I am strongly considering up-sizing to a class A from my class C. I was not into the "buying mode" yet, but I found a Newmar Mountain Aire that I got very interested in after I got a chance to look at it. It is a gas engine model with 13,000 miles and available for a little less than half the original price. It is immaculate inside and out. Only a couple of very minor issues, one window blind has broken strings, the crank up TV antenna has a striped gear and that sort of thing. I was delighted to find out that the rig only had 13,000 miles on it, but then I got to thinking maybe I should be looking for one that was used a little more often. The genny has 30 some hours on it as well. The last time the rig went anywhere was last spring for a 200 mile round trip, week long trip. The couple that own it have all of the service records and the maintenance has been done when needed. So, I guess my question to you guys is that a rig that is 6 years old would it be better if it had been used a little more regularly and with a few more miles on it?
Thanks for your opinion,
Larry
Larry
2007 Newmar 37 Mountain Aire, 05 Jeep Wrangler,lifted and chipped toad.
I would not worry about the seals. 6 years is nothing. The tires may need to be replaced, but I would not worry about the seals. If it were me, I would go for it. It is just broken in, and just barely at that.
You are in the same position we were in 5 years ago. We weren't looking at that big but when my DW got in I knew the only way I would get her back was if I bought the MH. It has been great. Ours had been driven back and forth to FL for 3 winters before we bought it. Our previous was only 35' and no slides. The full body paint plus the fact I store it inside means it still looks like brand new.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
Not specifically familiar with Newmar but they are highly recommended on the forum. If it's this coach looks very nice. The punch list items you listed are to be expected and easy to fix. Having maintenance records is a very big plus. If all the original manufacture or owner's manuals are available even better.
As mentioned have it inspected to find potential problems. With the Workhorse chassis check for the brake recall being completed also the inspection will revile the tire age and if replacement is needed. Newmar really packs in some very good to have standard features and possible options that you want to insure work properly. If the tires are newer and the recall has been completed it shows the former owner had pride in ownership which is a good indicator of a lightly used coach that was properly maintained which will ease some of your concern. Also look for regular maintenance to the generator. With the low hours some owners may skip maintenance intervals. If maintenance was performed based on calendar rather than run time that will give you another indication of pride of ownership. I really wish the fridge makers put a time meter on the fridge. That would really show actual coach usage.
35' is a good length for a gasser and the chassis weight limitations appear adequate. You can download the original brochure from Newmar. Looking at the brochure I'm trying to determine what this coach doesn't have. 50 gallon waste tanks, 75 gal fresh water, 7.5K generator, solar panel, 10 gal dual fuel water heater, window awnings, full body paint. If I owned it there wouldn't be anything to add to improve the coach. Also the wheel base of 242” to body the coach length of 35’ 3” is very good and will make for a stable driving platform. Double front slides really expand the living space and was a must have feature when I was shopping. About the only floor plan feature I don’t care for is having to zig zag thru the bathroom to get to the bedroom rather than a straight path but I’m sure I could get used to it.
If it is within your budget I would advise serious consideration. Looks like one step down from a DP consider the house side features. Good luck with your search but I think you found a very good coach.
* This post was
edited 02/20/12 06:13am 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
Newmar is recognized as a quality builder by many. It was definitely on my short list when I was in the market for another Class A. If the tires have not been replaced, they are no less than 6 yrs old, and trust me, you will start getting blowouts regardless of how good they look so consider that in your offer.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
Dale.Traveling hit the nail on the head. I have the 04 3501 and the onyt thing I would change is the chassis. We have the W22 and the 06 has the W24. You also have the extra slide in the living room/kitchen. Go for it.
Pat & Roger Fisher
2004 Mountain Aire 3501
2007 Honda CRV EX-L 4WD,
Jewel and Clifford Bouvier Des Flandres
Sounds like a terrific find, if the floorplan works for you and it is in good shape. Ask for maintenance records and consider having it checked out by a reputable mechanic. As for the house components, try everything to make sure all works.
As others have suggested, plan on buying new tires within the next year, at most..
Paul & Sandra
New Bedford, MA
2003 Monaco Executive M43 DS2
Respected coach, one of the upper tier of gas RV's.
Low miles can be a concern, but a thorough review/inspection should spot any problems. As mentioned, at this age, you need to check the tire dates, and if OEM batteries, plan for possible swap out. Often generators have more problems sitting then the coach itself. Be sure it is operating well, and actually putting out a solid charge. Run the AC's roof and dash, as this is probably the highest risk area of seals drying (but at this age, probably OK).
Workhorse recall was mentioned, be sure it is done. I would also have the front brakes looked over carefully during inspection, as not all recall repairs were made in the same method.
Knowing about tires, battery, and any other items needed - will provide you with a good baseline for price.
If the coach interior matches your needs, considering it is a buyer's market, sit down and talk with the sellers and come to an agreed to price.
For reference, our 04 CC Allure had just 14K on it when we bought it two years ago. Reading all of the documents on the coach, and checking the date and mileage noted on the repair/maintenance records, I could see the coach had steady local usage over that time.
Buy the coach interior and usability first, then understanding the maintenance condition and costs of any catch-up maintenance - should serve you well in this venture!
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