How Many is Too Many

[RVGal1]

Happy Independence Day All - We are looking for a DP to replace our old Lazy Daze class c and have found a very nice 1994 Beaver Patriot 33' Savannah with 149,000 miles for an asking price of $35,500. We are leaning toward a purchase but two things give us pause: 1) Is the price too high; 2) Is the mileage too high? I know diesels aren't really even broken in until 50,000 miles or so, but is 149,000, even if very well maintained, asking for problems? The engine might not be an issue, but what about everything else? Opinions and thoughts would be much appreciated. Thanks, Carol

[cb1000rider]

Carol,
I don't know that model, but the price sounds high to me. However, if the coach is indoor-kept and has complete records, I might reconsider.

One thing I do for pricing is to search traderonline for coaches of similar year range and model, nationwide... This will give you an idea of the asking price.

Someone else can chime in on the motor in that coach.... And perhaps that sort of mileage being on the transmission. I know it's well in range for commercial diesel motors, but someone else will know the details.

[jlfbatonrg]

MS Carol,

Sounds to me like the price is too high. You should be able to find several good quality coaches in the 1998-2002 range for that kind of money. Although 149,000 miles is not that bad, the newer diesels in the 1998-2002 range will have better fuel injection systems, and some level of electronic control. As an example, there is a 2000 Fleetwood Discovery 37G (one slide, washer/dryer), and all the extras with ~37000 miles for $39,500. It is advertised on the DOAI website. good luck in your search.

[TXiceman]

If the diesel has been maintained properly and there are maintenance records, consider the coach. As for the price, that is what they are asking....You can always offer less. So determine what it is worth and make an offer. Contact your bank and ask them what they show as a value.

Ken

[HarveyP]

The first motorhome we bought had a used price of $15,000 on it. I had seen one halfway across the country for $5500 that was similar. My wife kicked me when I offered $4000, and of course, the salesman said he just couldn't take an offer like that to his boss. I said fine and started to leave. More protests, but he did take the offer to the boss. He came back saying they couldn't take a penny less than $5000. The point is they can ask what they want, and you can offer what you want. You may find an acceptable number for both parties. Best of luck, HarveyP

[Cat320]

149k miles are not many for a diesel engine, but are a lot for a MH.

[RVGal1]

Thanks to all for the replies. I agree 149000 is okay for a well-maintained diesel engine, but are a LOT for a MH. We love the coach and will continue our search for one with less miles. This is a great site and I have learned much reading in here. We started out thinking we wanted a slide and that the National Tradewinds would be the coach for us. Now, after a ton of research and reading, we feel that a slide isn't a necessity, and in fact might be a liability. We love the quality in Beaver, Foretravel and Country Coach so are now fixated on a well kept mid-90s non-slide Beaver, either a Patriot or Monterey, either 33/34 or 36/37 in our budget range (under 30K).

Thanks again for the replies. When we find what we want we'll be back on here asking a whole lot of questions, probably. In fact, here's another question right now. Opinion, please, on exhaust brake vs Jake Brake. Why is one method better than the other. Thanks again, Carol.

[Mr_D]

Engine/trans should be good for 300,000 miles if maintained. So it's only half way used up.
Price is too high IMHO.
You should also add Newmar into your search as their quality is as good as Beaver and CC. Been through all three factories.