So in our budget we are looking at older motor homes. Lots of different choices out here in AZ. So, I understand that each coach is different and has been stored different. The question is if A and B are close to the same condition and amenities.... Would you rather have A, a year 2000 with 40K miles or B 2000 with 90K miles? Are more miles better because it's been used and it may have had more maintenance done? Or is it like a regular car or truck and lower miles are better? Again, the condition of the coaches are equal. If this is a dumb question, sorry. Just trying to gain all the knowledge I can. Thanks

What are the engines on the two motor homes?

If it's a gas engine I'd take the 2000 with 40,000 as long as it is comparable in quality build. We purchased a 10 year old with 39,000 miles on a V-10 and it has never given us a problem. It would also make a difference if it was used over time to accumulate the 40,000 or did someone put all the mileage on the first couple years and it's been sitting for the past 10-12 years not being used. How it was used is important too.

I would much rather have a low mileage vehicle, not one with 90K miles for sure.bumpy

Either way you want some info on the maintenance done or not done. You're going to want to have them inspected by a good mechanic, even if at your expense. The 40k would be my choice. Low miles doesn't mean it hasn't been used. As example we use our MH once a month for about a week at a state park. 50 mile round trip so if that's all we did, less than 1,000 a year. But we do other mid distance trips too. I get mine serviced and inspected once a year regardless.

More miles vs less miles | Good Sam Community

11 Replies

ncrowley
Explorer II
Mar 18, 2014
With a gas engine, and all things being equal, I would go with the lower mileage. I agree that you want to see the maintenance records.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Mar 18, 2014
On a 2000 you can expect to be replacing belts and hoses soon, brake, levelers, and so on (hoses) no matter the millage.. But that said.. I will not argue with the folks about, 90K over 14 years is .. Well, Low millage on (I think 10,000/year is closer to reasonable)

That said... My towed is a 2001 with 188,000 on it. Near as I can tell. Had to replace a sensor before I took delivery.
kingbrutis
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
VinCee wrote:
Don't just rule mileage as an indication of use. Wildtoad makes a good point, then take it to the next level that the RV was parked at a private campground for weeks or months on end without being moved. Low mileage, high wear and tear on everything else. Find out the history of the rig you are interested in also.

This is one of my main points of interest. Out here there are so many storage lots loaded with RV's. They just sit out and bake in the Phoenix heat. Hoses, belts and tires all get damage by just sitting. Most of the adds say "we just dont use it enough". That's how we get 14 yr old RV's with 30K miles. Great advice as always.

Cruise America sell's newer model's for $20K with 150,000 miles. You know they have been serviced and maintained, but used a ton.
Fizz
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
I never buy used with mileage unless the owner kept all the maintenance paperwork.
First question I ask.
"Do you have paperwork"?
"No"
"Have a good day"
VinCee
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
Don't just rule mileage as an indication of use. Wildtoad makes a good point, then take it to the next level that the RV was parked at a private campground for weeks or months on end without being moved. Low mileage, high wear and tear on everything else. Find out the history of the rig you are interested in also.
Lauren
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
All other things being equal I would go, particularly with a gas engine, with the 40K. And, even so, have a mechanic check it.
wildtoad
Explorer II
Mar 18, 2014
Either way you want some info on the maintenance done or not done. You're going to want to have them inspected by a good mechanic, even if at your expense. The 40k would be my choice. Low miles doesn't mean it hasn't been used. As example we use our MH once a month for about a week at a state park. 50 mile round trip so if that's all we did, less than 1,000 a year. But we do other mid distance trips too. I get mine serviced and inspected once a year regardless.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
I would much rather have a low mileage vehicle, not one with 90K miles for sure.
bumpy
doxiemom11
Explorer II
Mar 18, 2014
If it's a gas engine I'd take the 2000 with 40,000 as long as it is comparable in quality build. We purchased a 10 year old with 39,000 miles on a V-10 and it has never given us a problem. It would also make a difference if it was used over time to accumulate the 40,000 or did someone put all the mileage on the first couple years and it's been sitting for the past 10-12 years not being used. How it was used is important too.
kingbrutis
Explorer
Mar 18, 2014
Lets say Ford V 10 460.

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More miles vs less miles

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