Community Forums

tbbg II · 10-04-2015, 07:34 AM

Old and reliable rarely are used in the same sentence regarding motorhomes. Especially motorhomes that have been neglected. There are several systems that will wear out due to use, misuse and/or nonuse. Finding parts for old units can be a frightening experience. Having said that, I like my old coach. But I no longer think it was a great bargain. I hope most of the derferred maintenance and repair issues have been identified, but new surprises are frequent. Unless you are quite handy, and have a strong budget, you may wish to keep looking.

It can certainly be frustrating, but each one you look at will give you more information which will be valuable.

"007" · 10-04-2015, 07:50 AM

Welcome to the forum if you decide to stick with the Newmar lineup for a used coach I have links below in my signature to answer many of your questions on a Newmar.
There are many good used Newmars on the market that people have been purchasing lately that will put this one to shame because of the neglect, tires are a priority on a used coach so need to be looked at first. Michelins will give many years of good service if taken care of.

Jim T. · 10-04-2015, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VP Chianese

Are you dealing with Camping World in Clayton or is this the lot that is on 70 before Goldsboro?

We are presently at the State Fair grounds in Raleigh. We will be at the Cooper's RV campgrounds on Bus 70 in Clayton starting Tuesday. If you need help look us up. We will be glad to help.

You do not want to deal with a dealer that starts off lying.

You buy sewer hoses at CW, not motorhomes.

Jim & Shirley & Abbie (Scottie)
2013 Newmar Canyon Star 3911
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Toad

Dutchstar08 · 10-04-2015, 08:08 AM

If the coach has been that badly neglected I would be very concerned with the entire running gear, Engine, Transmission, Breaks, Shocks, etc.
It the roof was so bad I'm sure you have hidden structural damage.
RUN RUN RUN !!!!!!! and don't look back

Eilatan · 10-04-2015, 09:25 AM

Since I found an interesting Monaco, figured I'd go check out their forum. One of the top stickies implies "let's see if we can beat the newmar folks in mods.". Little bit of a rivalry going on?

allynne · 10-04-2015, 11:22 AM

I'm sure if you don't walk away from this one you will be sorry for the length of the loan. There are plenty of good used Newmar's out there. Keep looking.

Al Sawyer
'05 Mt. Aire

CoachC · 10-04-2015, 03:29 PM

Welcome Eilatan!
After looking at a 03 Dutch Star 4007 we really liked the quality and the floor plan. Prior to that time we were looking at 5th wheels and Class A coaches. About 3 years of RV shows, dealers and web searches (including this very helpful site).
We were bent on the DSDP in the 02 - 04 range. I had financing in place for 3 different coaches that all appeared to be "the one". For various reasons none worked out. Usually sold before I would pull the trigger. We looked at a couple of Mountain Aires which were a bit older in our price range. I was looking at an 03 MADP at a local dealer at the same time as another gentleman. He made an offer to buy to the dealer before I even got inside to ask some questions. Another one gone.

I was pretty unhappy and it must have shown. the sales manager told about a Kountry Star they just took in and had not yet advertised but were prepping for sale. It was a 2005 model and pretty close to our price range. Model 3907 was very similar to the original Dutch Star.
We made an offer, dealer countered and we accepted. Not exactly what we initially were looking for but very clean with low miles and mechanically sound. We have only been out 2 times so far but everything has worked perfectly.
Very long story short, be patient, keep researching develop a relationship with a couple of dealers and have them search. I still get an occasional email telling me of another coach in my price range.
There are indeed plenty of fish in the sea.
Good luck in your search!

Rick & Sue
2005 KSDP 3907
Michigan

"007" · 10-04-2015, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eilatan

Since I found an interesting Monaco, figured I'd go check out their forum. One of the top stickies implies "let's see if we can beat the newmar folks in mods.". Little bit of a rivalry going on?

Not to much now because their top mod person is now over here "Dutch Star Don" you can check his DSDP Mod's in QT's # 3 along with a few other people.

aschuh53 · 10-04-2015, 06:18 PM

ilooked at the one at cw in clayton NC low milage but walked away very bad feeling.seen to many problems in less then 5 minutes. Roof leaks for one Also had very bad smell like mold or something

Eilatan · 10-04-2015, 08:51 PM

Yes, Aschuh that's the one. They told me they had to completely redo the roof from inside out in the front. The front 3 ceiling sections are new. It did smell a little musty when 1st going in but I attributed that to being closed up. I guess I should call them tomorrow and cancel the sale. I'm not in a rush since my current contract goes till mid December, but I need to have something by then cause I plan to go to Florida next.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

spinn · 10-05-2015, 12:05 PM

Eilatan welcome to the forum and to the group. I think you have received some excellent advice, one other thing you may want to check. As the coach had water damage, make sure it wasn't written off by an insurance company. If it was you can run into lots of extra work

aschuh53 · 10-05-2015, 02:43 PM

Eilatan if you want Im here in NC you can give me a call if you would like I know where I bought mine and the people was great and the price was al so good PM me Ill give you my cell

Eilatan · 10-28-2015, 02:47 PM

Thank you everyone for your advice. I did walk away from buying the dutch star. I am now the happy new owner of a 97 HR Endeavor 37 WDS. The buying experience couldn't have been more night vs day. I made some new contacts for service though not exactly in my back yard. The coach is clean, runs great and the price was even lower. I'm heading to Fla mid December for my next contract. My pets will have a place that's more like home and I'll have real furniture!

Here's a couple pics.

tomgauger · 10-28-2015, 04:24 PM

One more thing to add to this mix: The tires.
Tread life is rarely an issue with RV's as they don't get the same amount of mileage as an automobile.
Those tires are waaay past useful life if made in 2004. Check to DOT info on the tires.
The last four digits indicate the week of the year they were made. "5011" means the 50th week of 2011. Four or years is considered "useful life" on RV tires. Sidewall deterioration is the problem due to sunlight and UV. If you look closely at your tires and see cracking, the tires are toast. I would walk away unless they are giving you new tires.