Buy an A class with 100K miles???

[Smithder]

I'm looking at used A classes sub $20K in price. I found a 2003 Bounder with 101,000 miles for 18K. It is very clean and has obviously been used regularly and maintained. It has the Ford V10.

Too many miles?? There are others with 60K miles but not in the shape this one is in.

Thoughts??

Thanks!!

[Gjac]

katoomer wrote:

Chopperbob wrote:
I think 86hrs on the gen is a red flag.

Why? Please explain. Could just mean they were plugged into shore power all the time

The carbs will gum up from lack of use and need rebuilding and also the winding's in the generator itself will corrode from moisture that will be driven off by heat when the genset is run under load at regular intervals. A friend of mine bought one with real low hrs but had to have the generator portion rebuilt because of this. The bill was about $3000.

[Chopperbob]

Gens need to be run if you dont need one no big deal.
I use mine all the time. I depend on it.
Have it checked, just because it runs it's not a sure
thing.

[prstlk]

If they will let you you can get an oil and transmission fluid sample and send to a lab like Brookstone. They can give a real in site into both engine trans. condition.

The gen will likely be trouble. Hours show it was not exercised regularly. Expect seal and fluid issues. They are however easy to work on.

[katoomer]

Chopperbob wrote:
I think 86hrs on the gen is a red flag.

Why? Please explain. Could just mean they were plugged into shore power all the time

[Kayteg1]

I never hesitated to buy high-mileage vehicles (usually diesels) and never had bad luck with them, but bear in mind that after adding another 20k the motorhome will become unsellable.
I had F250 with famous 7.3 diesel but over 300k on odometer. Even the engines last for 700k , it took me a year to find a buyer who paid 50% of KBB.
Lastly, there is no such thing as firm price.
They want $18,000 ?
I bet stack of $16,000 bills will make their jaws drop.

[Shot-N-Az]

PPL is a consignment lot for the most part. You should be able to contact the owner and ask questions.

[rgatijnet1]

A lot depends on how the coach was used. I've seen low mileage coaches that were basically worn out inside from full-timers that did not move around much. Then I have seen high mileage coaches that were only taken on long highway trips and the interior and systems show little wear.
I would not hesitate to buy an RV with 100,000 miles on it if the inspection shows that the engine/transmission is in good shape and the interior and systems appear to have minimal wear.
It is true that a diesel engine may be in better shape than a gas engine at 100,000 miles but many gas engines are rated for 200,000+ miles and the diesel and gas engines both have transmissions and differentials that can fail. Things like a radiator for a gas engine with 100K may cost $700 and a corroded radiator on a diesel engine with 100K may cost $3000.
The facts are have a qualified mechanic do a thorough inspection of the drive train and systems and go by his recommendations. Only that will tell you if it is a good deal.

[Chopperbob]

I think 86hrs on the gen is a red flag.

[Smithder]

Just took a second look. Can't find any real issues such as leaks or excessive wear. Generator has 86 hours. Spark plugs just changed. Frig can open fully when fold out is in. Price is firm.

Decisions decisions.

[hipower]

Based on the age/condition of the tires, along with an oil analysis, I might offer a ittle less, just to see if there is some room to negotiate.

Regardless of what I stated above it seems like a nice floor plan and a decent coach for the money. If I wasn't planning on 10,000+ miles per year I think it would last someone a long time.

[Gjac]

As others have said it depends on how it was maintained. I would look at the maintenance records to see how often the fluids were changed. Based on my experience with an older MH I would be more concerned about the older systems like the chassis,refer blockage, WH, genset etc. I have 104 miles on my old 454 and transmission, but have change the fluid and filter on the transmission 3 times, rear end 3 times and eng oil every 5k. All my problems have been with the other systems.

[lac0908]

How many hours are on the generator?

[GlennLever]

100K on a gas engine pulling a lot of weight is something I would think long and hard on, Diesel with 100K and it is just getting broken in if it was taken care of correctly.

[Smithder]

It's basically between the Bounder and this Winnebago right now. Winnebago has less miles and better tires but not as clean on the exterior.

https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/classa/2000-Winnebago-Adventurer-29435.htm