Looking at buying a 1996 Winnebago Vectra Grand tour 36'

[tedp]

Pictures seem to indicate it's in very nice condition. 97,000 miles 275 HP DP 6 speed allison. He wants $29,900. This would be my first foray into a DP and I looking for help.
Is the engine big enough to tow a car behind?
Is this model a low end or high end unit?
What types of questions do I need to ask?
The price seems high, is it?

Thanks for the help!

[steveownby]

tedp wrote:
Pictures seem to indicate it's in very nice condition. 97,000 miles 275 HP DP 6 speed allison. He wants $29,900. This would be my first foray into a DP and I looking for help.
Is the engine big enough to tow a car behind?
Is this model a low end or high end unit?
What types of questions do I need to ask?
The price seems high, is it?

Thanks for the help!

Our first motorhome was a '97 Vectra GT. when it was built it was just below Winnie's top of the line. It's a very well built coach with many standard features which were optional or not available on many coaches.

It has double pane windows, automatic jacks, a porcelain toilet.

If the engine is the Cat 3126 275/hp then you will have no trouble pulling a toad. We pulled a GMC Envoy that weighs about 4500 pounds. The radiator is in the rear and is subject to plugging up with road junk and oil from the open crankcase vent. Make sure it's clean and then have the vent tube extended to below the radiator stack.

[Dog_Trainer]

Your motor will be plenty for towing and will not make too much difference when towing on the grade. The turbo will keep pumping air to the fuel. You will be slower on the grades than larger HP models Learn to keep it in the sweet spot, turn the flashers on and enjoy the ride.

[royl]

Condition and upkeep is everything. My 98 Itasca by Winnebago still has all the original appliances, we are in the New Mexico desert and at 100 degrees my A/C units are keeping me at 75 degrees and the refrigerator is holding 35 degrees, the hot water heater is working like it should. The older appliances were built to last so if they work like they should on inspection don't worrry about them. I have seen 2 year old units needing refrigerators replaced and having A/C failures so age is not a factor. Check it out well or better yet pay an inspector to check it out for you.

[emiddleb]

Based on your post I assume you are looking at the 35WQ-P model (the 34 and 36 were gas engines, the 35WQ is a DP as you describe.) In general, the Vectra line was considered the top of the Winnebago line for most years except when the "Ultimate" line was offered.

You can download the original sales brochure here...
Brochure

which will give you some base info on features and options.

and you can get the Vectra Owners manual here...
Owners Manual
which might also give you a head-start.

Plumbing and electrical diagrams are also available there too.

As with any non-warranty unit you need to check things over, and it's still no certainty. Things fail. Just budget for them and understand that some of the $$ you are saving on an older model versus new may be needed for future repairs. Just part of the experience.

Do check the age of the tires; if they are more than 7 years or so then they will require replacement. Might want to ask how much/often is was driven in the last few years. Diesels like to be used and if it's sat for a while it's worse than being driven a lot. Last oil change/lube/filters? Age of batteries? Is there a generator, if so how many hours on it, last oil change?

[tedp]

It's for sale by an older gentleman who purchased it new. It's always been stored indoors. He has not replaced much, as everything (according to him) still works. That's one of the things that bothers me. If it's the original refrigerator, AC unit, water heater, etc it might be ready to fall apart at 18 years old.

[BobR]

trop-a-cal wrote:
Value is all in the condition. The towing will be OK except for steep grades. Tow a light vehicle will help and see that all aspiration filters are clean.

Well said. I drive a 1991 Eladan I've had since new and it is in excellent condition. There is no way I would sell at book. Condition and vehicle's history are key factors in determining price you are willing to pay.

[Roman_Duck]

Price seems a little high. We bought our DP, a 2000 39ft with 1 slide for less than that, thru a dealer. Check the Nada values 1st.
NADA Guidelines 1996 winnebago


The base retail price without listing options is only $13,000 to $16,000. You might want to look around some more to get a better understanding of older motor homes and coach values.
Then again the value is in the eye of the beholder. Good luck, Older coaches can come with lots of little/ big issues.

[WETSNAIL]

We just purchased a 1999 Vectra Grand Tour 37. Ours is a gasser. We are new to haveing a MH. If you decide to get it we should keep in touch to both figure out what is what.
Cork

[trop-a-cal]

Value is all in the condition. The towing will be OK except for steep grades. Tow a light vehicle will help and see that all aspiration filters are clean.