Community Forums

Rvdadof3 · 12-08-2022, 09:28 AM

Hey,
Hope y’all are well. I am very seriously considering purchasing a motor coach for my wife and 3 kids to see this great country in. I hoping someone on here can give me some advice on the one I’m currently looking at. It’s a 2001 Newmar mountainaire. It has 2 slides, 350 Cummins, Spartan chassis. It has had back 2 air bags replaced, front boot and ball joints replaced, manifold was cracked so it was reapaired (or replaced actually not sure), 3 years ago it was remodeled ( stripped out carpet, redid cabinets, tankless on demand water heater, new residential frig., new window coverings, outside TV added), tires are two years old, this is second owner but bought it only a couple years used and have every service record from both owners and super thorough. It is currently undergoing a front to back top to bottom professional inspection. The only negative that I can see is that it has 100,000 miles and of course is over 20 years old. However, it is been stored inside a climate controlled storage unit unless it was being used. The outside looks absolutely perfect. I was hoping to hear from someone that owned the same or very similar coach. That could tell me things that commonly go wrong that I need to look out for before I buy or be aware of if I do buy. Very much appreciate any feedback.

TandW · 12-08-2022, 09:33 AM

Welcome aboard!

Skip426 · 12-08-2022, 09:40 AM

Welcome to iRV2.

And possibly the Newmar family.

From your post, and list of upgrades/repairs and having service records, I'd say this coach sounds like a great find.
The usual failures of a 20 year old coach have been dealt with.
Fridge, WH , tires etc.
Radiator would be the only concern.
Maintained the motor and trans at 100K should have years and many miles of reliable service remaining.
Unless the inspection turns up a major issue, I'd be setting myself in the drivers seat and heading out on the road.

MSHappyCampers · 12-08-2022, 09:58 AM

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We’re sure glad you joined the gang here!

Get out there and kick some tires!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Rvdadof3 · 12-08-2022, 06:54 PM

Thank you for your feedback. I hope to make a decision soon.

Rev. Roy · 12-09-2022, 10:58 AM

I hope the professional inspection includes testing all the fluids. The100,000 miles isn't bad for a 20 year old diesel. That's only 5k per year. My only concern might be the 350 hp being under powered but that's me.

DandyDon · 12-09-2022, 01:52 PM

Sounds like something definitely worth considering. I have an 05 Essex with 115 k and don't have much concern about that mileage. As to 350 hp being underpowered as was mentioned, I previously had a 99 Gulfstream with 350 Cummins and it seemed to have sufficient power. You're not gonna climb big mountains at breakneck speed but few coaches can. Good luck in your search!

Radioman · 12-09-2022, 02:33 PM

Our first Motorhome was a 2001 Mountain Air and we loved it. It was built extremely well. We bought a new 2008 Mountain Air in 2007 and now it has 180,000 miles. It looks almost as good today as the day we took delivery. Don't let the miles or age scare you if the unit has been well maintained and used. The key is well maintained. Your inspector will be able to shed light on any weak spots or maintenance items.