1997 American Eagle vs 2000 Safari Zanzibar

I don't think either one will bee hard to get parts for
Everything engine, trans, etc..is of the shelf bus or truck parts, except the "torsilistic" suspension

And it's ALL heavier and costs more than the parts on your current tow vehicle

We have a 1995 Safari , with Cummins engine
Front brakes pads, rotors, calipers, labor total $1378
Two new front tires $800
Rear brakes pads, calipers, one rear seal, NO rotors $1178

Yes diesels can be expensive

I will say. That things last a lot longer, we have had this RV almost five years, and last brake service was several years BEFORE we got it
I know the tires were about 7 years old
It's a matter of being prepared to pay the larger sums knowing, it won't happen again for a few years

Well as far as dollars and cents. The American Eagle makes sense. You are getting a good engine "Cummins" (I wont argue on the better engine here-I will just say we dont get too much repairs on either engine, but IMHO the Cummins seems to have more "pep" than the Cat has. And I drive a bunch of Class As every day) ---- Not to mention you get a Subbie to dinghy tow for a small amount.

As far as reliability, well both are old enough now that the "first year fall aparts" has already happened. It will be hard to get parts for either at this stage. We also get very few repairs on either brand unit. Both are pretty solid.

Now, look for water damage (possible prior roof damage). Open the slides and look at both outside corners on the bottom (floor) of the slides. That is where most water damage shows first. If the corners are real soft--pass it by! Slide out structure repair is very common, time consuming, and costly. --- Then look at the roof itself. If a roof needs replaced, it can cost from $5k up to $25k (but can be done to look "better than new". --- Finally take time inside each unit. Test all appliances on LP and A/C. Appliances can also be very expensive. Finally run the generator under a load.

Now if one unit checks out better than the other, buy that one! If they both check out good, buy the one you like better!

Hubby thinks air, but that is one of the things we need to learn about :-)

What suspension on the Zanzibar-- air or torsilastic?