2008 Newmar

[utarv]

We are looking at a new 2008 Mountain Aire that has been sitting on the dealers lot. We like it but have a concern that it has been sitting on the dealers lot for so long. I know that we will have to really look at any "cosmetic" issues that it may or may not have since that will be a dealer issue not a Newmar issue. What other things or considerations do we need to take into account on this coach since it has been sitting for so long.

Our current coach has served us well (it's a fleetwood). We don't HAVE to upgrade but have been looking at MA's for awhile and love the Newmar Quality. We had considered looking at the Essex models as well and found a used 06 but like the 08 MA better (they were around the same price).

We appreciate your feedback and suggestions!
Nina

[clubmed98]

check with dealer and spartan to see if latest K2 fan update was done and also some k2 chassis around that time have a recall on the adjustable brake pedal...also see if they will change and replace all engine, trans, and gen set filters and fluids. Batteries probably need to be checked and possibly replaced. Tires should be checked also..If you look in the cabinets you will see the paint date and that will give you a good idea of the build date..we looked at an 08 MA and liked it a lot, but ended up getting an 09 Dutch Aire as we liked full wall slide floor plan..there are some really good deals out there on the older rigs..best of luck

[DonnaB]

Nina,

If the coach is new, not used, the 1 year warranty will be registered as yours and the dealer & Newmar will fix whatever is not correct. Do get the dealer to replace all fluids & filters as a previous poster recommended, before you accept delivery. Require that the batteries be tested & replaced if not up to snuff before you accept delivery. Unfortunately sitting makes these units fail, but it is new enough that if you get a good deal moneywise and use the coach, you should get a great bargain. Good luck as Newmar is a great coach and you WANT to JOIN the NKK too.

[ParTheCourse]

Fill all tanks, (waste and fresh water) and the toilet bowel to ensure the seals have not dried out and still hold water and that the dump valves work properly. Put the fresh waster system under pressure to check gaskets and seals in the faucets and drains have not dried out. Don’t forget the water pump also. Use all systems a lot for a while to detect any problems before the warranty period runs out.

[GaryKD]

Hi Nina,
You can bet the coach has set unattended and no maintenance for the total time it has been on the dealer lot. Like previously posted, batteries and tires would be my big concerns. Faded interior fabric and any dry rot that has started should be a concern. This is especially true of the dash area and any other areas exposed to the sun. The bottom line is that the dealer will let you describe all your concerns and agree to do whatever you want done,,,,,,,at a price.

Consider making your best deal. Once done, and before you take delivery see what can be done under warranty. Take a hydrometer and check the batteries yourself. Inspect the tires to determine how much the sun has done to them. Consider using the chart at Michelin Sidewall Cracking Chart - iRV2.com RV Photo Gallery .

If the coach is new (not a show coach) I'd say 40% off MSRP is a good place to start. If the coach was a Newmar show coach, offer 50% MSRP and do not budge. The customer has no idea how much the dealer needs to sell the coach. Also, you have no idea what Newmar will do, behind the scenes, to help the dealer sell the coach. Stay firm in your offer for at least several weeks. A new 2010 should be able to be purchased for 30%+ off MSRP. This means your offer of 40% off MSRP should not be unreasonable (with Newmar's help).

Lastly, do not expect to take any long trips for a couple of months. Take short trips and get the warranty repair list started and have the coach back to the dealer ASAP for repairs. The sooner you make a claim the sooner you can enjoy the coach.

[powerboatr]

when we purchased our 2008 Tuscany it had sat in the showroom for over 12 months
along with a stint outside for a few months.

We did what has been mentioned, worked out a complete list of "stuff that happens when it sits" and ended up with a great deal
we have had some warranty repairs but they were not a real big deal, more than likely it left the factory with the concerns and someone just didn't want to address them. or figured no one can be that nit-picky.

deals can be made.

[azloafer]

Before we bought our coach we checked the average retail and low retail prices on nada.com. We also checked out recalls.gov for any recalls or service bulletins. The dealer also offered lifetime service at a specific reduced hourly rate for anyone buying from him.

[jjr4]

We did exactly what you are looking at doing. We purchased a new 08 Ventana that had been on the dealers lot for over a year and took delivery in late 09. The major issue that we had related to the batteries. Dispite having them all tested they began giving us trouble within the first couple of weeks. We ended up having to have them all changed (house and chassis). Thankfully it was done under warranty but we could have done with out the inconvenience.
I would also echo the comment on seals. The toilet seal worked for a month but then needed to be replaced.
Still happy that we bought the coach but should have insisted on new batteries up front.

[WVCoalminer]

We bought a new 08 Grandstar that had been sitting on a dealers lot for over a year and a half. We checked everything we could and made a list of things that needed done, big and small. Took it too Newmar in October and left it for the winter to have all the work done. Don't be shy about warranty work, get it done the first year. Newmar liked having the winter to work on it as the could and we wouldn't be using it anyway.
Bill