Used C Buying Advice and did read FAQ

Well.....It looks like you found your next RV it sounds like a great one so absolutely good luck with that!!!:):C

I was just going to say that if you were looking at buying an El Monte RV now would be a good time.
I was just in the Elkhart Middlebury area two weeks ago and at the KOA there were probably 75 --100 Elmonta brand new class C rigs that were getting picked up by the dealers and rental companies.

they had a big huge get together so there's a whole bunch of brand new El Monte RV's---- that went out which means there's going to be a whole bunch of used ones for sale.

Thank you for all of your good advice. We ended up financing with Excel Credit. We haven't finalized the loan completely but so far the process has been painless and their customer service has been great.

We went and looked at El Monte and while you do get a pretty nice selection of models, the units are pretty beat up. There was no awning and the tires looked fairly old. All of the appliances and cabinets were on the well used side. While they did offer all of the service history, I asked about the age of the tires and the sales guy made a statement to the effect that they switch tires between units frequently so they have no way of providing that information. He also discredited my research online saying that there is a lot of miss information. During the test drive I could feel a lot more sway than what I have experienced in the past. We did like the layout which included two slide outs and the hallway to the back on the side and two entrances to the bathroom. All things in consideration we were not ready to sign up for it.

Later that day a new listing for 2005 31" Sunseeker by Forest River showed up on Craigslist with only 40k miles. We went to take a look. Nice couple owned it and you can tell it was well taken care of. They had most of the service history including a recent resealing of the roof and windows. All appliances were in working order and it drove like a dream. If all goes as smooth as it had we should be driving our new/used RV away in another 10 days. Now I just need to learn how to use everything :?

If you can, buy a name brand rig that I less than 5 years old after having it checked out by a pro truck mechanic and RV repair service. Don't buy a rig with water leak damage.Get written estimates for any repairs/replacements needed. If tires are older than 4 years old by DOT date codes, they will need to be replaced for safety. IMHO you should buy a 27 foot long rig with rear bedroom and RV queen bed. Sleeping in overhead and on convertible dinettes, etc., is for kids, problem for non-agile adults.

Thank you!

All of the folks here are wonderful people and will give you great advice generally. One of the few exceptions to the "great advice here" rule is when asking about buying a former rental RV. I urge you to listen to IAMICHABOD and only take the advice of people who have actually purchased a former rental. As IAMICHABOD said, please take the time to read the entire thread about buying a rental that he linked to. It will answer EVERY question you have about the subject and much more with advice and opinions from tons of people who have purchased a former rental from large rental companies. It will also save you time and money if you choose to purchase one. For example, CA doesn't budge much on price but they will put time and free parts into your RV before you drive away. I talk about this in detail in the thread. Good luck!

I see you live in California. Thanks to amazing weather all year, a lovely coastline, and a plethora of National Parks to choose from within a days drive, the used RV market is rough in California. I looked for over a year and the only private sellers I found were either over priced junkers or people selling two year old RV's for $1000 less than they paid new. Everyone in California wants an RV and for good reason. This is one factor that brought me to CA and El Monte.

In terms of brands, my DH and I spent 2 years investigating units and brands of class C RVs sold on the east coast.
After visiting many dealers and 5 long days at RV shows, we found all brands (with the exception of high end brands= much more $) have workmanship variations. For that matter, we saw exact same models from a well regarded company; one fairly well made, one with significant defects at the same RV show!
Find models that suit your preference, research the model for major recalls.
When you find a unit you want to buy and if capable go over carefully. Otherwise, research and hire someone reputable to inspect before you purchase. May be well worth 250.00 spent if they find major mold or mechanical issues etc.
Good luck!

Deb and Ed M wrote:

IAMICHABOD wrote:


You will get answers from real owners and not a lot of Hyperbole from people who know nothing about what they speak.

Here's 172 RV rentals just for the Michigan Int'l Speedway attendees alone (on one website - there's plenty more)

Rent a race RV

I liked the $350 portable rest room trailer.
bumpy

Deb and Ed M wrote:

IAMICHABOD wrote:

As DrewE said,read the Rental thread,I know it is long now but if there are any specific questions you need answered just ask there or PM me.

You will get answers from real owners and not a lot of Hyperbole from people who know nothing about what they speak.

Here's 172 RV rentals just for the Michigan Int'l Speedway attendees alone (on one website - there's plenty more)

Rent a race RV

Those are rentals from private parties not large rental companies,it is a clearing house for private parties to rent out their RV.:S

I stand by what I said,and The last 3 NASCAR races I went to I saw not one Rental with anyone on the roof but a lot of folks on their RVs.

That is an old beat to death hyperbole that always comes from people that just parrot what the have heard but not seen.It comes up every time a rental thread appears. Having no basis in fact. But if it makes you feel better................. go ahead and trash something you know nothing about.

IAMICHABOD wrote:


You will get answers from real owners and not a lot of Hyperbole from people who know nothing about what they speak.

Here's 172 RV rentals just for the Michigan Int'l Speedway attendees alone (on one website - there's plenty more)

Rent a race RV

After 3 pop-ups, a hybrid and a small 5th wheel over 30 years we bought a 2002 Itasca 30 ft Class C on a Ford chassis with 2 slides for $23000 2 yrs ago. We like it a lot. Backs much easier than the 26 ft 5th wheel and everything seems better made and heavier duty. Love the bedroom with a walk around bed and the large shower. I have decided that any future motorhomes will be Itasca( part of Winnebago) or Winnebago. Not that there aren't other quality motor homes but narrowing down the field will make it easier and I don't think there are any better. Now, what I don't like- Class C outside storage is too narrow and too low; always down on my old knees. And I wish I had auto levelers. Really costly to add on. If we upgrade it will be to a 27-30 ft. Class A.