CA Mom
California
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Joined: 09/26/2007
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Wow, I can't believe it's been nearly a year since we started our motorhome search and we *still* don't have one! We started off looking for a Class A last year, and ended up liking Class Cs.
We ended up renting a Winnebago View 24J last Thanksgiving and took it to Big Sur for a few nights. We had our two kids and grandma. It worked out great, but the rental company was a complete nightmare, and turned us off of renting forever, and took the wind out of our desire to own a motorhome for many, many months.
Fast forward to a year later (now), and we have spent the past three months lurking around here looking at used Class C 24' Fleetwoods and Winnebagos. The good news is that we have narrowed our search and are even pre-approved for a reasonable loan. I was hoping to get some input from the forum on some possibilities:
2002 Fleetwood Jamboree Rallye 24D, 18K mi, well-cared for and maintained, no leaks, $26K (high NADA is $22K, private party)
2002 Fleetwood Tioga 24D, 9K mi, well-cared for, previous leak/water damage to cabover area, has hydraulic levelers, asking $42K (high NADA is $25K without options added in, private party)
2007 Winnebago Access 24V, 7K mi., $46K (dealer)
2006 Winnebago Outlook 24V, 7K mi., $42K with extended warranty for 2 more years (private party)
2008 Winnebago Access 24V, new, $53K, with warranty (dealer)
We are torn between newer versus older, Winnebago versus Fleetwood. And, is it totally insane to be borrowing any kind of money these days for a "luxury" purchase? Any advice would be great!
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winnietrey
seattle
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Joined: 03/26/2005
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IMHO. I would start with do you want to spend 25k or 50k. Best buy is 3 or 4 years old. I would avoid the one with the leak history. Sometimes they just come that way from the factory.
I would not get hung up on brands. Winnie, fleetwood, coachmen, forest river sometimes not much different.
I would go with the floor plan you like best.
We paid 33k 4 years ago for a 24 coachmen, 2001 with 5k miles. Payments are pretty low, so I don't feel like we can only take vacation with it.
As for should you buy any? All I can say is for us we have gone seen and done many things we never would have without it. From Alaska to Airizona To the Dakotas. And many many great weekends and shorter trips. And what the hey, you never see an armored car behind a hearst!! JMHO
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quark
Hillsborough NJ
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Joined: 08/05/2008
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Unless you are going to use it a LOT, I would look for something with much higher mileage and possibly older at 1/2 the price. These engines are good for 200-300K if properly maintained. I paid 11.5 K for my 29 ft Fleetwood and it's a gem, and best of all, I could afford to pay cash at that price point. Don't forget to add the total finance cost to those prices cuz that's what you will REALLY pay.
MH: 96 Ford E350 7.5 Fleetwood Jamboree Searcher
TV: 1995 Nissan Quest
VTT: 16' 1963 Yellowstone "Canned Ham"
Controller: Tekonsha P3
Hitch: Equil-i-zer .
http://www.vintage-yellowstone.com/
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Frosty's Mom
SW Idaho
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Joined: 01/29/2008
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looks like you are definitely locked on a shorter one, so apparently that size/floor plan fit your needs--so guess the bigger question would be how much would you actually use it? i'd hate to be making payments on a rig i can see parked outside my window that only gets used once or twice a year. another question in my mind would be the resale value. trade-up in 2 years for a larger one? ours is a 2003--would have liked to have found something a little newer, but couldn't with our pocketbook. in our case, doubtful we'd be trading either up or down and we have a history of using our vehicles until they fall apart. most of your questions--only you can answer.
wee3-gin, clyde & the bichon frise
2003 Minnie Winnie 30V - "The Frosty Hauler"
May the Angels guide your wheels and ride on your shoulder.
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CA Mom
California
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Joined: 09/26/2007
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We like the 24V or 24D floorplans the best. They are basically the same, with a rear bed and rear window, dinette, and cabover bed.
Originally we wanted to spend $25K, so were pretty happy with the Fleetwood Jamboree Rallye with 18K miles, and offered $26K. But the owners were at first firm with a price of $30K, which was $8K over NADA, and we didn't feel comfortable paying that much over high book. They have come down to $28K now, but in the meantime we have become very interested in Winnebago. It has been hard to find any nice used 24' ones at all.
We could finance up to $40K for 5 years at about 5%, and pay up to $5K in interest during that timeframe.
So should I focus on a 2004 or 2005, or do you think the 2006 would be okay since it is so close to being 3 years old?
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SemperFiCop
USA
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Joined: 10/19/2007
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As a Guide
for pricing:
Low Nada,
No Options...
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CA Mom
California
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Joined: 09/26/2007
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We would hope to use our motorhome for a long summer trip (3 weeks) and 6 weekends during the year, plus during school breaks. Our kids are 6 and 9, so it's getting harder to travel during the school year.
I did find a 15-year old Itasca that looks good, but I'm afraid of something that old with only 38K miles.
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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We began looking at "C"s...then "A"s...then back at the "C"...but kept our minds open. Our problem with the "A" was the head-room (I'm 6'7"), and ironically, it seemed that most of the "A"s have lower overhead....but more basement room!
Anyway, we found this 31C on e-bay.....it's a GEM!!! We paid $25K, which was about NADA, but there are so many extras (about $10K, as I estimate) that it was a great deal.
I know that you are looking for the shorter rigs, but I'd suggest that, if you have the room to store it at home, you look at the larger ones. Your family will increase in size (not number) with the growth of those boys, and you may want to bring along their friends from time to time. I can carry 8 in mine without trouble. Yes, you could probably bring along a pup-tent for the overflow, but many CGs won't allow it, or they charge extra! You will also find that you get the QUEEN bed in the larger ones, as opposed to the FULL. We've got the large Queen (not camper queen) in ours, and that was another reason for to purchase it. We wanted the North-South bed, so we could extend it, for my height! You can't do that with a corner bed.
I don't know if you'll see much difference in the mileage....expect about 8-9 MPG with almost any of them in the 24-31' range. Of course, you may do better, but if you figure that number into your plans, you'll be all the happier, if you do better!!
As far as $$$, which seems to be the major question you have....
We paid cash. I would have taken a loan for about half the price, if needed, but again, we found a good deal. I don't know if I'd want to pay the interest for something that will sit a majority of the time on the side of your house. We had grand plans...gonna take it out every weekend....use the heck out of it, and that just isn't the case. My work schedule has me home for 2-weeks every month, and we have yet to take advantage of that....though we plan to!! But, since it's paid for, it's not hurting me as much if it sits a little longer.
Everyone will have advice for you....but my two cents is that you buy used....you can always upgrade later on, as you find out what your real needs are. Get what you can afford NOW, and enjoy the heck out of it. It won't be much good, if you set aside $500/month for RVing, and your payment/expenses are $450....$50 isn't going to get you very far down the road!!
I agree with the post, that you want to avoid anything that has water damage of any kind. What you see, is only the tip of the iceberg! And, there are plenty of really nice, undamaged, rigs out there. As gas prices drop, the RV prices will start to climb. As Summer/Fall come to a close, more people will begin to sell their RVs, and you may find a better price.....though you'll be the one storing it for the upcoming year!
Good luck, and welcome to the Community!!
DH Bill / DW Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris
The Paps! Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie and Annie 
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April Fools Day, 2008 
The Pets
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Mike& Rose
Lake & Horse country,Blackstone Valley MA
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Joined: 02/12/2007
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We are have also been looking, but actually for 2 years now. We visited different RV shows, dealesrships and campgrounds. Wife has never RVed so had to convince her it would be fun to get into the lifestyle. We rented a Class C for 3 weeks this summer and had a great time. Wife loved it. She was sold. We rented a 30' Tioga Class C. Now we are looking at Class A and C motorhomes. I am 6.1 and some of the Class C models with slides are snug fits when I drive, so may have to go with a Class A. So just make sure that the RV you buy fits your needs and pocketbook. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!
See you on the road!
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Kamphiker
South Florida (this 'aint paridise anymore)
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Joined: 07/09/2002
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I feel your pain in searching for the right RV. I also am looking for a 24 foor with the rear corner queen, side dinnet (or side couch non-slide out) and overhead bunk.
I like the Winnebago Minnie 24V 2003 - 2005. So far no luck finf=ding any in the South Florida Area. I see a lot in other areas and some look like they are priced to sell.
Since your in California, I didi a quick search and found this one
2004 winnebago Minnie 24V
I would go in with the intention of purchasing it in todays fair market.
NADA Value:
2004 Winniebago Minnie 24V
Model: M-24V-FORD(#)
Length: 24 1/2'
Coach Design: Mini Motor Home
Floor Plan: Side Dinette
Self-Contained: YES
Slides: N/A
PRICING ................Low Retail............... Average Retail
Base Price.....$ 24,820.................$ 29,900
Suggested List: $62,872 (MSRP when new)
As someone else suggested LOW RETAIL would be the current fair market value to purchase. If all checked out OK, I would go in and offer 10 - 15% below LOW retail (This is approx. wholesale value OR dealer trade in) in todays market it is a buyers market, If a seller (private) won't drop down to fair market pricing then either they are not serious about selling OR don't know the current market OR is Upside down (Owing more to the bank than current market conditions).
This 2004 Winnebago looks like it's in your price range, just stick to your guns on your $$$ and value you except in return and you will find the right RV you can live with.
Good luck!
Anyone know of any used 2003 - 2005 Minnie 24v (or Itasca) in south Florida ? I'm in the market for one drop me Private mail.
'01 Yukon, 5.3, Z82 Tow Pkg., 3.73 Axle,Wait4Me Performance Custom PCM , 17" Escalade rims - Reese Dual cam - Hi-Lo Classic "Funchaser" Campgrounds in the Smoky Mountains NP
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