How old is too old?

[Samdon]

I bought a 1994 American Eagle 38A last year and, given my serious attraction to all things vintage, it feels almost too modern for me. Compared to all the newer(and new) coaches we viewed prior to buying; it is built like a brick outhouse. For reference, my daily driver is a 1976 Mercedes 280 and I drive a Ponton on the weekends. The only new vehicle we have belongs to my wife and I avoid driving it if at all possible. No soul. It is a good kid-mobile, though.

It is an effective but comparatively simple machine. Mechanical Cummins C8.3, no slides to fail, non-inverter Onan, etc. AC included many features standard in 1994 that some mid-range coaches still have available only as extra cost items today. It has been faithful to us as have I to it maintenance-wise. I expect it to stay with us until I'm tired of looking at it and/or find an older Wanderlodge with my name on it.

I have had to make a few modifications like digital TV's and the like to bring it up to snuff. But, I have had zero mechanical systems failures over 20k miles.

So, I like the older stuff....no question about that. I'd drive a new coach if someone gave it to me but I dare say I'd probably never buy one. Many of them sure are pretty but I like to have as few failure points to deal with as possible for any required function.

Here's a vote for older but you might want to do what your DW requests. My experience suggests that's one you might possibly win in the short term but those battles are rarely short lived and any issue that popped up on a pre-2007 coach would surely be due to its age, etc. We can never truly win, you know.

Sam

[Billanderson]

Originally Posted by JSPERRELLA

My wife and I are in agreement about buying a diesel pusher motor home and leaning towards an Allegro Bus in the 40 foot range. But we are still having issues on the age of a motor home. We will be purchasing in the first quarter of next year. We anticipate going fulltime 12/12/12 as that will give us nine glorious days to enjoy before the end of the world on 12/21/2012. My wife says no older than 2007. I would consider older depending on the care, maintenance and amenities of the motor home. We would appreciate your comments and experiences.

I bought a 2005 country coach 18 months ago and it has been great, but it was in great shape when I bought it. Well built coach and a good price since it is a buyers market. Good luck

[nazoomer]

I have a real nice 89 Driftwood and is paid for only 55K DW would like a slide though

[GOLDWINGER2]

Originally Posted by RAGster

Different strokes for different folks. I like vintage.

That's a sweet bird.
J

[Automobilist]

Originally Posted by nazoomer

I have a real nice 89 Driftwood and is paid for only 55K DW would like a slide though

Geez, you could have got a very nice diesel pusher for that money. I only paid $49k for our 2002 Journey DL...

[Bug512]

Originally Posted by go6car

One thing I'll throw in here too: If you're planning on financing (all or part), check with the lenders first since several have restrictions on how old of a unit they'll finance. For example, I think Essex is 10 years old; Bank of America 5 years old, etc.. I know this is a personal decision (some pay cash, while some would rather keep the cash in the bank and finance instead), but helpful to know the parameters if you do want to go that route.

I"m still researching motorhomes too. Things I'm finding out is that you sincerely hope for a good build team on a new unit since you truly have no way to tell (it IS new after all); and condition/upkeep/maintenance vs. age of the older one take s precedence.

Great original question and one I also share!

Best of luck to you!

I was able to get financing from Bank of America on a used 2004 Winnebago Adventurer in November of 2010.
So it looks like they do financing on older then five years.

[wa8yxm]

Gee, I drive a 2005.. but then I got it in 2005

Actually, every time I read the title of this thread I think of a Song.

Bad Man's Blunder
By the Kingston Trio

you can hear it on You Tube

"The judge was an old man"
"Tool old"
"ninty three"
"Entierly too old"
"And I didn't like the way...... the jury looked at me"
"I think they were suspicious"

I won't tell you the rest If you look it up... prepare to laugh.. I actually have that album in storage.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by wa8yxm

Gee, I drive a 2005.. but then I got it in 2005.

Well, we have a 2002 but we bought it in 2002 and ordered it the way we wanted it with the idea it would be our last. So far so good!!

[GOLDWINGER2]

Originally Posted by nazoomer

I have a real nice 89 Driftwood and is paid for only 55K DW would like a slide though

Is that 5.5k or you bought it new for 55k?
J

[nazoomer]

Originally Posted by GOLDWINGER2

Is that 5.5k or you bought it new for 55k?
J

Sssorry 55K is the mileage 4444k was the price plus 3' to get it to pass .5 inspection.

[92hummer]

In January 2011 we bought a 1994 40' Monaco Crown Royale Signature. It had lived indoors except when on the road, has all the bells and whistles. Our philosophy has been to buy a top of the line older motorcoach instead of a new(er) coach without the bells & whistles.
Prior to this coach we owned a 36' 1992 300U Foretravel. Never had any trouble with either and have never had any regrets except not buying a 40' the first time.

[Senior Chief]

Sssorry 55K is the mileage 4444k was the price plus 3' to get it to pass .5 inspection.

Am I just extra dense? None of that makes sense except the mileage at 55k

[fkloster]

My coach is 20 years old and i take care of it. 94k miles and i will put 20 more years on it. Careful what advice you get because many gems are out there and some can be paid for quite easily...:



Its 40 feet long, can pull my 5,200 lb jeep with ease... and has plenty of oak and heavy tile. 325 cat has beautiful oil samples as well as its 'rock crusher' HT-747 4-speed Allison transmission!

Paid for with cash money because it was cheap because no one really wants (or understands) the value of a 20 year old oil burner.

It seems everyone out there in the market 'wants' to buy a coach with slides... so I decided to buy what no one wants to buy! (...alot cheaper)

[Billieg]

That's one good lookin coach!