First timer looking for a little help

[solm96]

Hello,
Im looking at buying my first motorhome.
Found a 2008 year model Fiesta 34N. Has under 2,000 miles on it.
Was told the chassis is 2007 and the rest is a 2008.

The history is the guy basically purchased it for when they have to evacuate for big storms such as hurricanes. we are on the cost here in Texas. it was kept in a barn its entire life and driven to the local dealer for service to keep up with warrantee. Believe it or not he just traded it in for a new one to do the same thing with. And its the same dealer he purchases it at.

The Coach is in really nice shape. you can tell nothing has really ever been modified or changed. Even still has the septic starter hose setup still in the box that it came with.

I have not yet totally gone through everything but plan too tomorrow evening at the dealer.

My concerns are how bad should i be worried about the low milage and use over all these years? And any hints on what to look for?
Its pretty much what we are looking for with the bunks and all for the kids.
Dealers first price is 46,500

And its a Ford V10 model.

Thanks for the info in advance....

[lynnmor]

If the price isn't way over high retail book price, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

[solm96]

Originally Posted by lynnmor

If the price isn't way over high retail book price, I would buy it in a heartbeat.

Thanks for the response.
I believe it's priced below low retail.
It's a quick easy flip for the dealer.

[R2Home]

Do you have access to the maintenance records? I would be looking them over real close. Have the tries ever been replaced or are they the ones that it came with? What is the status of the generator? I would have it checked out to include load testing and for correct output. What is the condition of the batteries? Will they need to be replaced before too much longer. I would also be looking at all of the fluids and filters.
Otherwise I would not be afraid of buying this one.

[Patti Brown]

Have it inspected by a competent RV inspector as a condition of purchase. Systems that sit idle that long have a tendency to develop problems. Lots of problems. Performing mechanical maintenance on the engine and chassis is great, but on the house side there are also seals, and sealants, and connectors, and a host of other things that age out and dry out when not used--even if they look fabulous. Low mileage on an automobile is one thing, but on an RV it is something else entirely. For example, generators that are not run every month under load tend to have serious problems. So do water lines. If the seller planned on using the RV as an emergency evacuation vehicle, his needs are quilte different from someone who plans to use the RV more thoroughly.

[solm96]

I was going to see what the dealer could dig up tomorrow on records. The tires look goo without dry rot but they are Goodyear. Seams most ppl go with Michelin when they change them. I also plan to go through all the fluids and generator.

[powercat_ras]

Originally Posted by solm96

Hello,
Im looking at buying my first motorhome.
Found a 2008 year model Fiesta 34N. Has under 2,000 miles on it.
Was told the chassis is 2007 and the rest is a 2008.

The history is the guy basically purchased it for when they have to evacuate for big storms such as hurricanes. we are on the cost here in Texas. it was kept in a barn its entire life and driven to the local dealer for service to keep up with warrantee. Believe it or not he just traded it in for a new one to do the same thing with. And its the same dealer he purchases it at.

The Coach is in really nice shape. you can tell nothing has really ever been modified or changed. Even still has the septic starter hose setup still in the box that it came with.

I have not yet totally gone through everything but plan too tomorrow evening at the dealer.

My concerns are how bad should i be worried about the low milage and use over all these years? And any hints on what to look for?
Its pretty much what we are looking for with the bunks and all for the kids.
Dealers first price is 46,500

And its a Ford V10 model.

Thanks for the info in advance....

1. If in a barn for most of 9 years I would examine the RV very carefully for rodent damage, be sure to remove the doghouse and look at the top of the V10 for rodent evidence and damage.

2. The awning may be end of life even if its sat rolled up out of the sun almost all that time.

3. There may be wasps nests in rooftop AC, furnace, hot water heater. In particular wasps nests in the furnace can totally wreck it.

I would negotiate the dealer replacing all the batteries and tires into the deal. No matter how much tread is on the tires they are end of life or past end of life, chances are they are 2006 date code tires, 10 years old. Guidelines are to replace tires after 8 years no matter how much tread is left on them.

[solm96]

Thanks, that is the stuff I'm worried about.
Will be looking for someone to die an inspection when I feel like I'm definely going to purchase it.

[solm96]

Another thing is this is the first one I've looked at that didn't have a Inverter and separate battery setup on it.

[Sagamore]

I would do my due diligence inspecting the coach, outside and inside. That being said, I think that is a fair price, but if you are satisfied low ball him another $10,000 and then negotiate up from there.

[solm96]

Thanks for all the advice everyone.
So the deal is, something is wrong with the AC units, the tires are original 2007, the Generator needs new fuel pump, and it's got a rubber roof.
With that being said I've moved on to the first coach I looked at.
It's a 2004 Holiday Rambler SE on the Workhourse chassis. Has 32,000 miles.

My next question is who's the best to use for road side assitance and maybe even a warrantee of some sort?

[Sweetbriar]

Originally Posted by solm96

Thanks for all the advice everyone.
So the deal is, something is wrong with the AC units, the tires are original 2007, the Generator needs new fuel pump, and it's got a rubber roof.
With that being said I've moved on to the first coach I looked at.
It's a 2004 Holiday Rambler SE on the Workhourse chassis. Has 32,000 miles.

My next question is who's the best to use for road side assitance and maybe even a warrantee of some sort?

Road side assistance is going to be a bit subjective. We all have our favorites and its probably the organization we are currently with. My recommendation is to go with a service that focuses on RV's and understands that you can't send out the normal everyday tow truck for a disabled 20,000 pound motor home.

Warrantees are going to be expensive on a 12 year old coach. Think of life insurance. Real cheep when your 20 (or the coach is new) but when your 70 they get real expensive. A warrantee is about the same. Higher risk with an older coach. The dealer should have access to sellers plus there are a bunch you can work with directly rather than thru the dealer. Anything is available from bumper-bumper to just the engine/transmission.

Good luck.

[mel s]

Originally Posted by solm96

I was going to see what the dealer could dig up tomorrow on records. The tires look goo without dry rot but they are Goodyear. Seams most ppl go with Michelin when they change them. I also plan to go through all the fluids and generator.

solm96
I suggest you Google "michelin side wall cracks" BEFORE you purchase tires.
Mel
'96 Safari

[solm96]

Originally Posted by mel s

solm96
I suggest you Google "michelin side wall cracks" BEFORE you purchase tires.
Mel
'96 Safari

This one has new tires