Going to look at a unit with a ISM 450 with 200,000 miles on it. It's a 2002 high end Moho that looks to be in excellent shape. I know I know service records lol. I know it's better to use them than let them sit....but

You should have to worry about a rebuild until it hits at least 600,000 miles.

A THOROUGH inspection by a qualified Diesel Tech would be in order. As you state, service records are very important, especially at this age.Some history of the HOUSE components would also be very valuable. Remember, the house has bounced down the road for 200,000mi, too. If everything works and the inspection goes well, you can probably get a heck of a deal on such a coach.

200k and after you own it for five years it,ll have 300k on it who,s gonna want it? in my opinion its past its prime . it,ll turn into a money pit.

My hunch is you will find someone took excellent care of that coach or it might not still be rolling. I envy anyone that used their coach that much as they must have many memories. Ours is a 2002 also with roughly a quarter of those miles.

midnightsadie wrote:200k and after you own it for five years it,ll have 300k on it who,s gonna want it? in my opinion its past its prime . it,ll turn into a money pit.Not really. If the asking price is good, then you will just have a nice coach that is paid for with a lot of miles. I don't think we see enough high mileage coaches and it is nice to see that someone actually used it. Probably less issues than one of the same age with 100K or less on the clock...IMO. Big diesels are meant for driving.

Diesel engine milage | Good Sam Community

17 Replies

avidude
Explorer
Dec 05, 2013
mike brez wrote:
wolfe10 wrote:
Since the OP is discussing a coach with an ISM, it will have the even stouter Allison 4000 series transmission.

Yes it has the 4000MH six speed with a retarder. Also has a tag.

Sounds like a Foretravel to me. If so, and it's been well maintained Id certainly consider it if the floor plan suited us and I could get it a the right price.
Acampingwewillg
Explorer II
Dec 04, 2013
I'd guess with that mileage, some "house" components may have already been repaired and or replaced as well as some mechanical? A 1996 coach here with about 80,000 miles and sure, I've replaced "house" items and some mechanical's but I'll take the solid feel of an older high end MH of yester-year rather then a tin can of today....IMHO!
Dachristianman
Explorer
Dec 04, 2013
My concern wouldn't be with the engine or tranny as much as the other components. Suspension bushings, wheel bearings, starters, alternators, A/C compressors etc all have 200K on them. The engine may be young, but everything else is well used.

At the end of the day it comes down to the price and your mechanical ability.
mike_brez
Explorer
Dec 04, 2013
Sully2 wrote:
mike brez wrote:
wolfe10 wrote:
Since the OP is discussing a coach with an ISM, it will have the even stouter Allison 4000 series transmission.

Yes it has the 4000MH six speed with a retarder. Also has a tag.

You dog you!!...:B You get the big tranny AND a retarder to boot....geesh!

Just looking so far.
Sully2
Explorer
Dec 04, 2013
mike brez wrote:
wolfe10 wrote:
Since the OP is discussing a coach with an ISM, it will have the even stouter Allison 4000 series transmission.

Yes it has the 4000MH six speed with a retarder. Also has a tag.

You dog you!!...:B You get the big tranny AND a retarder to boot....geesh!
mike_brez
Explorer
Dec 04, 2013
wolfe10 wrote:
Since the OP is discussing a coach with an ISM, it will have the even stouter Allison 4000 series transmission.

Yes it has the 4000MH six speed with a retarder. Also has a tag.
RayChez
Explorer
Dec 04, 2013
Somebody really used that coach. Mine is the same year and I only have 57K, but 200K miles on a ISM Cummins engine is nothing. So I would not worry about the engine. I would be more concerned as to the condition of the house part. If the previous owner took care of their coach like we do, it will still look like a new coach, but some folks just drive them until the wheels fall off and no maintenance on either the chassis or the house part.

I notice you did not mention the brand or model of coach. Can you be more specific as to what you are interested in.
wolfe10
Explorer
Dec 04, 2013
Since the OP is discussing a coach with an ISM, it will have the even stouter Allison 4000 series transmission.
Pogoil
Explorer
Dec 04, 2013
200,000 miles would not scare me at all if the records showed good maint. and the price was fair.

Not too many people put high mileage on a coach. Expect 5-15 thousand a year would be average.

It will outlast you even if you are young.

Pogoil.
Sully2
Explorer
Dec 04, 2013
mike brez wrote:
Going to look at a unit with a ISM 450 with 200,000 miles on it. It's a 2002 high end Moho that looks to be in excellent shape. I know I know service records lol. I know it's better to use them than let them sit....but

No "butts" about it! Go....check it out ....get comfortable in it...and then BUY IT!...:B