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Topic: Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale? (Read 291 times) previous topic - next topic
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Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale?
Hello! You've all been so helpful, I thought I'd ask another question.

I found a 2005 e450 27' midbath that's a day's drive from me. The mileage is 92,000! I know it's the better engine choice, it's the floor plan I love, and just with a few back and forths it sounds like something I might pursue.

But what about the mileage?

Asking price is super high at $39,000. Not sure I want to spend that on top of it all, but feeling like that's what it might require unless I wait to see if the market fixes itself in a few years.

Cynthia
On the search for a 26.5 MB
to be our home away from home
Re: Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale?
Reply #1 –
92k alone would not dissuade me if my budget has me looking at mid-2000's rigs.  That's somewhere in the neighborhood of 6000 miles a year.  I consider that to be a nice balance between never being used and being driven everywhere.

By the time you get a 16 year old vehicle with 92k miles, maintenance and usage patterns (mainly towing or sitting for years) mean more to me than anything else.  A well cared for vehicle like that probably has a lot of life left in it.  You do have to be prepared for some expenses that may come soon or may never come.  It's hard to know if it was driven regularly for 16 years, or driven lots for 10 years and then sitting for 6. 

Those engines routinely last for many more miles.  Expect to change a few things (spark plugs, belt, differential fluid)) if it hasn't been done already. 

A 2005 chassis gets you the 5R110 transmission, which I think was an upgrade over the 4R100.  You are also well beyond the years that could have blown spark plugs.  You windows will probably fog, if they haven't already.

Prices continue to amaze me, but rigs are selling quickly so who am I to argue?  The older I get (and I'm younger than most here), the less willing I am to wait a few more years. 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale?
Reply #2 –
The basic ford e450 chassis will go 500k miles routinely in commercial service, if maintained properly.  I would be much more concerned about maintenance and roof issues.  If I were in the market for another LD, the price wouldnt dissuade me.
Re: Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale?
Reply #3 –
"I found a 2005 e450 27' midbath that's a day's drive from me."

Were I in your shoes I'd be running to scoop this one up!

I have a 2004 30'IB with comparable mileage. She has had good and continuing maintenance over the years and is now serving the 2nd Generation.  ;D There have been no MAJOR issues and is sitting in the side yard waiting for her next adventure.   ;)

Price is always negotiable!
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale?
Reply #4 –
Oh, my goodness! You're making me nervous and excited! I have to make sure I can swing the asking price. She says no leaks, but I'll ask about the roof.

These are such weird times in the market. I know they keep saying the real estate market has softened in my area. And then an article specifically says, "Instead of 10-12 offers, there might be 5-6 (this is within the first hours mind you), and instead of getting $25,000-40,000 over asking they're getting $10,000." That's better!? I feel like the RV market is doing the same. Who knows if it will ever be "normal" again.

Thanks for the help! I might just jump on this one. I'll keep you updated. It isn't on the market yet. She's going to put it on RVTrader in the next few days. If I don't act quick, it will be gone.

Cynthia
On the search for a 26.5 MB
to be our home away from home
 
Re: Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale?
Reply #5 –
As always, when buying an older LD or any RV, have a reserve fund for unknown issues.
At 92,000 miles, the front end may need ball joints and swaybar bushings. The driveshaft carrier bearing and u-joints can be worn.
If the rig has been used to tow, the transmission will have more wear than normal. After towing a Jeep for 100,000 miles, our LD's transmission needed rebuilding.
Having a mechanic inspect a used LD is always suggested. The same goes for the coach, a knowledgeable RV tech should inspect it too, this LD is old enough to have suffered leaks in the roof, windows and end caps, if not properly maintained.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale?
Reply #6 –
Hi Cynthia,

Since you seem to know the current owner, sounds like you’re better off negotiating with her now rather than wait for the frenzy on rvtrader, more time to examine, inspections.

$39,000 is kinda high, but then I am looking at a 1995 MB with an E350 and 120k miles for $20,000.    Prices be crazy until if and when the Mothership starts getting a steady supply of chassis from Ford.

I made stupid mistake three months ago, I had a shot at getting a 2016 TK, and I hesitated.    Been a lot of regret ever since.

How soon are you ready to get good use out of it?
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale?
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
Having a mechanic inspect a used LD is always suggested. The same goes for the coach, a knowledgeable RV tech should inspect it too, this LD is old enough to have suffered leaks in the roof, windows and end caps, if not properly maintained.
Please consider this very important suggestion.  An inspection of the mechanics AND the house by a qualified professional is essential to help a Buyer avoid a minefield.  It will also help the Buyer to negotiate the selling price.  A search of this Forum and other RV Forums have many stories of failed dreams because the Buyer trusted the Seller or they were so nice but they failed to get an inspection. 

Best of luck.
Re: Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale?
Reply #8 –
Cynthia, you might want to check out inspectors in the Sacramento area. (Two popped up when I checked.)

Find An RV Inspector – NRVIA

2003 TK has a new home
Re: Comments on mileage on possible LD for sale?
Reply #9 –
As a Certified NRVIA RV Inspector, I certainly concur with having the rig inspected! At least you know what you will be dealing with later on! No RV is perfect and there are always surprises. At least an inspection gives you a list of things you may want to take care of first, second, etc. I have not encountered a perfect RV yet...even new!