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Old 03-09-2014, 10:42 AM   #1
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Question How old is too old in a Class A DP, 5 year, 10 year?

On the issue of buying new vs. used, I have decided that I will buy used. The depreciation charts that I have seen for Class A RVs has a 5 year old RV valued at about 50% of original MSRP. A 10 year old is at 30% of MSRP.

For my future purchase of a used DP class A, I wonder how old is too old for purchase?

For now, my favorites are the Entegra Cornertone and possibly a Newmar.
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Old 03-09-2014, 11:08 AM   #2
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Our is 12 yrs old and is still in perfect condition. We use it about 4 months a year.
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Old 03-09-2014, 11:21 AM   #3
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If you're planning on financing it, age may make a difference to the lender.
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Old 03-09-2014, 11:50 AM   #4
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For obvious reasons (in signature block), I hope it is not 20 years old!!!
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Old 03-09-2014, 12:00 PM   #5
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For obvious reasons (in signature block), I hope it is not 20 years old!!!
What are the obvious reasons???
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Old 03-09-2014, 12:05 PM   #6
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For obvious reasons (in signature block), I hope it is not 20 years old!!!
You've got a whole year to go!!
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Old 03-09-2014, 01:09 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cucotx View Post
On the issue of buying new vs. used, I have decided that I will buy used. The depreciation charts that I have seen for Class A RVs has a 5 year old RV valued at about 50% of original MSRP. A 10 year old is at 30% of MSRP.

For my future purchase of a used DP class A, I wonder how old is too old for purchase?

For now, my favorites are the Entegra Cornertone and possibly a Newmar.
I wouldn't put too much reliance on charts that apply generalized numbers across the spectrum. The quality and condition of a 10 to 20 year-old coach depend to a great extent on the quality that was built into it at birth. You will not go wrong buying an older coach from an established, quality manufacturer. There are a large number of 20 y/o Newmars and Tiffins still plying the roads of America, and they live up to their reputations. Some other brands, too. On the other hand, there were a great number of coaches that were shiny and bright in 1994, and very attractively priced, that have long since quietly retired from the scene because they just couldn't handle the usage.

Quality lasts. The names Newmar, Tiffin, Country Coach, Monaco (the old Monaco) keep rising to the top. Entegra is making a very nice looking coach right now, but there's nobody on earth that knows how they will stand up. There is no such thing as an 8 year old Entegra, they simply haven't been around long enough to earn a 40 year reputation.

So, short answer: You can find great value in age if you stick with proven manufacturers. I bought a 10 y/o Newmar, and have no regrets at all. I think one limitation you may run into will relate to features. Example: you won't find many slides pre-1997 or so. That sort of thing.

Good Luck!
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Old 03-09-2014, 01:33 PM   #8
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Great information in this forum. I'm looking forward to the next 7 years of reading and learning from all of you. My research for my future of fulltime RVing just started this year. I hope to purchase a 2013 or newer model for my RVing around the year 2021.

My preliminary research very quickly got me interested in the Mountain Aire from Newmar. But, then, I quickly got disappointed with the performance of the 450 HP Cummins in that unit ... Then I found out about the Cornerstone K3 Spartan Chassis and 600 HP engine and I fell in love with that one. In addition, the wife loves the woodsy and warm earthy interior of the Cornerstone.

So, as it stands now, in 2021 or so I may be looking for a used 2014 Cornerstone, unless the quality of used Entegras do not hold up with age, as JFXG points out (Thanks John/Diane).

Newmar may change the power plant and Chassis in the Mountain Aire in the future. If so, I may consider a used Newmar for my future coach.

Love this forum!
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Old 03-09-2014, 02:10 PM   #9
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If you've noticed, motorhome prices drop considerably at the 12 year point. I think this is because at that point very few aftermarket extended service contract are offered. We bought the MH in my signature block last April and were told it was the oldest MH they would cover by an extended service contract.
If you buy an older coach, it is my recommendation to only look at high-end coaches, perhaps a Newell, Foretravel, Newmar, Tiffin, Country Coach, top of the line Winnebago, etc.
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Old 03-09-2014, 04:01 PM   #10
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I have a 1992 American Eagle that is still trucking along. We knew what we were getting into and it would need work, so no surprise. Just took a 4200 mile trip. Had to replace several house items but otherwise she is doing pretty good. It will run down the road 70 mph all day long.

I have now put 10k miles on it.
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Old 03-09-2014, 04:21 PM   #11
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If you're a person that doesn't get hung up on the newness of something the benefit of buying 10+ yrs old is you can pick up a top of the line coach from a quality manufacturer for a great price. I would suggest buying from someone that gives you a clear understanding of the maintenance history of the coach, like direct from the owner or a reputable dealer.

Good luck and enjoy your search.
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Old 03-09-2014, 04:31 PM   #12
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I think sticking to high end models is wise.

Our coach was 13 years old when we bought it.

Now it is 19 years old, and we still get a lot of comments about how beautiful our coach is.

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Old 03-09-2014, 04:46 PM   #13
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I think sticking to high end models is wise.

Our coach was 13 years old when we bought it.

Now it is 19 years old, and we still get a lot of comments about how beautiful our coach is.

We have much the same situation. We bought a well cared for Beaver when it was 10 years old and it came with extensive service records. We take good care of it and we're now at 14 years and counting. Sure, we've had some repairs due to age, but almost all of them were due to "RV parts" failing, not the basic drive train.

For example, the hydraulic pump that runs our leveling jacks and main slide threw a bearing and had to be replaced. Replacement unit and installation ran ~$1400; not something I'd like to do everyday but only ~1 payment towards a new MH. The coach itself was painted and clearcoated so well that we, also get people asking if it is new. And our 12 liter CAT C12 can hold its own against anything on the road in newer coaches.
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Old 03-09-2014, 04:58 PM   #14
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Initial build quality is important but so is care and upkeep. I would much rather have a 15 year old coach that was well maintained than a 10 year old coach that was neglected. That being said, age can be a factor when it comes to things like seals, bushings, plumbing and so on. Rubber and fabrics can age out particularly if they have had a lot of exposure to sunlight. Some of those repairs can be costly and sometimes it can be hard to find the right stuff too. If you are a good DIY, then those kinds of issues are less intimidating. It depends to some degree on who you are. The good coach builder names are pretty well known. Start with them and then look for the coach that has been well taken care of and you will likely end up being a happy camper. Or you could just buy a camper
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