Forum Discussion

gunterm's avatar
gunterm
Explorer
Oct 15, 2015

High mileage used workhorse chassis?

After having fun in our Jayco 184BH I realized we need something bigger (and fully contained)! So I'm currently shopping for a "small" Class A.

Used and within our budget I found a Fleetwood Fiesta 2002 year for sale for a reasonable price. The only problem is it's got 94,000 miles. I've owned my share of high mileage cars so I know what comes with them, heck my Dodge RAM that tows the Jayco now has 179k on it!

I checked the VIN and it's definitely got the P32 chassis with the non-allison tranny on it. Looks like a 2001 model with 8.1L Vortec engine.

The current owner is the only one and has done all the maintenance and appears to have taken good care of it. There are some upgrades like a newer TV plus major work like new brakes. The price does reflect the mileage since this one is a few thousand cheaper than other ones for sale around the country.

What would you do?
Class A
  • gunterm's avatar
    gunterm
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2015
    After going over it with a fine tooth comb yesterday, it is indeed in great shape for it's age. Owner has all records and trans flush and clean was done at 50k, might be time for another one?

    When test driving it I found that it has a parking brake pedal, does that mean there's no auto park on this model or does it have both? I didn't see the dash push/pull switch for auto park either.
  • wilanddij's avatar
    wilanddij
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2015
    Ask your questions over here WH Forum. From what I've read about the P Series, make sure the Autopark is in good shape. Don't know if I'd worry about the mileage; a lot of MH's have issues caused by lack of use.
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Oct 15, 2015
    gunterm wrote:
    Thank you, yes I will comb through all the records he should have from it being serviced. I think a few of the appliances have been replaced already.

    Also the tires are 2 1/2 years old with 16k on them. How much more life is expected?

    Tires good for at least 3 more years or longer if you take care of them up to 5-6 more years.
    Get the transmission oil changed and analyzed
  • carringb's avatar
    carringb
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2015
    Motor should easily go double that. Transmission.... You could be due for a rebuild soon.

    Biggest downside though is the p-series chassis. It's not great in the handling department, and chews through front ends because many RVs are heavier than that front end was originally designed for. Also brakes can be marginal.
  • gunterm's avatar
    gunterm
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2015
    Thank you, yes I will comb through all the records he should have from it being serviced. I think a few of the appliances have been replaced already.

    Also the tires are 2 1/2 years old with 16k on them. How much more life is expected?
  • Tom_N's avatar
    Tom_N
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2015
    I would pass on this one.

    There are too many low mileage gas motorhomes for sale.
  • Ozlander's avatar
    Ozlander
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2015
    rgatijnet1 wrote:
    If the owner did all of the maintenance, then you have to satisfy yourself that he knew what he was doing and did everything according to the manufacturer's specs, or did he do it to his own specs?


    And somehow, the mechanics at a RV dealer do everything according to the manufacture's specs. Ha Ha Ha
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Oct 15, 2015
    Get a complete inspection of the suspension and other coach systems. The motor is probably the least of your concerns but the GM transmission may need to be looked in to. You are also looking at 15 year old engine accessories, and coach systems. You may want to change out the furniture, or at least the mattresses.
    Of course you want to look for any sign of leakage damage or rodent infestation/damage.
    If the owner did all of the maintenance, then you have to satisfy yourself that he knew what he was doing and did everything according to the manufacturer's specs, or did he do it to his own specs?
    I think you need an outside un-biased inspection and opinion on the coach.
    The cost may be right but it won't be a bargain if you have to do a lot of work and miss out on the chance to actually use it.
  • dodge_guy's avatar
    dodge_guy
    Explorer II
    Oct 15, 2015
    If it checks out ok and everything is working then I would go for it. The 8.1 is a good motor. 90k is a lot for an RV, but not out of line. It just means it was used which is better than sitting it's whole life with 20k on it.

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