Thanks for the thread IAMICHABOD. Here's pro's and con's buying rental motorhomes (at least in our case--a 2003 Ford Class C Four Winds Majestic 23A purchased from Cruise America in 2006 with 99k miles). After six years of use, 20k added miles and dozens of states traveled from CA to MI, we can say:
PROS
1. PRICE--Not everyone can afford a new or low-mileage unit. We figured the 30K we saved could buy a lot of repairs, and that proved true. 6 years and 20k miles later, we have only spent $100 on repairs (coil went bad, and it still ran). Just usual maintenance items like fluids, battery, etc.
2. CONSTRUCTION--Rock solid. Yes, we believe people when they say these units are abused. But think about it: A company couldn't stay in business if their rigs were always in the garage or behind tow trucks. That's why they order them solidly built with no frills. We like the diamondplate low-level entry step, the solid wood cabinetry and easy care linoleum floor.
3. DURABILITY--The Ford van is about as generic as it gets. If you break down, you'll get parts. I drive the same 5.4 V8 in shuttle vans and they are running with over 350,000 original miles on them. Just keep the fluids fresh. Plus, the little 5.4 V8 climbs mountains better than our previous carburated 460 V8 and gets double the gas mileage (11 mpg vs 6 mpg). Even the coach--with all its appliances--has had zero breakdowns in 6 years of year-round use (including a fulltime gig).
CONS
1. EXPENSIVE WARRANTY--With high mile vehicles, a warranty seems like a no brainer, but really, you could replace an engine yourself for what it costs. Would not buy warranty again. Plus, the mandatory service intervals were "setup to trip-up"--like, odd mile oil changes and such.
2. DEALER HANKIE-PANKIE--Purchased as 2003 but when registering with state, computer said 2002 (6/02 per vin). I found they can go by coach--not chassis--date when selling. Also, roof had been patched. No maintenance records, no disclosure, so buyer beware.
3. ALWAYS HAVING TO EDUCATE--Plan on spending lots of time educating folks who have never owned a rental unit yet have all kinds of opinions.
Overall, we would definitely buy another rental unit (but maybe from another source, like El Monte). Like we said, $30k savings would buy a lot of repairs--if needed--and they weren't. Enjoy your rig!
