Looking at 05 Providence

[Don and Kim]

Looking to move from a gas class A to a pusher. Found a 39s w/ 24K miles on it. We like the floorplan, coach appears clean. Looking for tips on what to check for. Somewhat hesitant about the maintenance requirements, plus tires are probably original. Its on a Spartan chassis w/ CAT 350 Hp. Also wondering what a fair price may be?
Thx, Don & Kim

[Daytripper63]

Before buying a new leftover 2008 Providence 40x last year I was looking at an 05 39s as well. I cant think of any problem item so to say and I dont believe the 05 uses the Powergear electric jacks, about the only thing I have had to do is put longer screws in the door hinges on a number of cabinets. Since it is an 05 I would guess to say that the previous owner took care of the little problems that arise when you buy a new coach. As for tires... I would do a very thorough inspection and for price I would offer around 75-85k and play it from there.

[stuhly]

We have a 39 L. Love it. Maint. not much worse than gas. Fuel mileage is about 7.5. Drives very well. Has hydralic jacks. Check the date code on tires. If you can agree on price to suit you, buy it.

[Gary RVRoamer]

You can check New Car Prices, Used Car Values, New Car Reviews & Car Buying Guides - NADAguides.com Official Site for an average retail price, but its only an indicator and not adjusted for local market demand or possible premium prices for popular models

[Craig P.]

We own a 2005 39J and love it. No unusual issues with the coach.

We bought our's used at an RV dealer in 2006, with 20K on the odometer. We were actually in the market for a year old Discovery, but came across the Providence in the same price range, so the decision was a no-brainer.

Before buying the coach, I told the salesman that I wanted to see all of the maintenance records. He contacted the original owner and discovered that all of the maintenance had been performed by Quinn Cat in Oxnard CA. He had Quinn Cat fax over all of the maintenance records for me. Everything looked fine so we made an offer and drove the coach home.

I personally have found maintenance on a diesel to be more intense and expensive than our last gas coach. More things need attention and the cost for those items is higher, simply because it's a diesel. I have also found an extended warranty to be a life saver. I bought mine on the internet, not from the dealer, and it paid for itself over a year ago. Some people hate them, but mine has been good to me.

Good luck!

Craig

[hondo122]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don and Kim Looking to move from a gas class A to a pusher. Found a 39s w/ 24K miles on it. We like the floorplan, coach appears clean. Looking for tips on what to check for. Somewhat hesitant about the maintenance requirements, plus tires are probably original. Its on a Spartan chassis w/ CAT 350 Hp. Also wondering what a fair price may be? Thx, Don & Kim

Are you sure it's on a Spartan not Freightliner? I have a 39S Discovery rides and handles well. The floor plan doesn't have much drawer space in the bedroom, I added some in the closet. Otherwise all is good

[Don and Kim]

Yes,got a copy of the build sheet, and it mentions Spartan chassis. From what I have read it would also have IFS.
Don

[Just Because]

We have the 39 L that we purchased last year. It had 12K for miles and we put another 10 on it last year. Great coach, was not too pleased with the outside kitchen, but after several trips we really enjoy having everything outside.

We paid 90K for ours from a dealer.

[Jobert]

If it is indeed the Spartan chassis and has the IFS, crawl underneath and check out the rubber boots on the front upper and lower ball joints. This is a known issue with the IFS and they did make some changes but not sure what year. They are non-greasable and the rubber disintegrates on the joint, leaving the only option as replacement at a Spartan authorized dealer for large dollars. Just another thing to check, hope you enjoy.
Happy Trails Bert