newbie needs wisdom

First, get one with complete maintenance records. Make sure any maintenance records you get are complete. An oil change once per year is far from adequate.

Get one that has been well taken care of my knowledgeable owners.

Watch out for the paint checking issue in those years. I would prefer one that was kept under cover.

Get it inspected by an independent shop.

Floor plan is important.

Stay with the better brands: Newmar, County Coach, Tiffin.

We are fine with our rear radiator. The issues we had were due to being out in the sun and incomplete maintenance records.

Of course, condition/quality is important but:

"What are some of the main things to look for when buying used?
We are trying to stay under 60k with this purchase."

Generally, smaller amenities can be economically changed to suit you. IMO, the most important things to consider are the things that aren't easily changed.

Gas or Diesel? Length? Storage? GVWR? Towing capacity? Ride quality? Number of people usually using the motor home at one time?

Floor Plan: Does it work for you? Do you want slides? Be sure what you will be using the vehicle for. Boondocking or full hook up campgrounds? Extended stay/travel or short term use?

Options: Jacks? Multiple A/C units? Generator size/System size: 30 or 50 amp? Refrigerator: Gas or Electric? Washer/dryer?

When you make a mistake on the big ticket items, generally you'll have to start over with another motor home. That will cost you . . . . big time.

Go to a few RV shows and look to see what's out there. Then be clear on what you want versus what you really need. Remember, this is an RV, not a house. Take your time. In your price range, being a used RV buyer, generally you have the upper hand. What you want is out there. It may take some time, but it's out there.

Chum lee

vawalkers wrote:
We are looking to buy our first motorhome. Due to getting into the rv world later in life, we are not starting with a travel trailer and working our way up. Our hope is to start with a used class A. It will be 5 to 7 years before we become half-timers. Due to the nature of my job requiring working every Sunday, we will be making a couple of one week trips each year and several shorter trips each year. This will give us time to see what we would want to update on the unit before hitting the road for longer trips. So we are looking for wisdom from you veterans about buying used class A's. Our first question is. "How old is too old"? We have looked at several 2000 to 2003 Newmar Dutch Stars that seem to be better built than some of the newer models from other manufacturers. What are some of the main things to look for when buying used? we have read about pressing on walls to see if they give in spots that might indicate a leak at some point. We are trying to stay under 60k with this purchase. Any thoughts or bits of wisdom would be appreciated.

This age old question can be narrowed down considerably, by stating a budget, quality vs newness, for dollar spent and whether your interest is for a gasser or DP. Keep in mind that going older in a DP, without a slide room lowers the cost considerably and about having the same worth as a same year gasser with a slide.
For quality first and foremost, look in the rear for a side radiator and if you can't see the engine, then keep on walking. Having said all this, $60K could buy you an 05 Rev LE 40E, like we have and don't know how you'd ever do much better and we're talking 3 slides here. It'll just take some wheeling and dealing is all.
For a good example of final sales prices, click here and scroll down ... PPL final sales

Work every Sunday.... preacher or musician??? (Kidding I do not need to know).

As for the subject line "Seeking wisdom"

You are already wise my son.. Else you'd think you know it all and be in for one .... big... Surprise when you found out otherwise.

A wise man knows to ask questions.

If you're looking at diesel pushers, study up on the emission controls debacle in the 2008-2010 years. Don't ignore Beaver, Foretravel or Travel Supreme in the quality department.

Keep in mind that you really want to try to buy your 2nd RV first. To do that, you really, really need to know what you want before you buy. That's why I recommend renting, talking to others, asking questions and try to imagine living in the floor plan you are considering. If you don't that 1st RV is going to cost you an arm and leg when you have to get rid of it to buy the right one!

Many RVers change rigs a lot. If it were me I would probably consider a modest Class C first and see how you like it. You are not planning to use it much. MHs depreciate a lot and do not really like to sit around. You can trade up when you get closer to going 1/2 on the road.

Understand that your first probably won't be your last MH. We started RVing later in life. We rented a C for a two week trip to see how it went. Took a very early retirement two years later and then bought a 8 year old 33' gaser with no slides. No problems except a little small for us for longer trips. Traded for a 2 year old 36' DP with two slides. Some problems but service policy handled most. Coach started getting smaller with longer trips. Traded for a 5 month old 40' DP with four slides. Completed two, two month long trips last year. After 15 years still love the travel. Best of luck with your search. Just remember to relax and enjoy the ride.

vawalkers wrote:
We are looking to buy our first motorhome. Due to getting into the rv world later in life, we are not starting with a travel trailer and working our way up. Our hope is to start with a used class A. It will be 5 to 7 years before we become half-timers. Due to the nature of my job requiring working every Sunday, we will be making a couple of one week trips each year and several shorter trips each year. This will give us time to see what we would want to update on the unit before hitting the road for longer trips. So we are looking for wisdom from you veterans about buying used class A's. Our first question is. "How old is too old"? We have looked at several 2000 to 2003 Newmar Dutch Stars that seem to be better built than some of the newer models from other manufacturers. What are some of the main things to look for when buying used? we have read about pressing on walls to see if they give in spots that might indicate a leak at some point. We are trying to stay under 60k with this purchase. Any thoughts or bits of wisdom would be appreciated.

Since you are a long way away from even 1/2 timing, I would not buy anything right now. You should look to a local source where you can rent a Class A and take a week long trip. See what you like and what you don't. This will also likely be your least expensive course for the couple of trips per year until you get closer to going full time. Overall cost of ownership is very high when used very little so what appears to be a high rental cost will save you money in the long run. You will also learn so much about the coaches and what you like and don't like that when you are ready to buy you will have a very good idea of what's right for YOU!

Oh boy, Rv virgins and going Half T hopefully in a big MH... this should be interesting. I started early (1970) and did work my way up (score1 for starting at the top) and in the process learning a lot...4 DPs in the last 20 years. Last year I sold my 04 42’ Dynasty (to my son) which I’d planned on keeping until I aged out...it is that good a MH . Had to replace with a rig 10 years old or less (dumb 10 year rule where we snowbird) so bought much the same after looking at the new, overpriced junk...-08 HR 45’ Navigator and I’ll have to admit it’s a lot nicer but well out of your budget. A 10-15 year old top of the line rig will not need much updating....I spent $3000 updating my Navigator including new LED TVs, 900W of solar and 2 new front tires. Only the tires were needed.

Do not make the mistake of buying a 36’ DP (like I did) because it’s a myth that 36’ is the max for NP, SP, USFS CGs (you’ll learn the abbreviations). In my not so humble opinion with $60K I’d buy a 40-42’ Monaco Dynasty...the most bang for the buck on the excellent handling RR10S chassis. Even for HT, you need a tag axle coach which will have plenty of CCC...unlike many single rear axle rigs of your vintage.

At the top, read JohnnyT stickies and in the search box at the top is a lot of hidden info...RR10S, CCC You have a lot to learn, but you have plenty of time so do not rush into buying something until you’ve learned a lot and sat for at-least an hour in a lot of rigs and driven a few on various roads.