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10-25-2011, 09:06 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
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Newbie Seeking Advice Re: RV Purchase
We are giving serious consideration about purchasing a Used 2000 Coachmen Santara Class A Gas 36 Ft. The unit is in very good condition, with 43,000 miles. They are asking $27,000. Can anyone provide us with some advice (hopefully based on first hand experience) about what we should look for, ask about or be concerned about as we proceed to negotiate with the dealer? Thanks
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10-25-2011, 09:18 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Johnstown, PA USA
Posts: 3,326
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Welcome. Be sure to check and double check that everything works. All the appliances and all systems. Check the date on the tires and if they are older than 6 years, you can bargain some more. Six tires will cost you $2000 or more. Check roof closely and check inside very closely for any signs of roof leaks. Look down the sides of the outside and look for delamination. Hard to list everything, but you get the idea.
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John, Deb; & our dog, Benji, Forever in our hearts.
2014 Coachmen Leprechaun 319DS V-10
2011 Jeep Liberty Jet & 2014 Jeep Wrangler
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10-25-2011, 12:15 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Kent, WA
Posts: 1,092
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If I was spending that kind of money I would look for a local RV inspector to come take a look. I would also have your mechanic look at it. Spend $300 to $500 now and save the headache.
Good Luck
Arnold
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Arnold
2006 Holiday Rambler Endeavor 40 PAQ
2017 Ram 2500 Big Horn 6.4 Hemi
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10-25-2011, 12:40 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Solo Rvers Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
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Tires may or may not need replacing, there is NO hard and fast rule to go by. Michelin says to start having them professionally checked at 5 years and absolutely replace them at 10. We went 8˝ years on ours with no problems and I know that the fronts were overloaded according to the weight/pressure charts for all of that time.
If you're not sure what to look for then I'd hire someone to check it out. Cheaper in the long run.
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2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
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10-25-2011, 04:57 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by awarnes
If I was spending that kind of money I would look for a local RV inspector to come take a look. I would also have your mechanic look at it. Spend $300 to $500 now and save the headache.
Good Luck
Arnold
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Thanks for the great idea. Do you know how I might go about finding and RV inspector?
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10-25-2011, 05:07 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 5,336
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Look for signs of past leaks, insist the dealer have the roof sealed, as another said check the dates on the tires and if over 5 years have the replaced, make sure you see all appliances work. If the water heater works on both gas and elec check it really does. Have the chassis inspected and serviced as required.
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Tom
2016 Newmar Bay Star Sport 3004
2021 Jeep Gladiator Sport Willys
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10-26-2011, 03:47 PM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 79
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Check and see if there is any routine maintenance records, oil changes, transmission, rear end, etc. No records I think I would pass!
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2009 Tiffin 37QSB Allegro Bay
FMCA # F418093
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10-27-2011, 08:19 AM
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#9
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Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bay37QSB
Check and see if there is any routine maintenance records, oil changes, transmission, rear end, etc. No records I think I would pass!
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I did find this morning a site to obtain an RV Vehicle History Report and got a complete report on this RV. The report was extensive and well worth the cost for the report.
https://www.rvchecks.com/ You just need to put in the VIN number and if they have a report on file you can order it.
Thanks again
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10-27-2011, 11:06 AM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Northeast Georgia
Posts: 51
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Definitely have the RV inspected if buying from dealer. Check out mechanical as well as all systems. You are more likely to get maintenance records from an individual than from a dealer. If you are looking at CW, please do a search on this forum.
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Carl and Gayle and Sammy (Bichon) in NE GA
Safari Simba '05 Workhorse Chassis Allison Tran
Good Sam Currahee Campers Escapees Tara Travelers
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10-27-2011, 11:27 AM
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#11
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Member
Fleetwood Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Alberta
Posts: 51
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Two other big ticket items to check are the operation of the fridge and if equipped, ice maker and the washer/dryer. Both are very expensive to repair or replace. Good luck!
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