Hello

[jacwjames]

Have you looked at any coaches yet. The difference in quality and construction is significant. I would suggest you use the next 4-5 months to visit as many dealers as possible to see which brand/model appeals to you. For the money you are thinking of spending you can buy a high quality late model coach.

Look at as many floor plans as possible, find a couple that appeals to you and then narrow the search. There are used coaches out there that you can pick up at a good price and you won't take a beating on a new one.

If possible test drive several of these coaches to get an understanding of the drive and ride. Some of the chassis ride better then others, if they have air bags it will make a big difference.

Pay attention to weight and carrying capacity. If you plan to take long trips you need more CCC. If you intend to do any boon docking you need fresh, gray, and black water capacity. It helps to have solar charging for batteries also.

Good Luck

[RogerG]

Thanks for all the information. I have been to six rv dealers in south Florida. I live on Marco island. I originally was just going to buy a new coach. Something that stickered around 300k that I could get for close to 200k. They sure are pretty, however I constantly saw problems.... Doors not shutting. Misalignments, underpowered in some cases, etc, etc. so I started looking at used.
For us it will just be the two of us traveling plus our spoiled 13 lb lap dog "Riley". We plan on traveling about 8 months per year.
My other must have. It must be able to support a 1000 lb motorcycle and and lift. Some of the salesman told me " it can tow 10,000 lbs so you're fine". I attempted to explain the difference but realized I was just wasting my time. They are trying to make a living and to do so, they have to sell!!
Currently looking at Country Coach magna and affinity. Years 2005-2008. Hopefully I'll find what I'm looking for. When dealing with used coaches, are the prices listed inflated similar to the msrp of new ones?

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by RogerG

Thanks for all the information. I have been to six rv dealers in south Florida. I live on Marco island. I originally was just going to buy a new coach. Something that stickered around 300k that I could get for close to 200k. They sure are pretty, however I constantly saw problems.... Doors not shutting. Misalignments, underpowered in some cases, etc, etc. so I started looking at used.
For us it will just be the two of us traveling plus our spoiled 13 lb lap dog "Riley". We plan on traveling about 8 months per year.
My other must have. It must be able to support a 1000 lb motorcycle and and lift. Some of the salesman told me " it can tow 10,000 lbs so you're fine". I attempted to explain the difference but realized I was just wasting my time. They are trying to make a living and to do so, they have to sell!!
Currently looking at Country Coach magna and affinity. Years 2005-2008. Hopefully I'll find what I'm looking for. When dealing with used coaches, are the prices listed inflated similar to the msrp of new ones?

Hey Roger,

We are just up the road from you in Fort Myers. We have been full timers for over 7 years now and 8 years ago we were looking for exactly what you are looking for. We didn't need the 1000 pound hitch but ended up with a coach that had it anyway.

You are in the self education/fact finding phase of your search. I recommend that you make some decisions based on your expectations and intended use. I will recommend one requirement. With the motorcycle/lift requirement you will need a tag axle. From the coaches you named, you have decided on diesel. Again, that is good because of the hitch requirement. In the year range you mentioned, the TVs will be due for replacement if they haven't been already. Prior owner maintenance is key on a used coach so look for records if they are available.

If you buy a coach with "good bones" then an interior remodel can do wonderful things.

Good luck in you search.



Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

[Peralko]

Originally Posted by RogerG

Thanks for all the information. I have been to six rv dealers in south Florida. I live on Marco island. I originally was just going to buy a new coach. Something that stickered around 300k that I could get for close to 200k. They sure are pretty, however I constantly saw problems.... Doors not shutting. Misalignments, underpowered in some cases, etc, etc. so I started looking at used.
For us it will just be the two of us traveling plus our spoiled 13 lb lap dog "Riley". We plan on traveling about 8 months per year.
My other must have. It must be able to support a 1000 lb motorcycle and and lift. Some of the salesman told me " it can tow 10,000 lbs so you're fine". I attempted to explain the difference but realized I was just wasting my time. They are trying to make a living and to do so, they have to sell!!
Currently looking at Country Coach magna and affinity. Years 2005-2008. Hopefully I'll find what I'm looking for. When dealing with used coaches, are the prices listed inflated similar to the msrp of new ones?

I peruse RVT.com and RVonline.com and some others regularly. Check these sites out--you will find similar coaches in the years you are looking at priced as much as $100k apart. Most of the time coaches listed by dealers can be heavily discounted if their price is high relative to others, those with low prices not so much. I recently saw a CC Affinity advertised for $230k, a very good price, but it is no longer listed--I presume it was sold. Motorhomes of Texas in Nacogdoches, TX have very attractive prices--don't know if they will discount. Motorhome Specialist in Alvarado, TX also have good prices, but say they won't discount. Buddy Gregg in Knoxville, TN advertised a 2008 CC Affinity for less than $300k, then shortly after posting the coach they jacked the price up by $200k!
Good luck and have fun looking!

[RogerG]

After doing more research, I've decided that I really do need a tag axle to safely use a lift for my motorcycle. Accordingly, I've increased my search to 45' coaches. Found some older Newells I really like. Any reasons to stay away from a 10-12 year old Newell? Also, how does one find reputable RV inspectors in various locations The coaches I'd like to look at are spread all over the country. I think I'd rather have it inspected before I incur the travel costs to visit these units personally. Is that how its done ? All new to me.

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by RogerG

After doing more research, I've decided that I really do need a tag axle to safely use a lift for my motorcycle. Accordingly, I've increased my search to 45' coaches. Found some older Newells I really like. Any reasons to stay away from a 10-12 year old Newell? Also, how does one find reputable RV inspectors in various locations The coaches I'd like to look at are spread all over the country. I think I'd rather have it inspected before I incur the travel costs to visit these units personally. Is that how its done ? All new to me.

This site might be of help:

http://nrvia.org/


Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

[Buzz202]

Just bought our first class A.
Seems like u have the right idea, buying used is a great idea as u get to meet the owner or owners. get all the history u can. Service records, and above all owners manual and log.
Check the forums for the make your considering. Many on line check list
Bob Mlb4202000@gmail.com

[Gordon Dewald]

IMO buying new or used has equal opportunities for peril.

Buying new you pay more but theoretically have a warranty to get you through the initial concerns.

Buying used has the risk of buying a pig with a nice coat of lipstick. Unless the folks are moving up to a larger coach or retiring from the game altogether there is the chance they are getting rid of it because there are issues. Service records notwithstanding.

Purchasing each has benefits or drawbacks depending upon the luck of the draw. Most times you will get a satifactory unit but there is always the chance of a not so good one.

Hopefully in either case you will enjoy your unit.

[DD788Snipe]

IMHO used DP is the way to go for your budget. Newmar builds a quality rig. Still in business, great customer service. Even if you buy used & out of warranty you are treated like family. Build quality is awesome. Dutch Star or Mountain Aire are beautiful rigs. Tiffin's are built closer to you in Red Bay AL. Their Allegro Bus is a great rig also and great customer service too. Good luck and welcome to the awesome world of RVing.

[Gordon Dewald]

Issue with older rigs may be difficulty in getting parts. Hopefully that is not a problem but very few manufacturers stock parts for 10 year old RV's.