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Too old to buy

PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 7:21 pm
by Redetotry
I'm still dreaming and looking for an older Class B van, I'm undecided on how old is too old though. I saw this for sale and it sounds interesting but it is located in Orlando, FL which is quite a distance. Here are the details. I was a little concerned about the low hours on the generator, but the rest sounds good. So what do you all think, the asking price is $24,950.

2001 Roadtrek Versatile 190
Description: Our motorhome has 40,250 carefully driven miles and is in absolutely beautiful condition having been pampered and very well cared for by ourselves and one previous owner. It has new tires and the Dodge 5.2 liter 318 cu in. engine has been fully maintained and regularly gets 17 highway mpg. It has a generator with only 56 hours of use. The interior is immaculate and the flush toilet, shower, microwave, fridge and cooktop look almost new. (The mirror in the toilet area still has the plastic covering) We are non smokers and no pets. This is a great travel vehicle, easy to handle & drive & can be parked in any regular parking space. It is very dependable, drives extremely smooth & quiet & there will be no disappointments with this exceptional motorhome.

Rear dinette converts to a double bed & the two captains' seats swivel to form two singles. Roof air conditioner, heater with wall thermostat, water heater, tv/vcr, am/fm/cd player, three way fridge/ freezer, sink, microwave, stow away table, fantastic fan, outside shower, pwr converter, monitor station, power windows,locks,cruise, ice cold air, spare tire like new, hitch, eleven foot awning.

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 7:29 pm
by Bethers
I wouldn't have any problem with the age- especially IF it's been maintained as they say. I don't know if that value is good or not. I have a very slow connection here, and am boondocking, so can't get onto any of the sites to check their price. Have you? That would be the first thing I'd check - then I'd have someone check it out for you if you are truly interested. As to the generator, yes, they think low usage is good, we know it can mean problems. Doesn't mean it will, but definitely can. So consider that when/if making an offer.

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 7:44 pm
by Liz
Certainly worth a look. And as Beth said, check out its value on the NADA guides before considering an offer. The TV if original is probably not digital and would need a converter if not hooked up to cable. (Or replaced, as I did with mine). If it has been sitting any length of time, some hoses might dry rot and need to be replaced. (When I bought my first RT, a 1999, I had to replace the fresh water fill hose and the dump hose.) That's not a deal breaker, but be aware that there may be some things that need doing. The ad sys the tires are new, but the spare is "like new" which probably means old (outdated), but may still have good tread.

That said, Roadtreks are well built and hold their value well. That one most likely has some good miles still ahead.

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:24 pm
by retiredhappy
My rig is a 2001 so I don't think its old. I've had it since 2003 and I've maintained it well. If you're interested don't dally - Roadtreks go fast.

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:32 pm
by mtngal
Hi, just my 2 cents.....the asking price is a bit high, keep in mind that more than likely you will have some repairs on a rig that is 10 years old, especially if you plan to put long miles on it. Like Liz said, worth a look and even if it's not for you, it will be good for future comparison. Yes, RTs do go fast, but that said, there are always coming on the market, so don't feel pressured for that reason. Maybe consider hiring a 'mobile' mechanic to check it out for you before traveling to see it?

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Fri Feb 25, 2011 10:42 pm
by JudyJB
Just wondering.....

I've also been "window shopping" used RVs. Some that age have a lot of miles, and some hardly any miles. How can you tell if something has low miles because they mostly kept it parked, but still lived in it a lot? Hardly ever using the generator sounds like they had it parked only at parks with electric. Does that make sense, considering the number of miles??

And which wears a unit out more: Driving it a lot, but only staying in it a few weeks a year, or not driving so much per year, but staying in it for months each year????

JudyJB

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 11:39 am
by Redetotry
I just talked to the owner and this sounds almost too good to be true. He says it is very clean, just truned 40k they drive it almost daily and he keeps everything up to date. I didn't discuss price but think he is about 2,500 higher than it should be. Is anyone close to Kissimee, he is 4 1/2 miles from Disney near HWY 192 & 27, who could go take a look for me ? He and his wife are retired and bought the Roadtrek from an estate sale. He says generator and everything works well and TV works on cable. I am excited, my DH is furious. :(

Thanks for all the advise, I think I asked all the right questions.

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 12:10 pm
by mitch5252
Redetotry wrote: I am excited, my DH is furious. :(


:lol: Oh, well - he'll get over it.

OMG - how exciting!!!! If I could, I'd say stop by and get me and let's head to FL!

..

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 12:42 pm
by dpf
Either I'm not seeing it or it doesn't say....is it a diesel? Because that amount of miles on a diesel engine is nothing.

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 12:42 pm
by dpf
Will he send you pictures?

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 1:36 pm
by Redetotry
It is a gas engine and he is sending more pictures. I guess what I really need is to have a mechanic check it out. So how do I find a mobile mechanic? I know there will be others but this does sound very good.

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 1:48 pm
by mitch5252
Redetotry wrote:It is a gas engine and he is sending more pictures. I guess what I really need is to have a mechanic check it out. So how do I find a mobile mechanic? I know there will be others but this does sound very good.


Here's one to start with:

http://www.orlandorvmobilerepairs.com/services.php

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 2:01 pm
by dayspring39
Soos is not far from Kissimee... (not sure of the spelling lol) if I remember right her son can work on vehicles... worth at try contacting her...
Wow how nice to think of... will you share the pictures?
Kathleen

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 2:11 pm
by BirdbyBird
Good at least to check out and if it is doable then you can always make an offer you are comfortable with.....If no one takes your offer then okay with that! :) No comment on the DH...as mine stays behind but after all these years won't say anything....He knows that I would go anyway.....but it is my retirement money that I spend not his. :lol: I didn't finance his "Pottery Place" either.... :) or tell him not to do it. And it appears that neither of us finance the fix ups needed on the stix house. :roll:

Re: Too old to buy

PostPosted: Sat Feb 26, 2011 4:00 pm
by Liz
Well, the weather is beautiful in Florida right now. Sounds like time for a FL vacation. :D