Forum Discussion

Sondi's avatar
Sondi
Explorer
Jul 13, 2014

Is this a good deal or not?

1998 Holiday Rambler Endeavor MODEL# 37WDS Diesel Pusher, 117,000 miles.37.8 ft, 275hp Cummins Diesel Engine, 6 speed Allison Transmission, Freightliner chassis, 7.5 kw Onan diesel generator, dinning and kitchen slide out,
patio, door and window awnings, power leveling system, 2 roof ducted AC units, exhaust break, air breaks,air ride, New Michelin tires 3 yrs ago, Double door refrig, convection and microwave combo, oven, cook top.

They are asking 32,000. Is this way to many miles on a diesel or could we get a few years out of it yet. We want to start camping with a motorhome but can't buy a new one.

Any words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.
  • That engine seems kinda small on HP????
    We came thru Vale pass with a 300 HP Cat & had one heck of a time making it.
    Diesel engines are only good for about 500,000 miles, before anything major.
  • Nadaguides list prices on this coach from $28-$33k, and RVT.com show similar units priced from $28k to $40k. You probably have some room for negotiating. I would not be concerned about the miles on the engine/tranny, as long as maintenance has been done. Make sure everything works as it should including the exhaust brake--they sometimes stick. Read the pinned posts on the forum on checking out a coach, and go from there.
    Good luck!
  • The diesel motor is not a problem but the rest of the systems, including the AC, water pump, appliances, furnace, TV's, slide motors, leveling jacks, furniture, etc are all 16 years old. Also, unless they have been changed, all hoses belts, etc, on the engine and transmission are also 16 years old. The radiator, which can be very expensive problem, especially if used in a salt laden environment, is also 16 years old
    Does the owner have complete service records so that you can see if it was maintained according to manufacturer recommendations? If he tells you that he did all of the maintenance himself, which I do, then you have to take him at his word, which is tough to do with a total stranger that is trying to sell you something.
  • NADA wrote:

    Values


    Suggested List Price Low Retail Average bRetail
    Base Price $151,183 $27,380 $32,990
    Options: (add)
    TOTAL PRICE: $151,183 $27,380 $32,990
  • You might do well, but with an RV of that vintage, there are many possible problems. Not so much with the chassis, but the house portion. The refrigerator, heaters, water and air etc. None of them are very expensive to replace, but they never break when it is convenient.

    An old RV is a part time job.
  • I'm not a mechanic but have read on here for quite sometime. I would say the miles are perfect as it has been DRIVEN! A diesel engine can go way, way, over 100,000 miles if maintained properly (the Allison too). Make sure and check the maintenance records and you might want to have an analysis done on the oil if it's not a fresh change.

    Keep in mind that most likely all the appliances are original and will need replacing as time goes on, it is a 16 yr. old coach. Sounds like the microwave is newer with it being a convection/microwave.

    Good luck and let us know what you decide,
    MM.