Community Forums

loafguy · 05-04-2016, 01:20 PM

Looking at a 2003 Newmar Kountry Star, Cat 330, 3 slide-out model. This is our first RV purchase and is for traveling the US in our early retirement years. Any comments, suggestions, concerns etc. would be most appreciated.

Pepper2 · 05-04-2016, 01:42 PM

Newmar makes a great product. All will depend on how well the previous owners took care of the 2003. Maintenance records, oil analysis and tire date are some of the important things to check.

loafguy · 05-04-2016, 03:04 PM

Pepper, you mentioned oil analysis. Would this be something that I would do by asking for a used oil sample from the seller, or something the seller should already have from service history?

Pepper2 · 05-04-2016, 03:14 PM

Our motorhome is a gas model so I'm not the most knowledgeable concerning diesels. But I keep reading on this site to always get a oil analysis prior to a diesel purchase. Do a search on this site for oil analysis and you will find a number of posts. Yes you would draw your own sample from the engine to insure it's authentic. Good luck!

Nomads · 05-04-2016, 08:39 PM

We have a 2004 Newmar Dutch Star, we've owned it for 6 years. We love this coach, we have full timed in it from coast to coast.
It will depend on the prior owners and how well they maintained it. Ask for records and receipts and if possible get an independent inspection. Newmar products are excellent and there are plenty of good used ones on the market, don't be afraid to travel to find the right one. We bought ours off the internet and it was 1500 miles away but was exactly as advertised.
Good luck!

Ludmilla · 05-07-2016, 07:05 AM

I have a 2004 Newman Northern Star that I purchased 3 years ago. I agree with what everyone has said, but I would add to look for the paint checking issue on the sidewalls. Mine had some but it got worse even though was stored it under cover. In the dark spots, it got so bad the clear coat was popped off in spots. We had the sidewalls replaced and had it repainted at Newmar this year. An expensive mistake. If you do not see the checking, a Newmar is a GREAT coach. By the way, Newmar is not the only manufacturer with this issue. Lots of coaches made between 2000 and 2008 have these defective sidewalls.

DD788Snipe · 05-09-2016, 04:53 PM

It not from the sun or weather. It's caused by the laminate glues in the sidewalls out gassing.

Sky_Boss · 05-09-2016, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loafguy

Pepper, you mentioned oil analysis. Would this be something that I would do by asking for a used oil sample from the seller, or something the seller should already have from service history?

Some folks do fluid analysis but I suspect most don't. I would seriously consider making a purchase agreement contingent on sampling results. As a minimum I would have the engine oil, engine coolant and transmission fluid. I would also consider generator oil and coolant too.

There are a few companies that do this. I use JG Lubrication Services and get my results usually within 2 days of when they get the samples. You can check out the web site for costs including the pump(s) you will need to draw samples.

IF YOU CAN GET IT...For the most accurate results you will want information on total miles/hours since the fluid was changed. Along with this you will also want miles/hours of any fluid added or filter changes since the last change. Finally any brand information on funds used.

Don't worry too much if you can't get all that extra data but it just helps the sample results more accurate. It does this because the services data base the results of most fluids out of the can and compare it to used fluids. Still, if there are serious problems it will be very evident no mater if you have all that extra info or not.

Mr_D · 05-09-2016, 06:15 PM

We've had two DSDP's a 2000 and 2002. Kind of wish we'd have kept the '02 as it was the most trouble free RV I've ever owned. Spent less on upgrades/upkeep on it in 13 years than we have on the Magna in one year.

Thewellz · 05-09-2016, 07:29 PM

Check the exterior for delamination. Also check the roof condition ie (cracks,damage,seals).check the age of the tires..if they are close to 8 years they'll need replacing. The deisel engine should be fairly bulletproof for a few hundred thousand miles...the fuel filters and brake dryer filter should be done .and serpentine belt should be checked for wear.Also make sure the hydraulic system is free from leaks around the jacks...if its a rear radiator make sure its not plugged full of crap. It wouldnt hurt to find out if the Allison trans has had the filters changed as well.