Forum Discussion

woody2010's avatar
woody2010
Explorer
Oct 22, 2013

2004 Fleetwood Discovery vs New models

I'm considering buying my first rv, a 2004 Fleetwood Discovery with 60k miles, from a neighbor. I know that he is the 2nd owner and while he has owned it, he has taken very good care of it. My question is, are there significant changes between 2004 models and newer models, that I will feel that a 2004 is "old" soon and will require a ton of expensive maintenance in the next few years or does it have plenty of life in it. I like the floor plan and everything.

It doesn't appear that mileage has improved in recent years, so that doesn't appear to be a factor.
Class A
  • moisheh's avatar
    moisheh
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2013
    An 04 Discovery is a good unit. We have the poor cousin an 05 Bounder. Obviously any older unit may need new tires, batteries and all fluids changed. Make sure you check the fridge operation. They can be problematic. If the maintenance is up to date you might get away with anywhere from $2000 to $6000. Be prepared as owning a DP is not cheap.

    Moisheh
  • fischer's avatar
    fischer
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2013
    Check the tires if original going to need 6 soon. Fleetwoods have a battery control center that control the charging of the batterys make sure it works correctly. They are easy to fix and troubleshoot if need be. WE love our fleetwood but it is gas.
  • Valkyriebush's avatar
    Valkyriebush
    Explorer II
    Oct 23, 2013
    If it's been taken care of, you should not be expecting any major issues because of age. Most problems are failure to maintain the vehicle properly. Discovery is a nice RV. My 03 is in tip top shape and I can honestly say there are no issues with it at all or forecasted. Regular maintenance is the key. Good luck.
  • RedG's avatar
    RedG
    Explorer
    Oct 23, 2013
    The newer models have a DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) that uses additional fuel to burn up accumulated soot in the exhaust, and use DEF (Diesel Exhaust Fluid) that you have to refill periodically. This also decreases mpg, so pre-emissions engines are preferable (IMO).
    If it looks good and everything works and is in good shape, I wouldn't be afraid of it.
    I have an 05 model that most people think it's much newer. It has all the bells and whistles I want and suits me fine at half the price of a new one.
    60k is minimal for a diesel engine and the coach will probably fall apart before you wear the engine out.
    But any maintenance is usually big bucks on a diesel pusher, so you have to accept that you may end up spending some money on it.
    If well taken care of, it should have lots of life left.
    As said above, it probably has the old CRT tube TV's in it that can easily be updated to a nice flat screen.
  • J_R2's avatar
    J_R2
    Explorer
    Oct 22, 2013
    06 was last of pre-emission engines. That's a good thing. TV's probably only new electronics. Check roof condition. Just look over very well and how well do you like your neighbor.

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