Forum Discussion

Themaxx69's avatar
Themaxx69
Explorer
Nov 04, 2018

1st mh looking for quick this or that

Been looking for years, thinking about buying a beaver here shortly. Just wondering what ya'll think about these two. I know there are a lot of factors, but to make it easier let's assume both are in comparable working order and similar price.

Blue pill....2001 beaver marquis emerald 42 double slide clean title. 107k miles

Red pill.....2005 beaver santiam 38pdq quad slide salvage title. 26k miles

Both are supposedly in excellent overall condition. The santiam supposedly got wet inside from open window and carpet was replaced and no damage to subflooring or anything else.

Just given that basic info, wondering what you think. Sure the marquis is nicer inside, but slightly smaller. Tag axle...difference is debatable. Mileage again debatable.
Class A
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Nov 04, 2018
    IMHO low miles could mean one of two things.
    Either it sat unused most of ots life, or someone lived in it. Either one could need tires, and almost all soft parts on the engine. Could wind ip costing several thousand just to make them road worthy.
  • Themaxx69's avatar
    Themaxx69
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2018
    Thanks for quick reply! I figure some maintenance will be needed, but for around 50k for either, I think it's a good deal, at least from comparables I've seen over the years.
  • Twomed's avatar
    Twomed
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2018
    If you are going to do long trips, the Marquis hands down.
  • Gundog's avatar
    Gundog
    Explorer II
    Nov 04, 2018
    I would avoid anything with a salvage title. It is hard to get a loan for anything with a salvage title. If you are a cash buyer that is great but your ability to sell it will be hampered if you want to get your money out of it when it comes time to sell it later.
  • MrWizard's avatar
    MrWizard
    Moderator
    Nov 04, 2018
    for me..something doesn't jive on the salvage one

    i can't belive an insurance company wrote off and totaled and RV because of an open window and wet floor

    caught in a FLOOD ,, yeah

    but not an open window rain in

    yes yes, we have a member with hurricane roof damage and the whole TT flooded
    but that seems more extreme than the story here on the 2005 model

    look for more damage & mold, look in the compartments and the under carriage
    this could haunt you for a long time

    i suggest #1 the blue pill, 2001 model
  • rgatijnet1's avatar
    rgatijnet1
    Explorer III
    Nov 04, 2018
    I agree about keeping away from the one with the "open window" damage. There have been too many storms lately that probably indicate this was more than just a little water intrusion. In any case, it is total BS to say that the sub-floor was not damaged. If the carpet got wet, the sub-floor, which is not sealed, got wet also. If the sub-floor was particle board, like many coaches are, it has been damaged, period. They chose not to replace it and are now claiming that it was NOT damaged. The wall surface, under the window stands a good chance of being damaged as well, especially at the bottom. I would avoid that coach.
  • guidry's avatar
    guidry
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2018
    Any used vehicles could have come from hurricane flooded regions. Buying someone else’s problems; no thanks.
  • jplante4's avatar
    jplante4
    Explorer II
    Nov 04, 2018
    Yeah, something smells about the 2005. 50K for a 2001 sounds about right, 50K for the 2005 is about 1/2 price. Probably because of the title, but who knows.

    Beavers are great coaches and I believe these 2 years are different coaches. The 2001 would have been built by SMC before the merger with Monaco. The 2005 was built after the merger. Does that effect quality? Probably not, because I think they were both built in Bend, OR. probably by the same workers. Pay no attention to the "only buy new" types here. That 17 year old Beaver is better than any production coach being built today by a long shot.

    I doubt that I'll ever sell the Sahara, but if I do it's a Beaver Contessa for the next coach.
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2018
    Check with your insurance company before buying any vehicle with a salvage title.
  • Busskipper's avatar
    Busskipper
    Explorer
    Nov 04, 2018
    Themaxx69 wrote:
    Been looking for years, thinking about buying a beaver here shortly. Just wondering what ya'll think about these two. I know there are a lot of factors, but to make it easier let's assume both are in comparable working order and similar price.

    Blue pill....2001 beaver marquis emerald 42 double slide clean title. 107k miles

    Red pill.....2005 beaver santiam 38pdq quad slide salvage title. 26k miles

    Both are supposedly in excellent overall condition. The santiam supposedly got wet inside from open window and carpet was replaced and no damage to subflooring or anything else.

    Just given that basic info, wondering what you think. Sure the marquis is nicer inside, but slightly smaller. Tag axle...difference is debatable. Mileage again debatable.


    IMHO - I Run right out and get a Professional inspection of the "2001 beaver marquis emerald 42" What a Coach!

    If it passes you will Likely Love It - What a Coach.

    Link

    JMHO,

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