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Sdyer1357's avatar
Sdyer1357
Explorer
May 05, 2015

First Time Buyers (Used)

First off please excuse any stupid questions i may ask. We are very new to Rv-ing both my Wife and i are in our late 50s and still working. We both are self employed so getting away at short notice is not a problem. We would like to do many long weekends and at least one long stay (60 days) per year. The 60 day trips being 1500 miles each way and park. The long weekends maybe 1000 miles total. We have a small dog and a parrot(best friends) the parrot can stay home for the long weekend trips :). Apart from that it will be for the most part just my wife and i. We know that we want to go with a class A but maybe on the shorter side, We have a small budget of $25,000 to buy a used coach. So far we have looked alot on Craigslist and a few local dealers. Not test driven yet. i looked at a ITASCA (29ft) last night and liked what i saw although i know nothing about this ( or any other maker. I have room at my home to park and store so that wont be a problem. We live in New Hampshire where the weather can be extreme ( Cold and Hot) so i think we will need GOOD heating and cooling as well as insulation.
Some questions i have for you all are

What are your thoughts on ITASCA 27 - 30 ft, 2000 - 2004
Where are the best places to buy Dealers or Private
What are the biggies to look for when buying
I am seeing a lot of deals in Florida, Is it worth going down to buy? (one of the places we want to spend some time )
We are not set on ITASCA, So do you have any recommendations in the 27ft - 30ft range.

Thank you all for your help Steve and Carol (New Hampshire)
Class A

27 Replies

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  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    May 05, 2015
    the Itasca will have a fiberglass roof. that puts it head and shoulders above much of the competition.
    bumpy
  • Oasisbob's avatar
    Oasisbob
    Explorer
    May 05, 2015
    Welcome. A great adventure awaits. Having camped for many years and owned several RV's may I strongly suggest that whatever you purchase prior to purchase take it to a qualified non biast RV service center and have everything checked out. An honest sales person will be fine with this and it will minimize problems later after money has changed hands while there is motivation to fix problems. And most of all have fun with it all.
  • nevadanick's avatar
    nevadanick
    Explorer
    May 05, 2015
    I just traded in a Winnebago Sightseer that is like what you would want. Its a 2006 model 26p. I paid 20k and it had new Michelins all around. They are out there if you look.
  • 10forty2's avatar
    10forty2
    Explorer
    May 05, 2015
    Definitely test EVERYTHING yourself! Don't take their word for it...whether private sale or dealer/broker sale. Insist on a test drive on the highway. Look closely inside the coach for evidence of leaks. Check the ceiling and along the walls. Check the floors for weakness near joints. Look inside cabinets and around pipes. Make sure the fridge works on both electricity and LP if so outfitted. Verify maintenance records like oil changes and general maintenance items. Check tire date codes....if you don't know how to, then do a quick Google search on reading tire date codes. Tires are expensive and like said earlier, they go bad from age faster than they wear out.

    Believe me when I say check everything yourself and don't take their word for it. I bought mine from a couple I've known all of my life and I took their word for the tire dates and several pieces of equipment. They didn't intentionally mislead me, but I found that their perception of working and mine were two different things. Fortunately, I'm pretty handy with most repairs, so I have been able to fix things without a whole lot of expense. Have fun and good luck with your search!
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    May 05, 2015
    No recommendations and I believe you will get a better deal in Florida.
    that said you will not survive a winter in New Hampshire in the average Class A it gets just too cold. Any rig in the price range you are looking at will NEED NEW TIRES. RV tires rot(simplistic term) out before they wear out usually lasting 5-7 years. A term you must learn and know the meaning of is delamination.Take no ones word that anything works INSIST on seeing it function. Be prepared to spend money on repairs every year. Make sure the genny works as they go bad if not exercised enough.
    LOTS more but somewhere there is a good check list for RV's I hope someone posts it.
    By the way remember the dealer IS NOT YOUR FRIEND he is out to make you pay as much as possible for the rig. At least with an owner you stand a chance of coming out ok. You can tell right away when you walk into a rig with a long time owner whether he babied the rig
  • the_vfox's avatar
    the_vfox
    Explorer
    May 05, 2015
    Welcome!

    First, it has to be appealing to both of you, floor plan, kitchen etc.
    Second, I look at condition and maintenance. Check for records and ask the owner a ton of questions if you buy private party. From a dealer, same questions. In both cases, I would pony up the bucks and get it professionally inspected.
    Third, do your research on the net for the models you have an interest in for common problems and other information.
    Fourth, take it for a long test drive. Preferably with all types of roads and check how the rig feels to you.

    Its a large investment,take your time and don't let yourself be rushed into a decision.

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