Community Forums

bamaboy473 · 07-28-2015, 05:42 AM

Yes, I know that a Cummins 400 can run a lot of miles, IF we knew everything about it from the beginning. We don't, so........

I'm looking at a 2003 Intrigue Ovation 42' tag with a good number of miles that's been owned by an elderly guy for less than a year. No records. Coach will sell for at least $20K less than NADA low retail. Oil changed 6 months ago, tires will be due for changing within 2 years, owner states coach is clean and looks good. Elderly guy, doesn't seem to need the money (he bought it for a trip to AZ and back, and then parked it)

My plan would be to bring it home to AL, change oil and do an analysis, then proceed to make everything correct unless the analysis showed something terminal (but I would have already driven the coach 800 miles, so ought to know that already).

My question is what are known problems with that age, or that model? What to look for specifically, or expect?

Peralko · 07-28-2015, 07:39 AM

Our coach has almost 169,000 miles on it, and is still going strong. Just got back from a 5,000 mile trip, and no oil used. Except for the fact we want a coach with added features, our coach would serve us until we are in the grave! It is just a matter of maintaining the coach.

Smitty77 · 07-28-2015, 09:35 AM

No maintenance history, means doing due diligence on a pretty thorough inspection. Hoses, belts, figure all items not marked with a date of last service (Some shop techs right the date of a new filter, for example.) - would mean preventative maintenance would be needed. Testing of coolant quality. Transmission fluid, if not changed in the past to Transyn, would need a good look too. Generator, same comments about service.

My basic rule, is if it is not documented by receipts, don't take the risk that it was done. (Now, I've used personal judgment after talking with an owner of a a vehicle that shows obvious signs of good care. If they say the change the oil, or transmission fluid, etc. - I've been known to take a risk in trusting them. Especially if I see a garage or work area that reflects obvious usage

!).

But, I suspect you knew all of this. The problem of buying this without an oil analysis, is by the time you drive it home and do it, it could be too late. Even writing this into a contract as a condition of purchase, is iffy, once you drive off. Maybe make and agreement with the gent, that you'll take and extended few hundred mile test drive, and pull a sample then?

I wish you luck. And a bargain price, can easily turn into an expensive opportunity

!

Smitty

bobioknight · 07-28-2015, 09:58 AM

They are built to last and she's just getting broke in.

bobioknight · 07-29-2015, 07:57 AM

Have the oil sample from both engine and transmission tested. It's easy and cheap insurance. It will tell you all you need to know about the drive train. The metals In The oil determine what internal parts are going bad. Pistons, bearings, etc... That's all I needed to know when buying my older coach with no maintenance records. Hoses and belts, well that's all small items that you should replace at time of purchase anyway.

bamaboy473 · 07-30-2015, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobioknight

Have the oil sample from both engine and transmission tested. It's easy and cheap insurance. It will tell you all you need to know about the drive train. The metals In The oil determine what internal parts are going bad. Pistons, bearings, etc... That's all I needed to know when buying my older coach with no maintenance records. Hoses and belts, well that's all small items that you should replace at time of purchase anyway.

Good news, bad news. The seller wanted to present the coach as best he could (good news), so a few weeks before this he had the oil/filter changed, and a full chassis lube. Can't pull analysis at this stage.

Looks like a gamble based on talking to him. He seems quite sincere.

**pasdad1** · 07-30-2015, 10:47 AM

Ask to take it on an extended test drive - 50 miles or more. THEN pull an oil sample.....obviously won't tell the whole story...but should rule out catastrophic engine problems. Your test drive would also show up any unusual noises, overheating issues, etc.

bamaboy473 · 07-30-2015, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pasdad1

Ask to take it on an extended test drive - 50 miles or more. THEN pull an oil sample.....obviously won't tell the whole story...but should rule out catastrophic engine problems. Your test drive would also show up any unusual noises, overheating issues, etc.

I'm going to ask him to take it to a diesel shop and let them give it a look-over. Since they're in the business, they will know whether it sounds and feels right or not.

Good suggestion.

Peralko · 07-30-2015, 05:11 PM

When I had the transmission oil changed earlier this year, the service manager didn't think much of an oil analysis on the transmission. If the fluid has overheated, that is pretty obvious. Caterpillar, on the other hand, do an oil analysis with each change, which is nice. Will have it changed in a couple of weeks, and any prospective buyer can get a copy of the result, as well as the last one.

bobioknight · 08-02-2015, 10:30 AM

Is the rv located near the 10 and 215? If so there is a truck terminal that helped me determine if our coach had any issues, they only check out drive train but they see lots of coaches and trucks. They will be able to give you good advice and an ideas of costs to fix if there are problems.

bamaboy473 · 08-02-2015, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobioknight

Is the rv located near the 10 and 215? If so there is a truck terminal that helped me determine if our coach had any issues, they only check out drive train but they see lots of coaches and trucks. They will be able to give you good advice and an ideas of costs to fix if there are problems.

...and that would be where? Can you recall the name of the place that helped you?

My plan is to have the coach go into the shop tomorrow and I won't be going to pick it up for several weeks; giving them enough time to inspect, consult, order parts and repair. Anyway, that's the plan.

bobioknight · 08-03-2015, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamaboy473

...and that would be where? Can you recall the name of the place that helped you?

My plan is to have the coach go into the shop tomorrow and I won't be going to pick it up for several weeks; giving them enough time to inspect, consult, order parts and repair. Anyway, that's the plan.

Colton truck terminal, at the 10 & 215 junction. Ed is very knowledgeable and helpful.

bamaboy473 · 08-03-2015, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobioknight

Colton truck terminal, at the 10 & 215 junction. Ed is very knowledgeable and helpful.

....and that would be where? Come on, man, we all don't travel the same roads that you do.

bobioknight · 08-04-2015, 04:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamaboy473

....and that would be where? Come on, man, we all don't travel the same roads that you do.

Easy Tiger... Colton Truck Tetminal, in the city of Colton, California at the 10 and 215 freeways junction. I am not sure if the address or gps coordinates but I am sure if you google the name there will be plenty if info for you there.