Getting closer to buying. Feedback sought.

[Turtle Travelers]

Hi there! I’ve seen a 2016 vista lx that has many desirable features that I would have to manufacture for an older or other rv. I’m here seeking feedback.

First, this was not something I was looking for. After some years of reading and looking and watching as a brick house rooted person thinking about chucking this lifestyle for one that has less lawn mowing and leaf raking, I had pretty much settled on looking for a diesel model built somewhere between 96 and 2006, depending on manufacturer etc. I wanted to be at or under 35’.

Best laid plans eh? So my wife shows me a 2016 37’ gas fueled Winnebago vista. It has a layout I love, a televator, no dinette and a fantastic kitchen. The bedroom though small has a bed a little bigger than queen. Which would be helpful for two overweight people, two cats, and two medium dogs. Bonus a single overcab bunk that my cats would love. And washer and separate dryer.

I worry about the perhaps middle range quality of Winnebago, vs some of the older models I have been looking at. Ramblers, Country Coach, Tiffins, Newmar, and more. I have not really investigated Winnebago. I believe all of them have a one piece fiberglass roof and that is a good thing. That’s about it.

So all words of wisdom even conflicting wisdom is being sought.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We’re sure glad you joined the gang here!

I would go with an older DP. JMHO

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[Flyer15015]

IMO, a 2016 Winne is a pretty good choice.
Old enough to have depreciated a bit.
Young enough to get parts for, and provide several years of good service.
Gas is good. No DEF issues and lower fueling costs. 6 quarts of oil instead of 20 is a bonus. A small toad is in your future.
If the DW is pleased with the layout, you can handle the rest.

Mike in Colorado

[SJ-Chris]

Suggestion: Go on rvshare.com or Outdoorsy.com and see if you can rent that same RV. If so, you could take it on a 3-4 day trip to see how you like it. Going on a trip in an RV is a GREAT way to figure out the things you like and/or don't like.


If you aren't a seasoned RV owner, I would also suggest you get a professional RV inspection prior to purchasing any RV. Might save you thousands and thousands and thousands of dollars, or it might tell you it's a great RV and you will sleep well knowing you've got a quality RV.



Good luck!
Chris

[NXR]

You'll probably get more focused answers over here: https://www.winnieowners.com/forums/f263/

Ray

[eddndee]

I have had numerous Winnebago coaches over the years and have never been disappointed.

[CCampbell]

Originally Posted by Kmmkristin

Hi there! I’ve seen a 2016 vista lx that has many desirable features that I would have to manufacture for an older or other rv. I’m here seeking feedback.

First, this was not something I was looking for. After some years of reading and looking and watching as a brick house rooted person thinking about chucking this lifestyle for one that has less lawn mowing and leaf raking, I had pretty much settled on looking for a diesel model built somewhere between 96 and 2006, depending on manufacturer etc. I wanted to be at or under 35’.

Best laid plans eh? So my wife shows me a 2016 37’ gas fueled Winnebago vista. It has a layout I love, a televator, no dinette and a fantastic kitchen. The bedroom though small has a bed a little bigger than queen. Which would be helpful for two overweight people, two cats, and two medium dogs. Bonus a single overcab bunk that my cats would love. And washer and separate dryer.

I worry about the perhaps middle range quality of Winnebago, vs some of the older models I have been looking at. Ramblers, Country Coach, Tiffins, Newmar, and more. I have not really investigated Winnebago. I believe all of them have a one piece fiberglass roof and that is a good thing. That’s about it.

So all words of wisdom even conflicting wisdom is being sought.

My only two pieces of advice is always look for a bed that you can access from both sides, and NEVER BUY an RV WITH Atwood electric leveling jacks, they are nothing but expensive problems and you will eventually need to replace them

[pasdad1]

Try to find out what is the CCC cargo carrying capacity of the coach. Many gas coaches are near max weight just filling fuel and water tanks full.

Just as a comparison, our DP has 10,720 lbs CCC

I believe you would want at least 3000 lbs, or whatever you are comfortable with.

[Jandcinok]

If youre the kind of potential owner, that will need to take your RV to the dealership for repairs over every little needed fix, I would rethink owning. Its expensive, you’ll wait forever to get repairs done, and its really hard to find someone who will actually fix your problem and not just take your money.

Have fun shopping!

[SJ-Chris]

Originally Posted by Jandcinok

If youre the kind of potential owner, that will need to take your RV to the dealership for repairs over every little needed fix, I would rethink owning. Its expensive, you’ll wait forever to get repairs done, and its really hard to find someone who will actually fix your problem and not just take your money.

Have fun shopping!

This is also good advice!


Regarding diesel RVs....disclaimer, I have only owned Class C RVs with V10 gas engines.... My RV repair shop owner has told me several times that diesel RVs are VEEEEERY expensive to maintain. I can't remember specifics, but he gave me some examples. Maybe others here can comment... Oil changes might be very expensive. I think he mentioned a radiator on one needing to be replaced and it was going to cost something like $8-11k. He told me he would only recommend a diesel RV if you have money to burn.


Note: I don't have anything against diesel RV owners. Seems like if you want a big Class A RV then many/most(?) are diesel. Certainly there are many people here with diesel RVs. Again, I don't have personal experience so maybe others can chime in. Just relaying what I have heard multiple times from my RV repair shop.


side note: Large Class A RVs with multiple slide outs are really impressive inside! My In-laws have one and it feels incredibly roomy when their camp is set up.


-Chris

[bentjm]

Originally Posted by SJ-Chris

This is also good advice!


Regarding diesel RVs....disclaimer, I have only owned Class C RVs with V10 gas engines.... My RV repair shop owner has told me several times that diesel RVs are VEEEEERY expensive to maintain. I can't remember specifics, but he gave me some examples. Maybe others here can comment... Oil changes might be very expensive. I think he mentioned a radiator on one needing to be replaced and it was going to cost something like $8-11k. He told me he would only recommend a diesel RV if you have money to burn.


Note: I don't have anything against diesel RV owners. Seems like if you want a big Class A RV then many/most(?) are diesel. Certainly there are many people here with diesel RVs. Again, I don't have personal experience so maybe others can chime in. Just relaying what I have heard multiple times from my RV repair shop.


side note: Large Class A RVs with multiple slide outs are really impressive inside! My In-laws have one and it feels incredibly roomy when their camp is set up.


-Chris

Depends on what you consider expensive.

What do you pay for a oil change for your RV?

My Cummins ISL engine takes 7 gallons of oil. I can change the oil, oil filter, and both fuel filters for about $250 in materials.

[HighDesert]

Winnebago does not have a solid one piece fiberglass roof. Actually, they seem to have one of the worst roofs out there. Not knocking Winnie’s, but take a real hard look at the roof condias there is no minor repair, but mostly replacing the entire tool. There are trade offs between gas vs diesel. Have had both and really prefer the diesel for comfort and ride. Maintenance (annual) is slightly more than the gas, but worth it to me. And yes, if you have major engine issues, it gets pricey, real quick.