Community Forums

Jlemay · 06-09-2018, 06:18 PM

We found what we think is the perfect coach for us. There is a 2014 Winnebago Vista 31Ke with 4,900 miles and one with 32,000. The one with more mileage is $12,000 less. Obviously my dilemma is the price difference.

I understand the ultimate decision is ours, but I have learned so much from the people on this forum, that I would bounce this off of you. What are the not so obvious pros and cons? I am approved for financing on the more expensive coach.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

OCM · 06-09-2018, 06:33 PM

To me, it comes down to, I can put $12,000.00 into the one with 32k miles and break even. New set of tires =$3,000.00 Oil/filter change =$200.00 , detail/wash = $500.00 restock bar with premium liquor =$200.00 , and I'm still up $7900.00. But your idea of premium liquor may vary.

Jlemay · 06-09-2018, 07:03 PM

The premium liquor is not even a consideration. It will be stocked in either coach.

HamboneTHW · 06-09-2018, 07:19 PM

It really comes down to which coach is in better shape and has better record. You're looking at a gas model, so mileage is much more important than on a diesel. Do both have good maintenance records? Are these coaches at a lot or being sold privately?

To me, it's a lot more than money. We went the diesel pusher route, so to be in our price range, we were looking 12-17 years old. The shape, maintenance verification and buying from an individual were important to us.

That's just 2 cents from a newer owner and RVer.

Charlie 5320 · 06-09-2018, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jlemay

We found what we think is the perfect coach for us. There is a 2014 Winnebago Vista 31Ke with 4,900 miles and one with 32,000. The one with more mileage is $12,000 less. Obviously my dilemma is the price difference.

I understand the ultimate decision is ours, but I have learned so much from the people on this forum, that I would bounce this off of you. What are the not so obvious pros and cons? I am approved for financing on the more expensive coach.

Thank you in advance for your responses.

There is only $2500.00 difference in the coach with the difference in mileage. Is the 5000 mile coach really worth 10 grand more to YOU? If you use either coach in 2 years they will be worth the same. If the 32,000 mile coach was cared for it shouldn't be hurt, and myself is the one I would buy, if all else is the same.

NCC-1701A · 06-09-2018, 10:25 PM

I think Charlie 5320 is on the right path. $12,000 difference doesn't tell the whole story. The asking price on both was not mentioned. If one is grossly overpriced, you probably don't want to pay that amount for it regardless. If both are overpriced, you probably don't want either one. If both are underpriced and there's a $12,000 difference, then the initial question is valid, with the info given.

Tony Lee · 06-10-2018, 04:38 AM

My concern would be that the lower mileage rig hasn't been used enough to get all the normal warranty issues sorted out whereas at 30,000 miles anything that was going to fail, would have failed and been fixed.

Jlemay · 06-10-2018, 04:55 AM

It does look like the 32,000 coach is well cared for. Thank you for your response.

Sweetbriar · 06-10-2018, 05:18 AM

For any used rig you really need to look it over and inspect it from the zerk fittings on the front axle, how clean is the propane fridge boiler, to have the roof seals been looked after. Mileage only gives you part of the picture and not a very big part. For all you know the low mileage rig was parked year round at a campsite and used 240 nights a year while the higher mileage coach was out and back locally every other weekend plus summer vacation managing for 50 or so nights per year average. Or the low mileage coach clocked all it's miles the first year and has sat in a storage lot for the past three with the original engine oil in it.

Jlemay · 06-10-2018, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NCC-1701A

I think Charlie 5320 is on the right path. $12,000 difference doesn't tell the whole story. The asking price on both was not mentioned. If one is grossly overpriced, you probably don't want to pay that amount for it regardless. If both are overpriced, you probably don't want either one. If both are underpriced and there's a $12,000 difference, then the initial question is valid, with the info given.

NADA SRL 96k (over priced) low retail $45k, average retail $55k. 5000 mile coach kept under cover was asking $65k, down to $59k , waiting to hear back on offer of 55k. 32,000 mile coach asking price is $47k, looks good, I’m still waiting on more pictures and info.

Both are private sale, bank approved us and I will only agree to purchase contingent upon inspection by inspection by certified RV inspector.

5000 mile coach is under 600 miles away, easy to drive but will have to drive 2 vehicles back home. 32k coach 1300 miles away and cost to fly is very reasonable.

Jlemay · 06-10-2018, 05:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tony Lee

My concern would be that the lower mileage rig hasn't been used enough to get all the normal warranty issues sorted out whereas at 30,000 miles anything that was going to fail, would have failed and been fixed.

Great point! I have the same concern. 5000 miles isn’t even broken in, and we couldn’t tow anything until the break in period is over. It’s like new, but with no warranty on coach. Roof has 12 year warranty and power train 5 I believe.

Jlemay · 06-10-2018, 05:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweetbriar

For any used rig you really need to look it over and inspect it from the zerk fittings on the front axle, how clean is the propane fridge boiler, to have the roof seals been looked after. Mileage only gives you part of the picture and not a very big part. For all you know the low mileage rig was parked year round at a campsite and used 240 nights a year while the higher mileage coach was out and back locally every other weekend plus summer vacation managing for 50 or so nights per year average. Or the low mileage coach clocked all it's miles the first year and has sat in a storage lot for the past three with the original engine oil in it.

The story from the seller, son-in-law of the widower who owns it, is they bought the coach. She got sick before they really got to use it. Then he got sick and will probably not get out of the convalescent home. The family as no interest in it. They are selling everything off to pay for his care. I felt he was being very honest.

Jlemay · 06-10-2018, 11:21 AM

Thank you all for your thoughts and advice. We decided to go with the 32,000 mile coach. The payments are well within budget and I feel really good about it after talking to the owners. The tires and the AC have been replaced, and it is stored indoors. We agreed to price contingent on inspection.

MoCoTom · 06-10-2018, 01:45 PM

It seems you have made your decision already so I'll throw this out there just for your peace of mind about this drive train. I'm retired but working partime for a truck leasing co. We have a 2012 Ford 350 service truck with the V-10 and 5 speed trans that has 194,000 mi on it. This thing gets abused by everyone and keeps going with virtually no oil usage. I've never been a Ford fan but this thing may change my mind