I'm looking at motorhomes in the 2005-2007 +- range, trying to stay under $40K. I'm not as familiar with the grades of Class A as I am other types of camper. I don't really want is considered an entry level model or levels of quality based on brand.Our use will be a few weeks a year. One longer trip, 2000-5000 miles and a few more local trips and weekend trips, 100-500 miles. And as retirement creeps closer looking at wintering and extended travel options. We like some of the Damon floor plans but of course the plans we like are on slightly newer rigs that are a little outside our budget. I also wonder about mileage on some of these older rigs. I think low miles indicating light use is almost as bad or worse then high miles and excessive use. I know a motorhome needs exercise and maintenance. Is there a mileage high, low that you would shy away from?

You might look at the Bounder and some of the other models offered by Fleetwood.

I prefer the lower mileage rigs and with the amount you plan to use it I certainly wouldn't go over 50K miles. How it has been taken care of is very important and stored inside is a big plus.

We have and are enjoying our 02 Winnebago Adventurer 35U. It now has 55,000 miles and plan on many more miles on it. It has the V-10 and runs and pulls car very good. As far as miles, i would not get one under 10,000 miles or over 50,000. That's just my opinion!!One reason we are keeping this one is, we cannot find a floorplan we like as well. Good Luck!!

I'm looking at motorhomes in the 2005-2007 +- range, trying to stay under $40K. I'm not as familiar with the grades of Class A as I am other types of camper. I don't really want is considered an entry level model or levels of quality based on brand.Our use will be a few weeks a year. One longer trip, 2000-5000 miles and a few more local trips and weekend trips, 100-500 miles. And as retirement creeps closer looking at wintering and extended travel options.We like some of the Damon floor plans but of course the plans we like are on slightly newer rigs that are a little outside our budget.I also wonder about mileage on some of these older rigs. I think low miles indicating light use is almost as bad or worse then high miles and excessive use. I know a motorhome needs exercise and maintenance. Is there a mileage high, low that you would shy away from?IMHO, JMHO I don't think strictly going by which model is the best way to go about buying a used MH.You want the one that the previous owner took VERY good care of.You do NOT want one that has been sitting in one spot no matter how nice it looks.I'll take a higher mileage used RV any day over one with lower miles that sits and never gets used or is parked permanently in a CG as a seasonal, etc.The term 'entry level' is a misnomer.Each manufacturer will have a model that is priced lower than their other models. It is all relevant and depends on how high priced their line is. All it really means is it is the 'lowest price' model of their line. NOT that it is a substandard MH.I would have no problem owning an 'entry level' 'priced' Prevost!In my full time travels I have met many RV'ers with older used MH's that 'some' would never think of buying. And these MH's look great, run great and the retirees are having the time of their lives RV'ing in them.......best part.....no monthly payments!Good luck in finding that perfect MH for you and your family it IS out there waiting for you!

My first cut is no rubber (EPDM) roof. I think all of the whining about low mileage is from folks who have a worn out overly driven high mileage unit and want to give their own ego a boost. get one with a fiberglass roof if possible.just be sure if a Ford it is on a later than 1999 chassis with the 19 inch wheels, and if Chevy isn't a rebadged P-30/32.bumpy

Which older model gas rig would you consider? | Good Sam Community

snowbird47
Explorer
Apr 10, 2014
Sounds wonderful bsinmich! My husband has COPD, and it's getting harder and harder to travel with his oxygen equipment :-(. We spent 19 yrs traveling so we're ready for spending time with the grandkids.
bsinmich
Explorer
Apr 10, 2014
snowbird47 wrote:
bsinmich, ours is also the 3778, but 2004! We've had 5 rv's in the last 19 yrs. Three Fleetwoods, one horrible Coachman, and we finally stepped up and bought the MountainAire! Best Motorhome we've ever had!!! So quiet on the road and parked. We're only selling it due to my husband's health :-(. You only get what you pay for! It took us four to realize that!

This is also our 4th. MH. We have TTs, Hi-Lo, popups and everything else since 1969. I use my walker to hookup but still enjoy everything about RVing. We are planning on a mo. in Colorado this summer pus some time in Northern Ontario.
frankdamp
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014
We own a very clean 2002 Georgetown 325 with just under 18,000 miles on the clock. It's an F53 dually chassis with the V-10 engine. We really love the old bird, but we're on limited income and really can't afford to run it any more. We bought it from the original owners 3 years ago and have added about 5000 miles to the odometer reading.

We're a long way from you, but if you're interested, send me a PM.
snowbird47
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014
bsinmich, ours is also the 3778, but 2004! We've had 5 rv's in the last 19 yrs. Three Fleetwoods, one horrible Coachman, and we finally stepped up and bought the MountainAire! Best Motorhome we've ever had!!! So quiet on the road and parked. We're only selling it due to my husband's health :-(. You only get what you pay for! It took us four to realize that!
drifterpilot
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014
We have had this coach since new, and still love it.
Do it again? YES!
bsinmich
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014
I am with the ones with the Newmar. If you want better quality you need to raise your price point or go older. Mine is an '03 3778 Mountain Aire and it is NOT for sale but would not fit your price point for age. My walls, roof & floors have insulation R values of R12-R16; my AC on the roof is ducted and so quiet you don't have to turn up the TV volume; dual pane glass adds to the quiet and insulating values.
snowbird47
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014
We had a 2000 Southwind and lots of problems with the windshield popping out! Bought a 2003 Pace Arrow off the showroom floor in Columbus Ohio and first rain storm water ran in through every light fixture and opening in the ceiling, front to back of the RV! Ruined the drapes on the windshield too. This was just two weeks after we bought it! Three trips to the dealer and factory and it still dripped water from the ceiling! This is why we took a loss and traded up one year for our MountainAire!
SarahW422
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014
Another vote for a Fleetwood Bounder, Southwind, or Pace Arrow. I agree with others who say that the CONDITION of the older RV is the most important factor.
snowbird47
Explorer
Apr 09, 2014
Hmmm, then I really don't think I'm too high on our 2004 MountainAire! We're asking $68,000 and it sold for $165,000! MountainAire is top of the line as far as gas coaches go. 25,000 miles, all new batteries, brand new Michelin XRV tires! It's in excellent condition inside and out. We have three interested parties, and one that will definitely buy June 1st if it's still available. Lots of pics if anyone is interested :-). jennybruce47@yahoo.com
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Apr 08, 2014
Here is essentially a brand new 2006 Safari motor home that probably listed for $150K+. Now, with only 3000 miles, it has not gotten one single bid to purchase it at $67,000, or less than half what it sold for new. Safari was owned by Monaco and manufactured high quality coaches. According to NADA the $67,000 is the average retail price for this unit and no one is interested in this coach at that price. Basically it is a buyers market and if you see a coach you like, just make an offer. 2006 Safari Simba

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