Community Forums

ja0aa047 · 01-04-2014, 02:38 PM

Last summer we looked at a 2007 36 ft Winnebago Suncruiser Workhorse chassis with 7,007 miles on it. Drove great, looked clean. Asking $69K. Just found the rig again at the same dealer $20k cheaper. Too good to be true? What should I be paying attention to? Which way to run. Toward or away?

Pepper2 · 01-04-2014, 02:49 PM

Google the make and model to see what the rest of the world is asking. $20K is a big price swing.

jamesrxx951 · 01-04-2014, 02:56 PM

I would verify online to see what current values are. It may be a motorhome that just didn't sell for no real reason. However thoroughly inspect it. Look for water damage, soft walls, make sure everything works including black tank flushing lines, etc. Even have someone go over it. I would drive it at least 20 miles to make sure you are happy with the powertrain. The motorhome my wife and purchased this spring sat for a while also. The dealer dropped the price considerably. I had to do some minor things to it but it was expected. Overall we are very happy with it and the price we paid.

Bfmorgan · 01-04-2014, 02:59 PM

This is the tough part of trying to buy....is it too good of a deal? If this is a consignment maybe the owner needs cash. $20K drop is big if the unit was priced right in the first place.You never know how well the dealer did on the trade-in or purchasing it at wholesale. I would expect a dealer might wholesale it instead of dropping the price $20K unless they put a lot of money into fixing problems.

gemini5362 · 01-04-2014, 03:38 PM

When I bought my allegro bus it had been priced 20 thousand above what the listed price was before I looked at it. The unit had been on their lot for a while and they wanted to sell it. When I bought it they came down another 8 thousand off of that. So I received a 28000 dollar drop from the price it was posted at the week before. Sometimes dealers just want to make room for other models or maybe to get inventory off of lots for tax reasons etc.

Stan.Birch · 01-04-2014, 03:52 PM

This is the slow time of year when dealers are aggressively dumping anything they can get rid of, to avoid having to store it over the winter duldrums.

Also a good time of year to come in with stink bid; leave your name, address and phone, and let it sit with them for a few days. See what kind of counter-offer they come back with.

Since it's a Winnebago, check the sides for delamination, with extreme care.

gruelens · 01-04-2014, 04:53 PM

I have purchased 2 used MHs over the last 10 years. My first step is always consulting the RV Consumer Group guide for rating info. If it rates poorly there I do not even pursue it. The guide is the best 78 bucks I spent (compared to the cost of the coach.)

rv.org

The online blue book price guides can then be another benchmark to work from. Note........ if the dealer's lot is covered in snow it can be a very slooow time for them.

Pusherman · 01-04-2014, 05:30 PM

Assume with such low miles that it will need a full fluid service; coolant, engine oil, transmission, rear end, brake fluid plus all filters. Put back about $1500-$2000 to have it serviced.

Also, you may be looking at new tires. Chances are the tires are going on 8 years old. Bank $3K on tires, and you should have some change left over.

Otherwise, if the coach is in good condition, and the price is within the range of NADA retail, then go for it. Winnebago is a good brand.

tuffr2 · 01-04-2014, 06:22 PM

I kinda keep my eye on the prices for a 2008 Winnebago 38T. I can buy a 38T for about 75k. Maybe 72k.

That means your deal is not bad at all. I would run toward it. If it checks out clean go for it.

ja0aa047 · 01-05-2014, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pusherman

Assume with such low miles that it will need a full fluid service; coolant, engine oil, transmission, rear end, brake fluid plus all filters. Put back about $1500-$2000 to have it serviced.

Also, you may be looking at new tires. Chances are the tires are going on 8 years old. Bank $3K on tires, and you should have some change left over.

Otherwise, if the coach is in good condition, and the price is within the range of NADA retail, then go for it. Winnebago is a good brand.

All sounds reasonable. Can't really find anything on the .www that compares. Below N.A.D.A. Maybe new belts too. I am thinking it deserves another look. thanks to all for the input!

SuperGewl · 01-06-2014, 12:47 AM

Blue book list for $69k to $84K for that model. As someone said it will need all fluids changed if there is no record of it getting done lately. Make sure you check the date code on the tires this will be the most costly thing you will need right off the bat. If you decide to deal on this, then see if you can get new tires included I the price or at least Dealer cost installed.

mvpmich · 01-06-2014, 02:17 PM

I agree with Pusherman and SuperGewl. While you might not get any consideration for tires you might get the dealerships to perform a good portion of the necessary maintenance items that can be done in-house. Don't worry why they are selling it or dropping the price if you think the price is right and you don't find any serious deficiencies. You might try to get an extended warranty if you are really concerned.