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Old 09-10-2017, 08:08 AM   #1
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First time buyer

I am in the process of researching the purchase of an A Class Diesel Pusher and have many inquiries
(A Class Diesel only because of my observations to date)

I am amazed of the many low mileage RV's on the market my budget is $20,000-$25,000 and I have found that model years from 1995 to 2000 or so are attainable with low mileage considering the year, in fact I have seen mileage as low as 30,000 miles.

Can anyone advise me of what to look out for when I start to inspect a potential opportunity.

My first priority is that I find a mechanically reliable unit, what are red flags to look for?

Any input would be appreciated

Thanks

Tim
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Old 09-10-2017, 08:26 AM   #2
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Welcome

Welcome to the forum Tim. It's a great place to learn. If you use the Google search bar at the top and enter newbies or first time buyers you find a wealth of information. You will have to refine your search a bit but the subject has often been discussed. Only thing I can offer is that given your budget I'd say you should be mechanically able to do much of the maintenance yourself. Hopefully, you are handy and able to turn a wrench. These beasts cost money. Lots of 💰 💰 💰. Good luck
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Old 09-10-2017, 10:42 AM   #3
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Hi Tim! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Look for complete maintenance and repair records. See if there have been any serious engine or transmission problems. Check the code dates on the tires and expect to replace them if over 7 years old. Find out what engine it has and google it for known problems.

Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!
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Old 09-10-2017, 02:19 PM   #4
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If you are looking at a diesel, I would not get hung up on the number of miles. I would worry about one that has sat for long periods of time. The most important thing is to find one that has been driven and all the maintenance has been done and there are records to prove the maintenance has been done. Have the owner show you how they knew what maintenance to do and when it should be done. You want someone that has been meticulous in the care of the coach. Someone that knew what needed to be done and has done it.
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Old 09-11-2017, 12:32 AM   #5
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Do oil samples on engine, transmission and generator. Test will inform you of any metal or water problems.
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Old 09-11-2017, 05:10 AM   #6
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First find the MH you want and then get professional inspections done. If you don't do this BEFORE you purchase, you run the risk of spending significantly more AFTER the purchase. If something is found, you can then decide if you want to proceed and can use it to negotiate a better price. You will be going into it with your eyes open. IF nothing is found, GREAT!!

Before you finalize any purchase, I would suggest that you get an independent certified RV mechanic to inspect all the RV systems, including the roof. In addition I would have the engine, transmission, frame, etc. inspected by a diesel service shop. Having a coolant and oil analysis by a lab (like JG Lubricants ) would reveal any hidden problems.

Make sure everything is in writing!! Any purchase should be contingent upon successfully passing these inspections/tests.

I would do this to any used MH I was looking to buy.

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Old 09-11-2017, 05:46 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Txice View Post
Welcome to the forum Tim. It's a great place to learn. If you use the Google search bar at the top and enter newbies or first time buyers you find a wealth of information. You will have to refine your search a bit but the subject has often been discussed. Only thing I can offer is that given your budget I'd say you should be mechanically able to do much of the maintenance yourself. Hopefully, you are handy and able to turn a wrench. These beasts cost money. Lots of [emoji383] [emoji383] [emoji383]. Good luck


Thanks for the feedback Txice yeah that certainly is a concern I have noticed many for sale with notes of "just put in X$ into it"
I have been seriously thinking twice on this embarkment , it's looking like the same scenario of owning a boat . . . there are only 2 happy days, the day you bought it and the day you sold lol
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