Wjohns02
Nc
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Posted earlier about a potential MH purchase and got valuable feedback so I would like feedback from experienced MH owners. We have a budget of $100, for this purchase. I can 2016 - 2017 gas models, Thor, Coachmen, etc 35ft that would meet our needs. I can also find older, DP 2000 - 2008, low mileage for about the same price, Monaco for example.
Just curious as to thoughts about these types of options. Obviously a lot depends on how the unit has been cared for but assuming any purchase would be inspected for trouble areas I would appreciate thoughts on which you might think would be the better option.
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rk911
DuPage County
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what is your budget???
Rich
Ham Radio, Sport Pilot, Retired 9-1-1 Call Center Administrator
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2016 Itasca Suncruiser 38Q
'46 Willys CJ2A
'23 Jeep Wrangler JL
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& MaggieThe Wonder Beagle
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Tom/Barb
Oak Harbor, Wa
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rk911 wrote:what is your budget???
They said 100, usually means $100,000K
2000 Newmar mountain aire 4081 DP, ISC/350 Allison 6 speed, Wrangler JL toad.
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craig7h
Branson MO area
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Like anything else on forums you will get alot of opinons, and most will be correct as they are coming from the owners of the units.
So heres my 2cents. I left the 5th wheel type of RVing for the MH way. I started with a gas unit and found not enough storage either inside or out for longer trips. We traded a 2017 for a 2007 DP and love it. Way more storage for the longer 2months + trips. I am not a fan of all the electronics in the new coaches. I am happy with just the basics as less to go wrong. The older DP you do not have to play with the DEF stuff. Our 07 shows the quality and proud craftmanship of the days gone by.
With your budget you should have no problem finding a great DP
Just my thoughts Good Luck
Itasca Meridian SE 36g
Road Master Tow Dolly
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ferndaleflyer
everywhere
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Craig is right. Get an older HIGH END DP and you will get a far better unit than new ones on the market today. I was just at a RV show here in NC And saw how cheap even more expensive ones were built. I wouldn’t trade my old Monaco for any of them.
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Wjohns02
Nc
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Craig7h
Thanks for the feedback. It’s the exact type of information/thoughts I was looking for and of course I understand I’m asking for opinions so I’ll ask for an additional one. Is there an age, regardless of how clean the unit looks that this group would say to stay away from? For example looked at a 2000 Monaco which is very clean with 20,000 miles on it but the idea of 23 year old vehicle concerns me regardless of how it looks.
And previous poster is current on budget. It’s $100,000, not $100. Again opinions are appreciated and I will take as just that.
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Bruce Brown
Northern NY
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We have a 2008 Newmar DP. Every time we think it might be time for an upgrade we look around some and always end up right back to ours.
I'm not saying new isn't nice, I'm saying for what you're looking at budget-wise I'd be looking at something similar to ours.
There are 24 hours in every day - it all depends on how you choose to use them.
Bruce & Jill Brown
2008 Kountry Star Pusher 3910
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discovery4us
California
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I can't offer an opinion on the gas versus diesel MH as the only type of RV we haven't owned is a gas MH. I can say that the only thing we will have from here on out is a Diesel MH. Our first was a 1999 Discovery and it was amazing. Our second that we just purchased is a 2005 American Tradition.
The 1999 was mechanically and structurally sound but needed updating. Floors, tvs, upholstery. Decided that we would rather put that money into a newer unit. Started in the 2012 - 2015 range and after a year of looking decided that the 2003 - 2008 models offered alot more bang for the buck.
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ferndaleflyer
everywhere
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Don’t know which Monaco model you looked at but mine is about that age and since it’s always been stored inside and well maintained it looks and acts like new. $284000 when new. Just make sure everything works and tires aren’t aged out. Records, you want records.
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RichB3125
Beavercreek, OH
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Here's the deal - I have a 2002 Foretravel with 185,000 miles on it. It cost more than my house when it was built and I bought it used 10 Years ago this month at a very depreciated value. It is extremely well built and the chassis should last for 500,000 miles. But being 20+ years old, it does require maintenance and renovation, just like a house requires new appliances, carpet, paint, roof, etc. Some cosmetic, some required to keep things working. I'd budget $10K for the first year after purchase and another $1K/year for upkeep on the house part of the coach. That doesn't get you a major refresh.
And chassis maintenance and repairs are expensive. The more you can do yourself, the easier on your wallet. Basic parts for engine and generator LOF, air dryer, etc. is probably $300-$500/year. If a shop does it, you're probably at at least $130/hr or more. I can do the basics in my driveway in about 4 hours. I'd budget $2-3K year for chassis upkeep. Tires are $500/each, batteries are expensive but will last if maintained. It cost me almost $3K to replace 3 house and 3 chassis batteries.
We really love the life style and options the motorhome affords us. We plan to keep putting on about 10,000 miles/year as long as I can keep up the maintenance. Then it will be time to look at other options.
Look for one that is well maintained and renovated and pay top dollar or look for one that is well maintained and not renovated and discount it. You can then live with the dated interior or renovate the way you like it.
Rich
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