Forum Discussion

JR_of_Utah's avatar
JR_of_Utah
Explorer
Dec 30, 2017

What do I do??

I am selling my house and buying a class A. Trouble is I have to stay around $30,000 or less and that makes a purchase tricky. So, I go to help a disabled man and see his wonderful looking RV and I think wouldn't it be nice. I'm thinking $100,000. He shows it to me. It looks brand new. It is a 2003 National Islander with the 400hp Cummins. Diesel 8000 generator, crème leather every thing looks new. Tires were new in 2015 and have been under cover. Washer/dryer, solar you name it. Look one up on line. He says, tell ya what my friend, bring me $40,000 and I will sign er over to ya. So, here I am, my budget says $30,000 and get way way less, of risk eating hot dogs??????help me decide
This is one like it
http://www.mhsrv.com/2003-national-rv-islander-w-2-slides-9402-used-rv-for-sale-used-diesel-pusher-tx-i560526/images
Class A
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Dec 30, 2017
    If your budget is $30,000 and if you over-extend yourself to $40,000, you may lose everything, especially if you can't afford any unforeseen repairs or costs involved to park this rig at a place where you can live in it.
    Let you wallet be your guide. :B
  • mikebreeze's avatar
    mikebreeze
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2017
    I agree with the above poster. However, The opportunity may not present itself again. See if you can borrow 10K to make this happen.
  • dalenoel's avatar
    dalenoel
    Explorer II
    Dec 30, 2017
    Check it over real good. Small radiator crack and rotted CAC was only 10k on my 03 Neptune with only 58K miles, a 300HP Cummins and real good condition. Just saying, have someone check it over real good before getting near your limit. An oil change is $300 alone. Tires when due are going to be around $2,400. These toys are not cheap.
  • jfkmk's avatar
    jfkmk
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2017
    Only you can make your financial decisions. However, 33% over budget is huge, and as dalenoel points out, nothing is cheap with these, even oil changes.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Dec 30, 2017
    Consider the costs of maintaining a 15 year old coach and factor into your budget.
  • Mr_Mark1's avatar
    Mr_Mark1
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2017
    JR,

    In situations like this, you always have to look at the worst case scenario. If an unexpected expense is going to break you, do not do it.

    Nothing is worse that living beyond your means, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night worrying when the next ball might drop (that's just me).

    I know how tempting this must be so look at your budget real close and think of what you would do if fuel costs were to go back to $4.50+ per gallon. Everything on 2003 coach is 14 yrs. old and may last 20 yrs. but it may not. So, budget accordingly.

    Good luck!
    MM.
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2017
    Can't help you with the financial decision, but......That looks like an, "almost too good to be true," for $40K.

    There is no description, just pictures and they look great. I'm wondering about the mechanical condition?
  • Cobra21's avatar
    Cobra21
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2017
    Very tempting, I would go for it! You can also drop 10 grand on a 30K rig very fast. It's a **** shoot you won't know till the fat lady sings.
    Brian
  • maddog348's avatar
    maddog348
    Explorer
    Dec 30, 2017
    Are the photos of the ACTUAL motorhome in question?? OR are they brochure pictures of the year & model # ?? JM2¢

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