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Old 11-15-2019, 02:00 PM   #1
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Ultra Low Mileage DP

I am trying to sort through the risk of a used DP that hasn’t been maintained per Freightliner requirements. The coach is a 2014, delivered in 2013. Owner unfortunately passed away and it sounds like the coach has sat for a few years (with the same fuel in it). It is stored indoors and the building is heated in the winter. Coach has 5,000 miles including the 1,200 miles from the factory to dealer delivery.

From what I have been able to find out, the only service ever done was an oil change and lube in 2015. Doesn’t appear that the fuel filters have ever been changed and they don’t have any records of service to the generator. The seller does state the fuel filters, brakes, etc. were “checked” in 2015 whatever that means. The cost of the service indicates to me there wasn’t a lot of work done. Also no indication that the coolant has ever been tested so I don’t know what the SCA level is or whether any liner damage may have occurred (although with the low mileage this may be of lessor concern).

I realize that it will need service, but my bigger concerns are those things that an NRIVA inspection and fluid analysis wouldn’t pick up. In addition, they want a premium for the coach because it is hardly used, but in reality it’s lack of use and maintenance to me is a liability.

I do plan on having an NRVIA inspector go over the coach and do fluid analysis, however an inspection isn’t cheap so I need to determine if it’s even worth having the coach inspected given its history.
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Old 11-15-2019, 02:15 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by vettenuts View Post
I am trying to sort through the risk of a used DP that hasn’t been maintained per Freightliner requirements. The coach is a 2014, delivered in 2013. Owner unfortunately passed away and it sounds like the coach has sat for a few years (with the same fuel in it). It is stored indoors and the building is heated in the winter. Coach has 5,000 miles including the 1,200 miles from the factory to dealer delivery.

From what I have been able to find out, the only service ever done was an oil change and lube in 2015. Doesn’t appear that the fuel filters have ever been changed and they don’t have any records of service to the generator. The seller does state the fuel filters, brakes, etc. were “checked” in 2015 whatever that means. The cost of the service indicates to me there wasn’t a lot of work done. Also no indication that the coolant has ever been tested so I don’t know what the SCA level is or whether any liner damage may have occurred (although with the low mileage this may be of lessor concern).

I realize that it will need service, but my bigger concerns are those things that an NRIVA inspection and fluid analysis wouldn’t pick up. In addition, they want a premium for the coach because it is hardly used, but in reality it’s lack of use and maintenance to me is a liability.

I do plan on having an NRVIA inspector go over the coach and do fluid analysis, however an inspection isn’t cheap so I need to determine if it’s even worth having the coach inspected given its history.
I wouldn't be one bit afraid of it if all the inspectors test pass
I have bought many vehicles over the years that were true barn finds and no issues including Diesels, and the time frame you noted is not a big deal at all when stored inside. You might just get a real deal
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Old 11-15-2019, 02:18 PM   #3
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Other than them wanting a premium it sounds great.

I wouldn't worry at all about it sitting. I wouldn't necessarily worry about old fuel either, it is likely just fine, and if not it probably isn't that big of a deal to remove and run it out, add fresh and change filters, even if it needs a few filter changes.

Liner wear would be next to no concern to me seeing it happens when running, if we are talking about cavitation issues alone. Check and take care of the coolant before putting a bunch of miles on it.

Good Luck, if you really want it I hope it works out for you.
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Old 11-15-2019, 02:18 PM   #4
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I think it's definitely worth checking out. If it were me, I would have a mobile service company pump all of the old fuel, flush the tank, put in fresh fuel and change out the fluids and filters before you ever move it. Also, the tires will be aged out at this point, especially after sitting on a flat spot for years.
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Old 11-15-2019, 03:10 PM   #5
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As others have said, you shouldn't be scared off by it sitting for 5 years provided you have a 3rd -party inspection and fluid analysis. I would also get rid of the old fuel and run fresh + 2 or 3 filter changes in relatively quick succession.
As a rule of thumb (aka a SWAG), a run of the mill 5 year old coach should sell for 45 - 50% of its original cost. Depreciation in this formula is 20% for the first year and 5% for each of the succeeding 5 years. Others may have their own formula, but the point is that it is just a guide. Now, all you have to do is figure out how much of a premium to add back for the low miles/limited use. Piece of cake, right? I don't think that I would add a premium of more than 10%, but that's just me. Remember, once you start racking up the miles, the premium you paid diminishes. Based on what the seller is asking, how do you stand in respect to price vs original cost. Also, don't forget to deduct $5k for new tires and batteries.

Unfortunately, if you are dealing with an unrealistic and/or uninformed seller, you may be wasting your time. This may be a case where the buyer has to be a good salesperson. Best of luck and keep us updated.
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Old 11-15-2019, 03:14 PM   #6
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I wouldn't worry about maintenance, it only has 5000 miles. None were due until now. Batteries will need replacing.
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Old 11-15-2019, 09:07 PM   #7
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Replacing batteries, tires, fluid test & replace, filters, etc. Maybe you can get a < premium price.
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Old 11-15-2019, 09:20 PM   #8
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re: fuel, FWIW, I once bought an old diesel tractor that had been sitting in a fence-row for so many year it had a 4" tree growing through the frame. I drained the fuel, strained it through cheesecloth, allowed water to settle to the bottom of the buckets, replaced fuel filters, poured the old fuel, minus the water, back into the tank, installed a new battery, inflated tires, and drove the tractor home.
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Old 11-15-2019, 09:56 PM   #9
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Also no indication that the coolant has ever been tested so I don’t know what the SCA level is or whether any liner damage may have occurred (although with the low mileage this may be of lessor concern).
I would assume that a 2014 MH engine would have ELC (extended life coolant). That's the red stuff, not the green. With ELC you don't monitor SCA levels and it probably is just fine since it can easily last 6 years or more.

I would suggest getting oil, transmission and coolant sampling kits from https://www.jglubricantservices.com/...sservices.html You would need two sampling pumps (one for coolant and one for oil/transmission fluid) and a 3-pack of lab tests. Once you've gotten the results you'll have a much better perspective of where things stand.

I'll bet all you'll need to do is change the fluids and filters and you'll be all set to go.
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Old 11-15-2019, 10:33 PM   #10
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I would get it inspected, negotiate a fair price and drive it. It would not scare me at all.
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Old 11-15-2019, 11:22 PM   #11
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The lack of use would not concern me at all on everything that has been mentioned. What would probably concern me the most would be whether there were things that need to be addressed that should have been taken care of while under warranty and may not have been discovered because of lack of use.
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Old 11-16-2019, 12:05 AM   #12
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Bought my 1974 coach a couple of years ago with only 41,000 miles. That's less than a thousand per year. There are a few things that needed to be addressed due to the lack of use, but overall the upside is way bigger getting a virtually new coach at a great price.

Lots of vintage diesel vehicles (like old buses) are rescued with decades old fuel. Other than frequent fuel filter changes, they do fine. You can always call someone to either suck out the old fuel or run it through a fuel scrubber if necessary.

The other thing to inspect is the gaskets and seals. Without use, they can dry out and seep. Some may need replacing earlier than expected, but you may not know until you run it a bit first.
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Old 11-16-2019, 08:23 AM   #13
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I think it's definitely worth checking out. If it were me, I would have a mobile service company pump all of the old fuel, flush the tank, put in fresh fuel and change out the fluids and filters before you ever move it. Also, the tires will be aged out at this point, especially after sitting on a flat spot for years.
I’m sorry but all I would do is crank it up go on down the road.
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Old 11-16-2019, 09:01 AM   #14
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Other than planning an immediate and full service of all fluids & filters, I would not be concerned in the slightest. Even the coolant is probably Okay, but i would likely change it anyway so that I knew I was starting with a clean slate. Don't forget the air dryer cartridge, though.
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