Forum Discussion

jtad's avatar
jtad
Explorer
Jan 15, 2015

Looking at older coaches

So I am looking to upgrade from a fifth wheel to a diesel pusher. I used to drive tour busses for bands, and know how nice it is to travel like that. I am still a young guy (early 40's) so this is not a retirment purchase. But we do travel quite a bit. Looking in the under $80k range, would like closer to $50k. I have seen a bunch of coaches like Sports Coach and the like that are in that range that 2004-2007. If you step back a couple of years there are some nicer coaches out there in the same price range. My thinking is 2000-2003 range with a nicer (real wood cabinets, solid sufface counters) coach. And upgrade the flooring, TV's, what not. So my question is what should I be looking for in a older coach. What should I stay away from? I am pretty handy and have been around diesels my whole life. I have found a 2002 American Tradtion with 29,000 miles on it for $55K. It seems to be a real nice coach.. I just can't bring myself to pull the trigger on a 13 yr old coach. Some words of encouragement please..lol..
Class A
  • lj2654's avatar
    lj2654
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2015
    Three years ago We were looking for a DP. We looked at some new ones. That ended quickly as we
    over a year for the right Coach.

    We saw a 2001 Discovery that was horrible, carpet bad, graphics peeling off....disappointed in it...then we drove 3 hours away the same day, looked at a 2001 Beaver Contessa 40' with 32000 miles on it.

    great Coach with a few minor issues with it...tires were old, frig didn't work....
    Private seller had it priced way high, I made an offer -18000 on the spot, turned me down...shook hands and we got in the car,started it and getting ready to leave, he knocked on window, said its a deal. Picked it up 2 days later and been happy since. Great coach, all we need , and no payments.
  • filrupmark's avatar
    filrupmark
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2015
    Check ppl motorhomes website. They are in Houston and have a large selection under 80,000 .
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Jan 15, 2015
    The main thing that determines the expected future life of ANY coach is how it was maintained by the previous owner(s).
    If the coach you are looking at has complete service records going back to it's first owner, that is a big plus.
    If it does not have those records, then you are taking a big chance that it was maintained properly. If you only have the owner's word, or salesman's word that the oil was changed on a regular basis, then you are taking a chance that a person with a lot to gain is telling you the truth.
    If the owner says that he did all of the factory required service on his coach, you have to determine whether or not you want to trust this total stranger as to when and how he performed that service. Not all people are competent mechanics and are capable of doing ALL of the factory required maintenance on a diesel coach.
    Look for coaches that have complete service records and also complete manuals of all systems.
  • deandec's avatar
    deandec
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2015
    The American Tradition sounds like a good buy. Make an offer if you have already inspected it.

    My rig just passed 20 yrs of age. Still rolls on and looks presentable.

    Exterior cosmetics after sitting in the California sun are my major concerns on my rig.
  • bluwtr49's avatar
    bluwtr49
    Explorer II
    Jan 15, 2015
    My preference is high end older coach's. Lots of bang for the buck and most have been very well cared for over their life time.
  • Boxer_Lovers's avatar
    Boxer_Lovers
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2015
    I'm still a big Country Coach fan even after selling mine a few years ago. If we still covered a lot of miles as opposed to staying in one spot, I'd buy another one.

    If you've driven tour buses, everything else will come up short from a comfort standpoint.
  • Ivylog's avatar
    Ivylog
    Explorer III
    Jan 15, 2015
    I'm at 10 years on this MH and see no reason why it will go another 10-15 years without major expense. I do not keep up with American prices but that sounds like a pretty good deal on a good MH. Jump in the pool, the water's fine and you'll enjoy it.
  • smlranger's avatar
    smlranger
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2015
    Solidly built quality rigs I would suggest:

    Country Coach
    American Coach
    Travel Supreme
    Beaver
    Upper end Monaco's
    Newmar Essex
    Foretravel
  • Teacher_s_Pet's avatar
    Teacher_s_Pet
    Explorer
    Jan 15, 2015
    We passed on some new 40' Sport Coaches before we went full time in '05. Those we looked at were equipped 5.9 Cummins @ $119,995 at the INDY Boat Sport and Travel Show. There is no comparison at all in quality level to the American Coach you have listed in your post.

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