DP???

[CampingCajun]

Bought ours lightly used in 2011 for a good price. With the size we wanted & things we have planned diesel was the only option. We are just getting it like we want it so we'll keep it until one of us gives out (me or the coach).

[Cat320]

Originally Posted by vapor3000

...I would never buy one of these things new. A well maintained used class A can cost hundred of thousands dollars less than a new one....

Agree, but the primary reason for me is you spend the first year taking it to the dealer and the factory getting the bugs worked out.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by homeless

Is there anyone out there that doesn't like his DP? I'm sure a new rig would be ideal engine wise but wouldn't a ten year old DP be expensive to maintain?

Our '02 Dutch Star DP was no more costly to maintain than our '00 Dutch Star DP and far less than the '98 Santara 35' gas unit we had before them.
In fact the '02 DSDP over it's lifetime was far LESS costly to maintain than our present Magna due to the Magna's engine blowing up after only 2,600 miles.

[ahicks]

Define "expensive".
Not sure how you can put a value on a word so subjective.

"Expensive" to me is the price of a new coach - or even a very late model one. I wouldn't look at one less than 10 years old....

Is a set of tires every 7 or 8 years "expensive"?
Routine maintenance (oil, filters, etc.)?

If referring to other DP chassis work, you're talking about some pretty heavy duty components that are designed to last quite a while. There's not that much that needs to be done. Brakes are rarely replaced during the coach's lifetime for instance.

I would say maintenance on our '97 is definitely NOT expensive - BUT - I'll qualify that comment by adding I do most of our maintenance myself. If I had to pay somebody for that, I couldn't afford it - or the frustration caused by trying to get it done right.

[Ray,IN]

Our MH(see sig) was purchased on 2013, along with an extended service contract(it is NOT a warranty). Since purchase we've spend about $600 out-of-pocket, the contract company has paid out very close to $4,000. The extended service contract cost us $4,800, we have 6 months remaining on the contract.
P.S. It's in the shop now for new holding tank valves, covered by contract. I expect the final outcome will show us close to breaking even.
Mr. D's experience was unusual and rare IMO, repairing his damaged engine was sad for me to even read about.

[Ramets]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Has the extended warranty paid off?

More than paid for itself, and I still have 1 1/2yrs left on it. Some people don't believe in them, but in our case getting a 10yr. old coach at the time and going full time, it seemed like the right thing to do.

[Tha_Rooster]

Originally Posted by homeless

Is there anyone out there that doesn't like his DP? I'm sure a new rig would be ideal engine wise but wouldn't a ten year old DP be expensive to maintain?

To answer your question not me.

[Dutch Star Don]

"homeless".....One of the things you mention is that a new engine would be ideal. I think you mean a new engine in the sense that it doesn't have any miles on it. Along those lines though, about ten years ago, the ISL 400 started showing up as the engine of choice by manufacturers. It is probably one of the best RV engines (in the majority of coaches) ever made. That motor hasn't really changed any with the exception of the addition of smog equipment. Even the latest version isn't really any different than a 2005. They increased the HP by 50, but that was to appease people upset with the additional smog equipment.

So.....a ten year old or newer coach has pretty much the same engine you can buy now. Going older may put you into some pretty underpowered coaches. The ISL has been relatively problem free and easy to maintain. Making it relatively inexpensive to own.