Buying a Bad Motorhome

[Dan McMartin]

I brought this up in another thread and it has me wondering. We're in the first stages of shopping for a Class A to full time in. Right now we're not ruling anything out save for coaches we can't afford. Our budget is about $125k and we'll have about $30k to put down. We're looking at entry level new, late model used, older used, used DP's, etc. We're open.

That being said, one of our options would be to buy a used MH outright for around $30k. It would obviously have to be older and/or have relatively higher miles. What we're wondering is what are the chances of buying a bad motorhome.

Assuming we manage our expectations, thoroughly vet the MH, obtain records and get good vibes from the owner, how often does a seemingly good motorhome turn into a terrible one? We're not looking for stats or anything. Just experiences. How many of you have heard of stuff like this?

We really don't have any experience with motorhomes and our fear is that an older one, despite our due diligence, might become a nightmare instead of our dream. We suspect it's a bit irrational but the fear is there never the less.

[dennis45]

For about 75-80K you can pick up a good used early 2000,s Newmar. If your fulltiming these older coaches are as good as it gets. RV's typically fall into three categories, Weekender, Snowbird and Fulltime. Here is another IRV2 thread that you will find contains a lot of good discussion on the subject.

Also, here is a link to RV.org. This is a consumer group that rates all types of RV's. They charge a fee to purchase their database but for me, it was money well spent before I bought our Dutchstar. It is not the end all but it will point you to certain makes and models that fit your need and give you the knowledge to steer clear of others that are not suited.
Owning an older Class A is not for the faint of heart. You must be somewhat mechanically inclined and able to perform at least routine maintenance and light repairs.


http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/newmar-help-327633.html

https://rv.org/pages/ratings

[Woodchopper]

Originally Posted by Dan McMartin

I brought this up in another thread and it has me wondering. We're in the first stages of shopping for a Class A to full time in. Right now we're not ruling anything out save for coaches we can't afford. Our budget is about $125k and we'll have about $30k to put down. We're looking at entry level new, late model used, older used, used DP's, etc. We're open.

That being said, one of our options would be to buy a used MH outright for around $30k. It would obviously have to be older and/or have relatively higher miles. What we're wondering is what are the chances of buying a bad motorhome.

Assuming we manage our expectations, thoroughly vet the MH, obtain records and get good vibes from the owner, how often does a seemingly good motorhome turn into a terrible one? We're not looking for stats or anything. Just experiences. How many of you have heard of stuff like this?

We really don't have any experience with motorhomes and our fear is that an older one, despite our due diligence, might become a nightmare instead of our dream. We suspect it's a bit irrational but the fear is there never the less.

Dan McMartin
IMO buying any motor home, (new or used), is a "crap shoot".

If you "get lucky" you will have years of trouble free use.
However it is not uncommon for a "seemingly good motor home" to actually be, (or become), a nightmare.
BTW a "great reputation" is not necessarily an indication of a "good coach".

For example, my now 150k mile 1996 Safari, (which I've had for 17 years, 120k+ miles), has needed a lot of repairs.
Mostly minor... (but some very expensive).

A smarter person might consider my coach experience a nightmare.

[Isaac-1]

As has been mentioned there is always the chance of a major expense, the problem with older units is that the repair cost for a major engine failure may exceed the value of the motorhome. Even properly cared for an engine may fail without warning at any time and leave you with the choice of making a $10,000+ repair of scrapping the motorhome.

If you buy a 15 year old $30,000 motorhome, roll the dice and loose, you are not out as much as if you did the same thing with a $120,000 8 year old used motorhome.

[Tom-NC]

Hi,
I would recommend a used one to see how you like it as you may not want a new one not knowing if you would like it as a fulltimer. You would also be able to see if you want certain ammnities (sp).

I have a friend (original owner) has a 2001 Winnebago Adventurer 35 footer for sale. PM me for details.

Good Luck and I'm sure you will find a lot of help on this webpage and welcome to IRV2

[ahicks]

You can buy a 30k coach and walk away from it and loose less than what you will loose in a couple years depreciation on a more expensive coach.

You can also handle several major repairs and still be into it right, without destroying your budget.

I think the older clean high end DP's represent the best value, all things considered - unless you don't care for the idea of getting your hands dirty.

[Podivin]

You can't ever KNOW whether or not a coach will be 'good', even when buying new - so just give up on that idea.
You do the most research you can on a specific coach (and/or model), then you roll the dice.
My wife and I spent 12k on a old used coach and there haven't been any surprises in the year+ that we've been using it.
But you can read here where folks spend 10 times (or more) that and it's nothing but trouble for them.
Cross your fingers, say a word or two to your favorite deity, take a swig of something strong - and hand over your check.

[Unicorn Driver]

I purchased a 2005 gasser last year for 32k out the door, we then purchased a 4 year extended service plan for about 4k. The deductible is 34$ at some dealers and 100$ at others. The plan covers all mechanical and electical systems. Some will say these plans are rubbish and others will say they are great. For me it's worth the money.

[RKins]

Originally Posted by ahicks

You can buy a 30k coach and walk away from it and loose less than what you will loose in a couple years depreciation on a more expensive coach.

You can also handle several major repairs and still be into it right, without destroying your budget.

I think the older clean high end DP's represent the best value, all things considered - unless you don't care for the idea of getting your hands dirty.

^^ X2

[Petesflhtk]

I purchased mine a couple years ago and have had my share of issues.. some easy some not so to repair..Mine only had 60 K miles and cost me 60K CAD which seemed like the going price.
I am happy with the coach generally, but have been taken advantage of on a couple occasions, bad me, possibly a little to trusting.. I put new tires on, they downsized me from 255's to 235's and I didn't notice until it was to late..
my point is 'be aware' and trust very few.
I would recommend purchasing from a dealership, I did. I was able to have a few items fixed by that I didn't notice immediately.. Again, you may save enough privately to offset the Dealership profits..
Truly a crap shoot.. Good luck.. And if anyone tells you that the unit has been trouble free, call BS and run away..

[nothermark]

Two things come to mind.

The chassis is the place most people can't really do much themselves. Outside of light bulbs about anything left takes heavy equipment and a truck shop or is not that much more to let someone else do it (oil changes, chassis lube, etc). If you need serious engine work shop rates are in the $150 or higher range. Diesel shops charge more than gas and everything in the drive train is heavier duty and costs more for the parts and the labor. If it was an either or choice that would have me leaning toward gas if it was not for the size issue. Much over 30 ft diesel predominates what is available. Full timing in less than 30-35 ft is cramped. That sort of sets the stage. If I was going short it would be gas for cost. If going bigger it's diesel. Availability calls the shots.

Unless one gets into an accident house repairs are also expensive but a lot more amenable to DIY. A lot of problems big are cumulative failures or lack or maintenance. Anyone a bit handy with a drill and screwdriver can fix most loose things before something breaks. A small set of hand tools and a cordless drill will get one a long way. Add a small compressor and an air tacker/stapler and a lot more repairs get easy plus you can air up tires anywhere. Keep up the calking, sealants, and lubrication. You won't get water damage or premature wear on hinges etc. Find something solid to begin with is the problem. Run from anything that shows poor maintenance.

[Dan McMartin]

Originally Posted by ahicks

You can buy a 30k coach and walk away from it and loose less than what you will loose in a couple years depreciation on a more expensive coach.

You can also handle several major repairs and still be into it right, without destroying your budget.

I think the older clean high end DP's represent the best value, all things considered - unless you don't care for the idea of getting your hands dirty.

Our thoughts. Without a payment or too much invested, you've got the money make repairs. And I look at the cost of ownership as just that. It's not lost or wasted money. It's literally the cost we all pay to own something. What we get back is the use of that property. The question is when does that cost exceed the practical use.

Originally Posted by Podivin

You can't ever KNOW whether or not a coach will be 'good', even when buying new - so just give up on that idea.
You do the most research you can on a specific coach (and/or model), then you roll the dice.
My wife and I spent 12k on a old used coach and there haven't been any surprises in the year+ that we've been using it.
But you can read here where folks spend 10 times (or more) that and it's nothing but trouble for them.
Cross your fingers, say a word or two to your favorite deity, take a swig of something strong - and hand over your check.

My wife made that point. There's tons of stories out there of folks buying new but the coach spends weeks or months at the dealer getting repairs and replacements. She's being unusually cavalier about this used thing

As I said, I know my fears are irrational. Do the research, get the inspections and you've removed all the variables you can. Beyond that, it's up to the RV gods. Even new coaches have major issues.

I guess I was just looking for reassurance that buying an older coach isn't necessarily going to turn our bad. I just needed to hear it. There are no guaranteed, we get that.

[Isaac-1]

I have to somewhat disagree about the DIY stuff being limited to the coach, I have owned my 2002 Safari Trek (8.1 Vortec gasoline engine on wide track P32 chassis) since the first of November, in that time I have done several upgrades, some on the chassis including installing new Koni shock absorbers, front sway bar spreader bar, a set of Sumo solo's, a SeeLevel 709 tank monitor, upgraded LED headlights, a TPMS tire system, a new backup camera, and several other small things like a water pressure accumulator tank, LED florescent replacement kitchen light, ...

[ahicks]

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

I have to somewhat disagree about the DIY stuff being limited to the coach, I have owned my 2002 Safari Trek (8.1 Vortec gasoline engine on wide track P32 chassis) since the first of November, in that time I have done several upgrades, some on the chassis including installing new Koni shock absorbers, front sway bar spreader bar, a set of Sumo solo's, a SeeLevel 709 tank monitor, upgraded LED headlights, a TPMS tire system, a new backup camera, and several other small things like a water pressure accumulator tank, LED florescent replacement kitchen light, ...

I'd agree with you after replacing front springs etc. on a gasser. It's when you go diesel that the chassis parts get big/heavy enough to give many pause. Thankfully, the DP chassis components are SO heavy, rarely will you see them badly worn in MH service. Good inspections and regular maintenance is about all most will ever find necessary. Thankfully, most maintenance can be handled on a DIY basis.