Pending National RV Pacifica Purchase

[mackerman]

Good day all,

We've found a like new 07 Pacific 40B with 5k on it at a dealer with an asking price of 137K. We like this unit very much as it has a great floor plan and we like the basement storage layout. With all that has gone on in the industry and especially with National RV, what do YOU think? Is this a good buy?

FWIW, we're ok with the knowledge that National has gone under. We feel that the problems that will occur can be handled after market, or will likely be chassis/engine/tranny related and as such not a true "National" issue.

Please, your opinions count, as the collective voices of experience speak loudly in our camp.

(Previously posted on National Owners Forum)

[mackerman]

Good day all,

We've found a like new 07 Pacific 40B with 5k on it at a dealer with an asking price of 137K. We like this unit very much as it has a great floor plan and we like the basement storage layout. With all that has gone on in the industry and especially with National RV, what do YOU think? Is this a good buy?

FWIW, we're ok with the knowledge that National has gone under. We feel that the problems that will occur can be handled after market, or will likely be chassis/engine/tranny related and as such not a true "National" issue.

Please, your opinions count, as the collective voices of experience speak loudly in our camp.

(Previously posted on National Owners Forum)

[cannon man]

seems high to me. shop around. its a buyers market. ask your bank what they would loan on it and go from there.

[quikduk]

Cannon man is right. It is a buyers market and amaxing deals can be had everywhere. Don't settle and keep looking. Some owners/dealers are dropping their asking prices from $25K - $130K depending on the make and model.

Check out all of the RV sales sites online.

[Petro]

mackerman;

I would suggest you post your same question down at the National RV Owners Forum. Jestm13 is a Forum Leader and owns a Pacifica. I am sure he will be happy to add his thoughts on your question.

Don

[AFChap]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">We feel that the problems that will occur can be handled after market, or will likely be chassis/engine/tranny related and as such not a true "National" issue </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
The problems no doubt can be handled after market, but most will likely be house related rather than chassis issues. We've had our coach 5 years, and with the exception of a minor chassis recall item and an engine oil sender problem, ALL problems/issues have been coach related. Without the mfr warranty to back it up, I would expect a very significant discount from the dealer OR a full warranty from him.

[AKBrick]

Chassis issues don't come up as often as house issues, but when they do, they are expensive. House issues come up constantly. I'd make darn sure that the dealer that you buy it from gives you a full warrenty on it and does warrenty work. I would also make sure that they care that their customer is happy with thier work and not just trying to get them out of there and make way for the next rig.

Good luck,

AKBrick

[ABus]

Several things come to mind being a former Alfa owner. An accident requiring a new end cap is one. Warrantee work done while on the road away from the dealer is another. Most dealers are required by different state laws to provide warrantee on new vehicles. Some are titling the unit to themselves and selling as used with no warrantee (ie.as is). Most lenders will not finance on a motorhome built by a company that has gone out of business. Read the article in RV Business (.com) as an example of what is happening to buyers of MHs from companies that have gone out of business.
Be careful and good luck

[Jestme13]

Abus, can you post that article? I could benifit many.

[ABus]

I do not have permission to reproduce the article from a magazine but it is available in an article entitled "RVDA gives tips on dealing with Defunct OEMs". This appears in the June 26,2008, issue of www.rvbusiness.com. It can be read there. Search on "closed manufacturers". It is an article aimed at dealers, not consumers.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Lazy Days RV (Seffner, FL) has a new 08 Pacifica and a pair of 2007 used ones. Suggest you get a price quote on them and compare to the offer you have. I'm not saying they would be better or worse, but a comparative price is always a good thing to have in hand for negotiations. I think LD is offering a full warranty on their new NRV coaches.

I can also refer you to a good, "no pressure" salesman there if you are interested in getting a price - PM or email me for the name & phone.

[AFChap]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">available in an article entitled "RVDA gives tips on dealing with Defunct OEMs". This appears in the June 26,2008, issue of www.rvbusiness.com. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Found a link to the article there, but you have to register with name, email, etc AND certify that you are "a member of the RV industry or a related-media professional"

[Gary RVRoamer]

I'm an RV Business subscriber and have read the article - in my opinion there is little of interest to a buyer there. Basically it says the factory warranty is worthless and the dealer's sales contract probably says they have no responsibility to pay for warranty if the manufacturer does not. It also says that some lenders won't finance RVs from defunct manufacturers (but the dealer will surely know some who do, though rates might be a bit higher than otherwise).

[Explore America]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by mackerman:
Good day all,

We've found a like new 07 Pacific 40B with 5k on it at a dealer with an asking price of 137K. We like this unit very much as it has a great floor plan and we like the basement storage layout. With all that has gone on in the industry and especially with National RV, what do YOU think? Is this a good buy?

FWIW, we're ok with the knowledge that National has gone under. We feel that the problems that will occur can be handled after market, or will likely be chassis/engine/tranny related and as such not a true "National" issue.

Please, your opinions count, as the collective voices of experience speak loudly in our camp.

(Previously posted on National Owners Forum) </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Sounds like a good price for an '07 Pacifica! If you're concerned about the house specific parts availability(caps, etc.), you may want to confirm their availability with the contacts listed in this post .