Used DP Pre-purchase Inspection
We are looking at getting a used DP in the next year, likely between 2001 and 2008, 36' to 40'. Budget is $45k to $70k. We also have a list of preferences including: side radiator, Cummuns ISC or IS...
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Winnipeg wrote:
We are looking at getting a used DP in the next year, likely between 2001 and 2008, 36' to 40'. Budget is $45k to $70k. We also have a list of preferences including: side radiator, Cummuns ISC or ISL (not Cat or ISB), and a few other wants. We live in Southern California and would travel up to 500 miles to purchase (maybe a little further if it checked all the boxes).
The challenge we see is: how to do a pre-purchase inspection? Consider that a) we will likely purchase several hours from home, b) it is not likely convenient for the seller (or us) to simply run it over to the local service center, and c) what to look for in something with 1000 moving parts?
Pictures & service records (or lack off) can be useful for making a short list, and a good look may tell you something.
Would an extended warranty be worth while? Seems like a useful one would cost a lot. Maybe it is best to just bank $10k of the budget in case.
Any suggestions?
I haven't seen anyone else mention it, but I was going through a similar process a while back and found a few inspection checklists on the internet (such as this one: http://www.myrv.us/Imgs/PDF/PDI%20New.pdf. (There are others, and I'm not sure this is the best, but it's one I happened to bookmark for some reason.) Also note the advice that getting a qualified inspector/service facility to do an inspection of the engine/chassis components.
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