djmiranda1
Downey, CA
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Should I buy the low milage older model or the newer model with high mileage? What is your take on this? I am looking to spend around 15K on a 24ft class C.
Thanks
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Cool Mike
Mendocino. Calif.
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You didn't say what the mileage was, or the vintage, but generally speaking I would go with the newer unit, it will have newer technology in its design, like fuel injection is a biggie, 4 or 5 speed transmission also. If its well maintained the drivetrain should last 200K miles, that's a lot of years at the rate you will be putting them on.
So go newer. IMO.
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djmiranda1
Downey, CA
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Cool Mike wrote:You didn't say what the mileage was, or the vintage, but generally speaking I would go with the newer unit, it will have newer technology in its design, like fuel injection is a biggie, 4 or 5 speed transmission also. If its well maintained the drivetrain should last 200K miles, that's a lot of years at the rate you will be putting them on.
So go newer. IMO. I dont have a model in mind but I have been seeing alot 95-98 for sale for cheap with 30-40K miles for way less than I would find a 2000-2001 with 80K miles. Thats what I meant.
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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My only advice is to make SURE you know how long the older unit has been parked. An older unit that has just been sitting IMHO isn't worth it if they gave it to me! Sitting is a big killer with these MH's. And most definetly do not buy one that has been parked as a seasonal camper for a year or more.
Otherwise if the owners were using it and maintaining it, a nice used MH can be a great starter RV.
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wayne_tw
South Dakota/Georgia
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It is not just the drive train of the motor home, but the RV components as well, such as the appliances, structure especially if it had a leak, and if rubber roof, its age is a big factor.
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david_42
Oregon
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The trade-off between a 2001 and a 1998 wouldn't be all that big, but lower miles generally means the unit sat unused most of the time. 40K in ten years means it was used occasionally, 80K in 7 years means it was used frequently.
A 10-12 year old RV can still be a good deal, but you really have to check them over.
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TMBLSN
Washington State
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djmiranda1 wrote: Should I buy the low milage older model or the newer model with high mileage? What is your take on this? I am looking to spend around 15K on a 24ft class C.
I have been seeing alot 95-98 for sale for cheap with 30-40K miles for way less than I would find a 2000-2001 with 80K miles. Thats what I meant.
You changed the parameters, big time. Your first message suggested that the rigs are the same price.
How much of a difference in price? What are the prices of these units?
Is a $3 Big Mac a better deal then a $15 steak?
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Cool Mike
Mendocino. Calif.
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There's a lot of truth in the post that said sitting is just as hard or harder than driving it often. If you put 30,000 miles per year, you could rack up 100K in a little over 3 years, and would have a vary good running Rig. But not if you did that in 25 years.
Do you recall the post about the guy that put over a million miles on his Ford E-250 V-8 Van, actually he had 1,050,000 miles at the time, and all on the original engine and transmission,(not over haled) but he wouldn't do that over a 30 year time frame.
He would have to put vary high mileage per year, as this was on a delivery truck.
Look for something 1998 or newer, most are Fords, and in 98 they came out with the modular engine, with the overhead cam and the V-10, that's one reason you will notice a big price jump around the year 98 and newer. And 2000 got the E-450 with disc brakes on all 4 corners, more money.
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Gale Hawkins
Murray, KY
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Are you talking for the same money or what?
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webhannet
Southern Coastal Maine
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I have had many Ford vans, and it was around 80K miles that my problems would start. From what I've seen, low mileage units are common in RVs - and they don't seem to sell at much higher prices. If you shop, you'll probably find "the right one", but it will probably be a private sale.
I love hearing about how all the DPs are good for 500K miles, but I rarely see one with 100K on it. People just don't use them that much - same with Class Cs.
I decided OLDER, QUALITY, and LOW MILEAGE was the best mix in a Class A. Not to say that I had a big selection to choose from, but I found what I could - and decided for that mix.
How has it worked out? Pretty well! Because I bought a unit that was (for its time) fully loaded, I got all the options one could have. I've never lusted for the add-ons I might have missed - like leveling jacks, double AC, corian counters, upgraded "stuff" - and everything has worn well. I'd say I was "moving up" each year, but most of the units I'd see didn't seem worth the money and bother of trading. Now that times are tough and used RV's are worth less, I'm still happy - and I never spent all that extra money for something to depreciate in still greater amounts. For that alone, I'm delighted.
My unit is a 1994, just over 20K miles, and still shines. I doubt it can get worth much less, so the depreciation factor is nil - and I never had all those "low miles" problems they all love to talk about. The repairs I've done are the same ones people write about in five year old units.
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