Opinions on Newmar Dutch Star

[rowekmr]

I'm looking at a 1999 Dutch Star with the Cummins 8.3L diesel pusher. It only has 1 owner who has taken care of it through factory or dealerships. It has 150k miles from their full time use for years. They are slowing down and haven't taken it on the road in years but have continually started it and operated its systems.

What should I be concerned with? What is the reputation of the builder? How are Spartan chassis? What about the reputation of the Cummins/Allison combo?

[doxiemom11]

We have a 17 yr old coach and have been full-time 6 yrs. There is nothing wrong with our carpet, frig, stove, water heater, etc. It depends on if you do regular maintenance and fix the small things when they happen. We are never concerned if we will make it to our destination, and in the 7 yrs we have owned the coach have never had a break down. These older ones are built much much better than the newer ones. I'd consider it seriously, but have it inspected and checked over by a professional. Just because it's new doesn't mean trouble free, sorry to say - they have more problems than we do.

[Shot-N-Az]

I rarely agree with a certain poster and this is another example.

There is not enough information posted to make the statements being made. Other than its age, there is really nothing here to go on.

[JC2]

I agree 100% with what Doug says.

crasster wrote:

dougrainer wrote:
FULL time use for 18 years is BAD, regardless of mileage, That type RV is almost worthless as far as a fair resale value. The chassis is extremely worn and the Interior Coach RV systems are probably ALL worn out. Think about it. You buy a 18 year old house. Do you not think most of the interior and appliances and roof and such would need to be replaced because they are all at their end of service life cycles. RV's are NOT designed for full time use. While you can use them for that, they are not designed for it. As Winnebago's older owners manual stated "This is a Recreational Vehicle, and not designed for 24/7-365 use. Systems are designed for recreational use". So, I would take what value it has and drop it over 50 percent. Just because it is a 1 owner does not mean that it is not worn out. The fact that they drove over 10k a year shows the wear and tear from being on the road. Doug

X2 X3 and X4. My home is now 18 years old and has much more sq ft., than an RV. Many things are getting worn out. This house sits on a slab foundation too, not tires, shocks, etc. Full time use.

Unless those people were absolute perfectionists and have literally changed out a plethora of stuff and have a huge envelope full of receipts to prove it, I'd walk. Remember shocks, suspension, airbags, etc. Even then be careful.

Seriously I'd probably walk anyway.

[Johnny_G1]

I don't know why the problem buying an old coach if it been looked after, most were better built than the new stuff today, I wouldn't think twice about heading out in mine to anywhere and it's even older and lived in quite a bit but also like those people I keep on top of it.Like your new house you won't find fridge's and such lasting 20 yrs but there are older stuff still out there lasting a lot longer, Me I would check it over and buy it, I don't have half a million to buy a new one either. Just my thoughts.

[Blaster_Man]

rowekmr wrote:
...have continually started it and operated its systems.
How are Spartan chassis? What about the reputation of the Cummins/Allison combo?...

Spartan, Cummins and Allison are tops. However, he did more harm than good by just starting it. If you start a diesel it needs to be taken out and driven...it will never even get warm at an idle.

Bottom line...too old and too many miles. The miles are okay for the engine/trans, but too many for the coach.

[crasster]

dougrainer wrote:
FULL time use for 18 years is BAD, regardless of mileage, That type RV is almost worthless as far as a fair resale value. The chassis is extremely worn and the Interior Coach RV systems are probably ALL worn out. Think about it. You buy a 18 year old house. Do you not think most of the interior and appliances and roof and such would need to be replaced because they are all at their end of service life cycles. RV's are NOT designed for full time use. While you can use them for that, they are not designed for it. As Winnebago's older owners manual stated "This is a Recreational Vehicle, and not designed for 24/7-365 use. Systems are designed for recreational use". So, I would take what value it has and drop it over 50 percent. Just because it is a 1 owner does not mean that it is not worn out. The fact that they drove over 10k a year shows the wear and tear from being on the road. Doug

X2 X3 and X4. My home is now 18 years old and has much more sq ft., than an RV. Many things are getting worn out. This house sits on a slab foundation too, not tires, shocks, etc. Full time use.

Unless those people were absolute perfectionists and have literally changed out a plethora of stuff and have a huge envelope full of receipts to prove it, I'd walk. Remember shocks, suspension, airbags, etc. Even then be careful.

Seriously I'd probably walk anyway.

[dougrainer]

FULL time use for 18 years is BAD, regardless of mileage, That type RV is almost worthless as far as a fair resale value. The chassis is extremely worn and the Interior Coach RV systems are probably ALL worn out. Think about it. You buy a 18 year old house. Do you not think most of the interior and appliances and roof and such would need to be replaced because they are all at their end of service life cycles. RV's are NOT designed for full time use. While you can use them for that, they are not designed for it. As Winnebago's older owners manual stated "This is a Recreational Vehicle, and not designed for 24/7-365 use. Systems are designed for recreational use". So, I would take what value it has and drop it over 50 percent. Just because it is a 1 owner does not mean that it is not worn out. The fact that they drove over 10k a year shows the wear and tear from being on the road. Doug

[smlranger]

Reputation of Newmar, Spartan, Cummins and Allison are all excellent. At this point with any coach that old, it is more about condition and how it was maintained. If it is in good condition, there is evidence of proper maintenance over the years, and it meets your needs, it might be a great coach for you. I would think you could get it for a great price.

Check tire age, batteries. RV tires age out before they wear out. Most folks will want to replace motorhome tires that are 7 or so years old.

Even though Newmar coaches were made well and had good bones, all the appliances (TV's, fridge, AC units, water heater, furnace) wear out with use. If they full timed, all of the systems got a work out so make sure you consider the cost of replacing things that just wear out. A motorhome is just like a house....something always needs fixing.

[Sprink-Fitter]

You have heard of Newmar haven't you?