Miles on older Cummins Diesel

[rrtribble]

I'm considering buying an older Monaco and having it brought up to like new condition. This vehicle has a 500 hp Cummins that was recently serviced - owner has it serviced at a Cummins center annually.

The vehicle has 97,000 miles. I was told that this is too many miles; that once you cross 100K it is almost impossible to resell. Looking for input.

Was considering checking with service center to see if compression check was completed and the readings; if not have one completed plus inspecting the chassis, brakes, hoses, belts, airbags, etc.

I'm also looking for an RV center close to Springfield, IL that can do a complete inspection on the coach electrical, AC, etc.

Any information is greatly appreciated.

[Gorlininc]

What's the asking price?

[barmcd]

I bought ours with over 100K on it. When you're looking at an older coach, condition, not miles are important.

[Conchasjim]

I have a 2003 Cummins and feel it only gets better with more miles. Currently at 150k.

[RVThere]

I have a 2006 Cummins ISL with 100k miles and it runs like a top but we did just invest $8500 into the engine.

Check the radiator and aftercooler for any rot or obstruction.

[rrtribble]

Does your have the DPF or straight exhaust?

[ByeTheWay]

I prefer older coaches. It is good to know the hours on the engine, which can be read from the diagnostic port. I use Silver Leaf for that: silverleafelectronics.com/node/1

[super_rep]

Whoever told you that 100,000 miles was end of life for an RV didn't know what they were talking about. We had a Beaver that had 154,000 miles when we sold it and the new owner put on almost 25,00 before he passed away. We now have a Monaco Signature with 114,000 miles and have no plans of selling. If it's a gas unit, I'd be a bit concerned, but a diesel with a CAT, Cummins, or Detroit will easily go to 1,000,000 miles if it is properly serviced. Both the CAT we had and the Detroit we now have really settled down and ran really well after about 80,000+ miles.

[JohnBoyToo]

for the right price, it can be a bargain....

and if you put another 100k on it, how much is that amount of use and fun worth?

[MSHappyCampers]

If the coach has been properly serviced then 97K is nothing! It's not unusual for folks to get 500K out of a Cummins engine! Ours had 84K when we bought it and 110K now. Runs like a sewing maching!

[cvbdsl]

"The vehicle has 97,000 miles. I was told that this is too many miles; that once you cross 100K it is almost impossible to resell. Looking for input."

Two things wrong with that statement, the first as many have confirmed is that 100K on a well serviced diesel engine is not worth worrying about. It should last many more miles.

The second part concerns reselling. If you are buying this to resell in a short period of time - don't buy. These are not investments by a long shot and the best value is keeping it for a long time. It will not be impossible to resell if in decent condition - just be reasonable on the price and don't expect your money back.

Chris

[vito.a]

Some good advice from previous posters.
The issue here is that NADA RV bluebook says to not use mileage when estimating value for a diesel coach. However, a dealer will definitely use mileage and will deduct as much as 50% from a 100k plus mileage coach.

Make sure you thoroughly understand what you are getting into. Be prepared to spend $10-20k on updating and remodeling.

Best of luck!

[kyfarmboy]

I can show many trucks with 900,000 + miles and still going strong. Only work ever done was adjust the valves

[JMonroe]

Our current neighbors have over 220,000 miles on their Cummins powered '97 Newmar Mountain Aire. They've owned it since new, it still looks new (although it was painted 10 years ago) and you could eat off the engine.

Like has already been said, condition, not age. Given proper maintenance you'll never wear out that engine, even starting at 97k.