Older diesel vs. New Gas

With only one post I'll wait for more info on camping style.

Ductape wrote:
In that price range, be careful and have financial contingency plans for repair costs. Diesel repairs are (more) expensive.

It really all hinges in condition more than what type of engine. Better a quality gas coach than a bargain brand diesel.

Totally agree. If you are looking a units of that age it appears that you have a limited budget for this project. Repair bills on a DP are going to be significantly higher that the gasser and at this age you are going to have repair bills. As far as performance of ride, towing capacity, weight you can carry, all favor the DP. However the cost may be the deciding factor. The purchase price is only part of the actual cost of having a motor home. We owned a gasser for years and loved every moment of owning it. We are going full-time now and this is going to be our home, so at this point I can justify a DP. Although the cost of repairs is still a concern.

2000 to 2005 is a pretty narrow spread, I would definitely go with the diesel as there are too many advantages to the heavier, nicer riding coach.

I think you need to ask yourself how do you plan to use the MH first before you get to the gas vs diesel question. Do you plan on staying in FHU RV parks or more remote CG's with no facilities like NP's, SP's or NFS CG's. Will you move often to see the country or stay in one spot for a month. How much storage do you need for the stuff you want to take with you. How much water do you need based on where you want to camp. Then determine what size your want based on your use. If you want a large 36-42 ft MH a DP would be a better choice. If you want a shorter 28-34 ft MH for travel look for a newer gas MH because you won't find many DP's in that size anyways. Everyone has a different camping style so their choices may be good for them but not for you.

In that price range, be careful and have financial contingency plans for repair costs. Diesel repairs are (more) expensive.

It really all hinges in condition more than what type of engine. Better a quality gas coach than a bargain brand diesel.

Condition should be the deciding factor when buying a used RV, not the engine/chassis.
If you want a diesel, find one in good condition. Same goes for a gas unit.
As said above, you shouldn't compare an older high end diesel to a newer entry level gasoline unit.

Not enough info.

If the condition of the gas is significantly better due to younger age and the gas doesn't have excessive miles on it, I would go with the gas model.

Reality is most RV's die of old age long before the engine gives out (gas or diesel). An exception would be if the gas model was under powered.

This assumes otherwise similar models. A high end diesel pusher against a low end gas might not come out the same.

Provided the diesel is in good shape, I'd go with it.

revickers wrote:
Well, we thought we would have bought our Class A by now, but we are still looking. Our goal is to work a month on and then travel a month in our Class A. But we are still trying to figure out what to buy. Should we go with a 2000 Diesel or go with a 2005 Gas. We are looking to spend 30k or less. What are your experiences? Any thoughts?

With equal quality coaches, I'd take the diesel.