Newbie wanting to buy a class A diesel pusher

[peteycack]

Hi all,
Being a newbie, I know that I want a diesel pusher, 38' plus, and I am wanting a used unit and would prefer not to spend over $35000.00 I know that I will only be able to purchase an older unit at the price, (not older that a 1998) but see that there are many out there. Now I don't want the bottom of the line motorhome, and know that at that price probably won't find a top of the line, so what is a good middle of the road class A should I be looking at, and , which ones should I be walking away from?
I'm sure there will be a lot of different comments, but all are welcomed. Thanks to all in advance.

Pat

[Mr_D]

2000 and 2002 Newmar Dutch Stars were good to us!

[Fred Cooper]

My 2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor has been a very good coach.

Fred

[Papa_Jim]

Our 1995 Monaco Dynasty is an excellent coach!

Jim

[plasma800]

hmm

1999 Mountain Aire By Newmar 4081 for Sale - D776 - PPL Motor Homes

2000 Mountain Aire By Newmar 4093 for Sale - D106NB - PPL Motor Homes

1997 Holiday Rambler Navigator 40WDS2 for Sale - D197NB - PPL Motor Homes

2000 Trade Wind 7371 for Sale - D719 - PPL Motor Homes

Seriously though, I hope you're holding some money back.... if you feel that you're getting into it for 35 flat, and spend all of it... you might be in for a shock.... I would have no less than 10 to 15 sitting after purchase.. and if you don't need it, GREAT!

If you're interested in grasping a full understanding, place a some money in your pocket, then insert your vacuum cleaner wand in there, and turn it on

Applies equally if you spend 35 or 95 or 145....

[plasma800]

hey also, what these guys said...

Monaco, Newmar, Holiday Rambler... and if you see a Beaver, give it a hard look. I can't recall if Beaver was a Monaco brand in the 1990's to 2000.. at some point they were. Just as later, holiday rambler was owned by Monaco too.... something like 05-08... now both monaco AND holiday rambler are owned by fleetwood.....

See Ya, Rexall, Trade Winds.

[plasma800]

2004 Rexhall Vision 36VS, Tucson AZ - - RVtrader.com

OH these were solid units!! I see a bunch of them still on the road... 2000 Safari Zanzibar , Brooklyn NY - - RVtrader.com

another solid build
2000 Monaco Diplomat 40PAQ, akron OH - - RVtrader.com

2000 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 38, LINCOLN CA - - RVtrader.com

Upper Line Baby! 2000 Monaco WINDSOR 38PBS, Colton CA - - RVtrader.com

1999 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 37WDS, wentzville MO - - RVtrader.com

[plasma800]

ooo you could join the cult with this one..

1997 Airstream Cutter , West Sacramento CA - - RVtrader.com

[plasma800]

K one more, I've seen A LOT of these on the road too...


1996 Safari Serengeti 38 , SAVANNAH GA - - RVtrader.com

Safari must have done something right.

[plasma800]

ok more.. I hear a lot of good things about this dealer...


here's a beauty
2005 Holiday Rambler Admiral 32LE Priced at $ 34500

1999 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 37WDM Priced at $ 32500

and if you could squeeze it, you'd never be left alone at campgrounds
1998 Foretravel U320 40' Priced at $ 47500

[Thewellz]

In my opinion...more importantly than the make and model is the chassis and engine combo,( make sure its not undetpowered) service records and overall condition....keep in mind 2001 and newer coaches generally have a raised rail chassis with more basement storage and a one peice fiberglass roof.Now everyone will usually promote the product they own...i'm no exception! In my opinion National is one of the best "bang for your buck" coaches around. They generally arne't flashy and the older diesels dont havr body paint but they are solid coaches..that seem to stand the test of time and they wont break the bank...ive owned two..Tiffin and Newmar would also be on my list.

[Ramets]

When you're dealing in that age range maint. records will probably be the most important thing to look for. Without those records I'd be VERY reluctant to pull the trigger on one. I don't believe you'll be able to get an extended service contract on a coach of that age either, so it would be a good idea to have some cash left over for things that will need attention. Just normal wear and tear through the years will be a challenge if your not the handyman type. Also get an independent inspection done, it can save a lot of headaches later. With all that being said there are some gems to be had if you're diligent. I would lean toward Newmar, Monaco, and Holiday Rambler....BUT any of them could be a money pit if not taken care of.

[computerguy]

Totally agree with others above. Best leave some money for initial fix up/maintenance.
Very satisified with my prior unit 2005 Monaco Knight 36PDD
Cummins ISC/Allison 3000 combination.

[briankstan]

I purchased a 1998 Winnebago Chieftain DP a few years ago for 28K, I know it needed a few thinks that I could take care of myself. You can save some big money on an older unit if you are able to tackle some/all of the items yourself. It's not perfect but it suits our needs just fine.

Things to watch for, test all systems, know what is functional and what is going to need work, if you're not able to do the work yourself then know what it'll cost to hire someone to complete the work for you. Cost can add up very quickly when paying someone else as labor cost are expensive.

I've done quite a bit from changing out the backup Camera, New Radiator, leak fixed in Charge Air Cooler, replaced HWH Jack Springs one Jack (leaked really bad), replaced a few sensors, and fixed an Air leak in the air system.

All in all it was only a few thousand extra, but if I had to pay someone to do it it would have been will over 7K for the labor of hiring out the services.

Also check out the age of the tires, that is an expense that you can drop 5-6K into right away if the tires need replacing.

On an older unit you need to know going in that the systems are older and will need to be worked on at some point it's either pay or Do it yourself.

buy what works best for you but be knowledgeable about your decision before jumping in.