Buying used Motorhome class C

Robiya, your a newcomer, so you don't know this, but we have sure had some spirited debates on the ex rental subject over the years. I tend to be more on the con side. Not necessarily becuase I have anything all that much against them, I just thought they would be a poor choice for what I wanted to do long and short term

My thought when I bought mine was, to own it 25 years and put 150K on it, so I did not want to start out with one that already had 150K. So how long you plan to keep it, and how you will use it, may play a part in your thinking process.
So I bought 4 years old with 5K on the ODO ( 9 years of ownership now and 55K now, zero problems)
Folks say these modern engines will go 300k plus. I have never been lucky enough to experience that. My faith starts falling off at about 160K or so. From my life experience

You mention the warranties, the 12K 1 year, and the 100k 5 year. CA knows the average MH use is, 5k or so a year. So, for probably 98% of buyers you are looking at a 5K included warrenty and a 25K extended warrenty. And CA of course knows that. So the 12k and the 100k for most buyers, is just a feel good thing

I looked at CA's website, basically they cover catastrophic engine, rearend and tranny faliure. The do not cover things like altenators, power steering pumps, ball joints, radiators and on and on.

I am not a fan of extended warrenties, but still, for 1600 bucks on a high milage unit, I think I would consider it. Engine blow up alone could run close to 10 K

Of course the kicker is what type of engine replacement would you get? A cheap out of the country quick and dirty rebuild, or a local shop that does the work? Might be worth asking that sort of question

You might also consider CA rentals to my knowledge, do not have a slideout. To me, at least, having a slideout is a big deal. Others not so much. But I would not want one without a slide. Personal choice of course. But maybe worth a thought on your part

Former Cruise America rentals come with new tires on them after they leave the rental fleet - at least mine did and that was what I was told.

I bought my MH in 2011 with 109k on the odometer. I made the correct, in my opinion, assumption that CA never performed the 100,000 mile maintenance interval, so I had EVERY single fluid and filter replaced (including on the generator). It was needed - especially the rear differential as its fluid was sludge.

Inspect the roof - even if the MH does not have its own ladder. The rubber roof on mine was already at its end-of-life. It wasn't leaking, but had a side-to-side seam in the membrane that should not have been there. The roof was replaced the summer of 2012.

A motorhome is a van chassis with a big leak-prone house-box full of limited-life appliances and devices. Don't buy anything with roof leak damage. Tires can become dangerous after 5 years of just sitting parked, regardless of appearance, and should be changed. The brakes and engine cooling system should be serviced/repaired including front flex brake lines. The awning, if any, may need new fabric,(inspect).Typical private motor homes are driven an average of 5000 miles per year. I would want to buy a used rig with no more than 50-70K miles on the engine/drive train. The roof A/C, dash A/C, and fridge may need replacement when about 10 years old, depending on how they were used. I would want a rig no more than 5 years old, with everything working properly or independant estimates for items needing repair, overhaul or upgrades. Take your time, learn what to look out for, and what your family needs/wants. Short rigs have limited storage space and no rear bedroom. I think that rigs about 28 feet long bumper to bumper are most versatile for local events, sports activities, days at the park plus typical camping and touring. Measure your driveway.

I'm curious about service depots. A warranty is useful... but if one has to drive 1000 miles to the nearest place that will honor it, it might not be as good a deal as originally planned.

Robiya wrote:
I'm not sure is it baying extended warranty good idea ?They asking $1500 for 5 y or 100K engine , transmission .

An extended warrantee most times is not cost effective for many reasons.

There have been a lot of discussions about them Click Here for one most do not think it is a good idea.

It is an insurance policy that most times has a lot of loop holes in it, after all the company that sells them is in it to make money.

It would be a better thing to put that money away and save it for any problems that come up later.

My Ex Rental came with a 1 YR 12000 mile warrantee and I did not opt to get an extended one, rather just put some aside for any problems.

I have had no problems at all after a few years and a lot of miles.
As many other Owners of Ex Rentals that contributed to that thread on Buying a Ex Rental have said.

Good Luck and let us know how it all works out here, or on the other thread.

I'd probably check out the individual units. The price is attractive, and even if one hits the shop for an overhaul, the owner might be better off than something similar that has sat for 3-4 years, but costs $20k more.

I'm not sure is it baying extended warranty good idea ?They asking $1500 for 5 y or 100K engine , transmission .

I don't know if I would venture into something with 150K miles on it. No matter how well maintained it is it's beginning on the downhill of it's useful life. And for that kind of money there is far too much inventory out there that is better. I would walk, but it is just my opinion.

Thanks guys , I was lil bit nervous about getting ex rental motorhome with high milage , but I really like newer interior .

Mine's a Cruise America 2004 bought in 2007 with 60k miles. 0 problems 'cept for regular maintenance.