So happy we discovered Tiffin

[ProjectPro]

We have been active campers in our 30 foot tow-behind since 2011 and love the lifestyle. We would like a little more room, but when we look at bigger trailers we realize that we would need a bigger tow vehicle, since we are pushing the limits with what we have now. To do it right we would be looking at around $50,000 for a nice diesel 1-ton pickup, so we started looking at motor homes. We ran across a 2007 Phaeton 40 with only 9,000 miles on the clock, and really fell in love with it. NADA says that the mileage doesn't matter to the value of a diesel MH, amd the interior looks almost new. Just a few questions: 1) Is this a reasonable "step up" vehicle, since the biggest rig I've driven is our SUV/trailer combination? 2) Is there anything that needs special attention on a MH that hasn't been driven much? 3) Is there an equivalent to an independent inspection one would have a mechanic perform before buying a used car?

The Phaeton would replace our TT. We currently spend 7 weeks in Florida in the winter and about 30 days the rest of the year locally in 3 and 4 day chunks. It would also be our "someday" trip vehicle, possibly a coast-to-coast jaunt during which we would be between sticks-and-bricks houses.

I hope this doesn't hijack the thread, since we too are so happy we discovered this beautiful Tiffin. Wouldn't want to make folks upset with our very first post!

[edgray]

Originally Posted by ProjectPro

We have been active campers in our 30 foot tow-behind since 2011 and love the lifestyle. We would like a little more room, but when we look at bigger trailers we realize that we would need a bigger tow vehicle, since we are pushing the limits with what we have now. To do it right we would be looking at around $50,000 for a nice diesel 1-ton pickup, so we started looking at motor homes. We ran across a 2007 Phaeton 40 with only 9,000 miles on the clock, and really fell in love with it. NADA says that the mileage doesn't matter to the value of a diesel MH, amd the interior looks almost new. Just a few questions: 1) Is this a reasonable "step up" vehicle, since the biggest rig I've driven is our SUV/trailer combination? 2) Is there anything that needs special attention on a MH that hasn't been driven much? 3) Is there an equivalent to an independent inspection one would have a mechanic perform before buying a used car?

The Phaeton would replace our TT. We currently spend 7 weeks in Florida in the winter and about 30 days the rest of the year locally in 3 and 4 day chunks. It would also be our "someday" trip vehicle, possibly a coast-to-coast jaunt during which we would be between sticks-and-bricks houses.

I hope this doesn't hijack the thread, since we too are so happy we discovered this beautiful Tiffin. Wouldn't want to make folks upset with our very first post!

First let me say WELCOME to iRV2.com. I would say it is a VERY reasonable step up. I think the 2007 Phaeton is a fine coach, but would want to know more about why it was used so little, and what, if any PM was done during all those years of little use. LOT ROT is a real thing, and almost every thing on a coach benefits from regular use. You didn't mention the price, but remember it is now 7 model years old, and 1,000 miles per year isn't much exercise for a DP. I'm guessing all the fluids, and probably the tires too, need to be replaced....so that's about $6,000.00 right off the bat.

[ProjectPro]

... I think the 2007 Phaeton is a fine coach, but would want to know more about why it was used so little, and what, if any PM was done during all those years of little use. LOT ROT is a real thing, and almost every thing on a coach benefits from regular use. You didn't mention the price, but remember it is now 7 model years old, and 1,000 miles per year isn't much exercise for a DP. I'm guessing all the fluids, and probably the tires too, need to be replaced....so that's about $6,000.00 right off the bat...

Thanks for the suggestion! We talked the salesman today, and were told that this unit was bought by an elderly man who didn't get to use it for long due to declining health. He has died, and his heirs don't want it. The salesman said that the family is way upside down in the unit, but they are becoming more motivated recently. Furthermore, he agreed that tires and fluids should be replaced. The family has apparently turned down $110,000, but may regret doing so. He also asked us to consider gas units as well. I'll start a different thread for that discussion - it might stir up some lively, but off-topic, responses.

[edgray]

Originally Posted by ProjectPro

Thanks for the suggestion! We talked the salesman today, and were told that this unit was bought by an elderly man who didn't get to use it for long due to declining health. He has died, and his heirs don't want it. The salesman said that the family is way upside down in the unit, but they are becoming more motivated recently. Furthermore, he agreed that tires and fluids should be replaced. The family has apparently turned down $110,000, but may regret doing so. He also asked us to consider gas units as well. I'll start a different thread for that discussion - it might stir up some lively, but off-topic, responses.

From your reply, I'm assuming it is at a dealer's lot and apparently a consignment sale, so whatever a buyer may offer the family sees 90% of that amount. IF they actually turned down as the salesman says, it may have been because they would only net 99K and are just too upside down to take the hit. BUT, it isn't likely to get any better for them as I think 110K may actually be a little to much for an underused 07. Its a no-win for everybody. Good luck in your search for a better choice. Ed

[Trekkers]

Originally Posted by KJB

My only concern with our 36LA is the fact that it has over 200 cu ft of storage. I am fearful my loving wife is going to find “stuff” to fill it.

Stuff always expands to fill the available space. This is parallel to the axiom that the expenses always rise to meet the available income.
Irene

[B Bob]

Project Pro - You could likely do better than 6000 for tires and fluids change. That is something you could request the seller pay. I did when I bought our coach used 4 years ago. Lot rot is for real. Slide seals don't like not being used and many other coach items. You might consider asking the seller to pay for a good extended warranty. I did when I bought and seller did pay.

What is NADA low retail? $110,000 for a 40' 2007 coach like that does not seem all that pricy.

I do not think it is too big a step up. We went from a 1975 GMC motorhome that was 26' to our Country Coach 42'. For me it took a while to learn lane placement in the big class A. You sit a lot higher in a big class A than a truck or class C. But now I really like driving a DP. You have not said if the coach drives well. Have you driven it yet? If not you should do that soon to see if you like it.

There are lots of Phaetons out on the road so lots of people must like them. There have been a couple of zingers on Tiffins you want to make sure you don't get with this coach. Wall delamination and basement floor issues I think are two prominent ones. But better you hear this from Tiffin owners and not me. I am going by memory and mine is notoriously bad. If you buy a coach with those issues you better like traveling to Red Bay AL. But there are loads of loyal Tiffin owners so must be a good coach.