What to look for and to stay away from

If gas, be sure if a Ford it is the improved 1999 chassis or newer. if chevy, avoid the old P=30/32, which early on workhorse rebadged the old chassis.
bumpy

The older the unit, the older the AC units, the older the water heater, the older the refrigerator, the older the transmission and rear end, the older the roof, the older the furniture, the older the slide mechanisms, the older the appliances, the older the generator, the older the inverter/charger, the older the hoses and belts, the older the electrical wiring, and the list goes on and on. There is a lot more to an RV than the engine and when those items fail, it will be expensive.
When you are looking for a coach where you have to pay others for maintenance and repairs, stick with the coach with the newest components, which for $40,000 can give you a few year old RV with a gasoline engine or a much older RV with a diesel engine. Most all used RV's come with an unknown history. On a few year old unit you can usually buy an extended warranty. On a 10+ year old RV, most extended warranty companies will pass. All of the older items will be repaired from your own pocket.

Too Young to Retire wrote:
And remember, if it's over 10 years old, alot of parks won't allow it in the park.

The gasser I just sold was 20 years old had it for 12 years and have been to many with the 10 year old rule and never had a problem. As long as it looks good you won't have a problem.

TYTR - those are most likely the kind of places to avoid anyway!!

(FWIW - I have NEVER been denied entrance to an RV park as my rig is well maintained, looks almost as good as it did 15 years ago, and we pay CASH in advance!!)

And remember, if it's over 10 years old, alot of parks won't allow it in the park.

mike brez wrote:
How about This one. Aqua hot for heat and hot water,Allison 4060 6 speed trans,retarder,10kw generator,400hp cummins.

mike that is one hell of a nice/good motorhome for 45K I must say.I hope the op jumps on it as its exactly what he wants

OK - I'll jump in with a personal view - after 15 years with 3 gassers and a (4 years ago new2me) diesel. Go for the DIESEL!!

Stick with your planned budget!! Shop around and then when you find a floor plan you like and a coach construction you like (mine is fiberglass over all welded steel - not thin aluminum and pine wood), then go shopping to get it!! I mean - start at half the asking price!! The NADA and other web sites are mostly baloney when it comes to actual recent sales!! Ask around - check other dealers and shop for a private party that has taken good care of their coach with regular maintenance (ask for the records!). With the $$$ you are offering, you can get a GREAT deal on a previously used (but loved and enjoyed with care) coach for a LOT less than the 'asking' price. Be a nice guy, but drive a hard bargain - it's your $$$ and there is no reason to give those $$$ away unnecessarily. Get the BEST coach you can for the $$ you wish to spend - patience in the search is your friend. (OK - voice of experience: yes, I found an owner under payments duress and paid the bank half of the then NADA 'value' - and ALL parties were happy!!) That's a good deal - when all parties are happy!!!

How about This one. Aqua hot for heat and hot water,Allison 4060 6 speed trans,retarder,10kw generator,400hp cummins.

buchanan wrote:

Ro646a wrote:
I would stay away from a Diesel. I recently bought a well cared for diesel the same age as my two prior class A gas coaches. The only advantage I have experienced is a quieter cabin while driving.

The gas units accelerated better, cost less to operate, and were just as comfortable to live in. Our first was a 2000 Newmar Dutch Star gas, and the 2nd was a 2001 Southwind. Both had the 310 HP Ford V10.

I paid around $35,000 for each of the gas units and $60,000 for the diesel in my signature. I'd give anything to have my Southwind back.

your actually saying that a 2001 Fleetwood(junk) southwind310HP gasser was a better motor home and more power than your 2003 330 newmar diesel pusher?

Not better (but certainly NOT JUNK), but much better bang for the buck and certainly better acceleration on flat ground. Mountains may be a different experience, but on flat ground the V10 definitely accelerated much better. This diesel may have more torque, but it only has 20 more HP to move another 5000 pounds along. And it is a whole lot more complex and expensive to maintain.

The only reason I sold the Southwind was because my wife died, and at the time I was depressed and thought I'd never travel again.

I suggest that you stick to your set budget, and begin to look for coaches in your price range! Make a list of coaches from your searches and find the best three coaches that have the floor plan that suits your needs the best. Then you can refine your search to the RV's length, engine, colors and service records. This should give you the knowledge you need to make an informed decision. I would like to add not to worry about a coach with high miles if you really like it, because your adapt to wear the inside of the coach out before the engine. Good Luck