New gas or used diesel?

[joemorr]

New to motorhome ownership, purchased a used 2006 Fourwinds (Thor) gas class "A" 35 ft motorhome about 4 months ago, and now have the bug, and want to move up. We are going to look at "new" gas Thor ACE/Windspost at our local RV dealer, they are selling in $75,000 to $85,000 range, but also considering "used" upscale, top name diesel pushers in the same price range that are 6-10 years old. Please give some opinions from those that have much more experience then I do on which way to go!! Retired now and will be using the motorhome several times per year and will winter in Florida. New sounds good due to repair free for a long time but we will be pulling our jeep with us and concerned about the gas motor, but 10 year old used scares me too.

[plasma800]

Once you drive a diesel, your mind will be made up

I wouldn't quite say that New is better... lot's of new rv's spend the first 6 months to a year in the shop getting fixed... If I were considering a new gas unit it would be a Newmar Canyon Star.

You'll want to heavily research Thor ACE and some owners.

Were it me, and you asked I would spring for the 6 year old DP, and I'd stay at least 20% under my budget as a hold back for likely repairs.

[Atom Ant]

You don't have to go quite that old if you don't want. We set our line in the sand at it had to have flat TVs. Not that we couldn't change the older style but that seemed to be the mark we were comfortable with.

We briefly looked at new gassers, but had the same concern towing. New DPs can be had for a good price if you shop hard, but a lot of bang for the buck in used and you can get a bigger or better than you might of with new.

One factor for us - Colorado registration is really high the first 5 years (probably why we have so many tax evaders). 2.5% of MSRP first year above and beyond other taxes, then it goes down 5% a year I think. Its nice to be on the downslope of that curve.

[Plasticman]

We rented two gas powered RVs before deciding on buying a used DP. I really enjoy driving the diesel vs. the gas powered RV. The ride is WAY BETTER in the DP. In the end, my wife and I are very happy with our decision.

Rob

[ByeTheWay]

I made that decision several years ago. I bought my first Diesel Pusher, and Love it. It is a Newmar product, more power, better braking, more comfort, solid wood cabinets, real ceramic tile on the floor, does not sound like your in a tin roofed shed when it rains. Fuels from either side. Side radiator. Air suspension and brakes, Endless hot water w/ Hydro-Hot. This was the right choice for us.

[MSHappyCampers]

Go for a used diesel! You will never regret it!

Make a list of models that are within your budget. Research those models, asking for experiences of others on IRV2 that have them, know problems that are associated with that model, etc. This will time well spent!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Ranger Smith]

I would go for a used diesel before I would go for any Thor ACE. I don't think you will be happy with it. You can find some really used pushers for that kind of money.

[Atom Ant]

Originally Posted by Ranger Smith

You can find some really used pushers for that kind of money.

or less used (you probably meant really good used)

[TMan59]

We went with a (at the time) 12 year old Monaco Windsor and have had no, I repeat, no regrets.
Frankly wouldn't trade it for any new Gas or most new DPs.
If and when we do move to a newer coach, at this time it would be a Newmar Dutch Star.
Problem is we have to ask why, other than mileage.
So obviously our vote is a well maintained, well built coach 2002-2008.

[TAN]

We have never owned a diesel pusher but we have had a new gas. I would never buy a new motorhome again. New means trying and I say trying to have things fixed.

[nothermark]

I will never say a dp is not a better unit overall. What I will say is that I will probably never go there because I don't want to be fixing the old one as systems age out and I understand that there are more systems to need repair so the potential for the unit to turn into a money pit is an issue. I also do not want to upgrade to a higher class drivers license because of the weight rating. A high end gas unit will solve our problems for less money and a lower cost of ownership while wandering around with our Escape in tow. I can live without the air suspension and a lot of the extra features. YMMV, think about what you really are ready to deal with when something breaks.

[epj]

We just sold our 14 yo gas Holiday Rambler and bought an 11 yo diesel Phateon. The HR was a very nice coach. Low miles and everything worked as advertised. The Phaeton is a 40' vs the 36' HR. The ease of driving the bigger coach is amazing. The HR didn't drive badly, the DP is just so much easier. Ride is better, the "feel" is better. The gas model was probably cheaper to operate overall. I would not go back.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by joemorr

Retired now and will be using the motorhome several times per year and will winter in Florida.

We loved our diesel but we full-timed in it and traveled constantly.

Since yours would sit in the winter and then you'll only drive it several times a year, I'd stick with the gas you have now. A diesel WILL be more expensive to maintain. Why go there if you're not using it more than you plan?

[John Jones]

I would look at the diesel. Drive each one and your mind will be made up.