.
Safari was an independent coach maker until around 2001 when they were acquired by Monaco. They had an excellent reputation for build quality. All cabinetry is solid wood, not veneer on core. Appliances were excellent. Engineering was excellent.
Having said that, buying an expensive item on eBay without an inspection is risky. There may be unseen, or unmentioned, damage to the coach, mechanical issues, etc. A motorhome is a fairly complicated vehicle with a large number of systems, any of which might require (expensive) repair.
My advice would be to go look at it and have it inspected before completing the purchase. If you can't do that then you probably should accept the negative feedback and possible banning from eBay.
I'm no attorney, and I don't play one on TV, but as far as I understand it you have made a written offer to purchase and the seller made a written acceptance of your offer. That would constitute a contract. If the seller pursued this in court you would likely lose and have to buy the coach and likely have to pay the seller's legal costs....
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