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Topic: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wanted]) (Read 337 times) previous topic - next topic
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How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wanted])
Tony,

95K on an LD means the engine just about broken in. Properly maintained, the V-10 in this unit will last ....? Sold ours three years ago with 139K on it and it's still going strong.

2003 MB
Re: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wanted])
Reply #1 –
Re:Miles. Make sure all maintenance has been done over the miles and not just before they sold it.  Items like fluid changes for; trans, brakes, anti-freeze, rear diff.  Serpentine belt, hoses, shocks, alignment, brakes, rotors….Ford owners manual has the recommended list.  A well maintained v-10 will serve one for a long time. 

Ron S
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wanted])
Reply #2 –
Consider that factory production was substantially higher in the 2000's than it was in the 2010's.   I completely understand your desire to find a coach with fewer miles, and there might be a some out there.   My gut says that they are few and far between, and they certainly don't come up for sale very often. 

As some point you will have to decide if you would rather wait for another camping season or two, or choose what you can work with from what's available (or go with another brand).

Rich
  

2003 MB
Re: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wanted])
Reply #3 –
Quote from: H. T. P.  - 
Tony,

95K on an LD means the engine just about broken in. Properly maintained, the V-10 in this unit will last ....? Sold ours three years ago with 139K on it and it's still going strong.



To be fair, 95K also means that there is some maintenance that will have to be done including worn out suspension parts, fluids (rear axle comes to mind), spark plugs (a pain on the van chassis) and so on....  

There is nothing that can't be fixed, as parts are available and relatively inexpensive.   Still, I think it's something to consider and I would want a plan to handle these type of things (DIY or a trusted mechanic and some $).

Rich
2003 MB
Re: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wanted])
Reply #4 –
Regarding the term "low mileage," what does that mean?  I suspect it differs for many people.  You may find this thread that I started several years ago when we were "on the hunt" interesting.  Our 2017 had low 30's on it when it was purchased in Dec. 2020 in Florida and driven back to California. I think we're around 45K now.

Miles per Year?


Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wanted])
Reply #5 –
Quote from: HiLola  - 
Regarding the term "low mileage," what does that mean? 

I take it to mean the vehicle is new enough that I probably won't need to do anything other than regular maintenance.   I buy it, drive it, enjoy it, change the oil, and live my life without worrying about the vehicle.

For me, that's probably around 50k and 5-10 years (for a RV).  

I know that there are other ways to look at it (ie. low mileage for it's age), but I think most people use the term to mean low mechanical hassle.  

Rich

2003 MB
Re: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wanted])
Reply #6 –
I’ve been monitoring LD internet sales for a few months.  If a 23.5-24 or 26.5-27 from 2004 or newer with around 60k miles priced $25-28k it sells.  30.5-31 take longer to sell. Folks with rigs over 100k miles have a much harder time selling. Rigs priced at $35k sit for quite a while.

The 100k mile stigma stems from cars and trucks from the 70’s & 80’s.

It appears to me prices are coming down significantly from the free money covid years.

It will be interesting to see the long term effects of the mothership not building 200 units per year. Will this force price to climb via demand, or will people be less attracted to LD with zero factory support. I live in the midwest. No factory support means nothing to me.

I’m interested in LD because of the build quality and the quality of materials used. I’ve pulled Avion & Airstream campers through most of the US.

T
2011 RK
Re: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wanted])
Reply #7 –
"...will people be less attracted to LD with zero factory support."

Short of major body damage there is little maintenance that an owner cannot perform on his own.  90% of the appliances can be replaced or serviced at trusted RV repair facilities or by searching for a solution on this forum. No sweat here!   ;)
Steve S.
Lazy Bones & Cedar
2004 30'IB (Island Bed)
Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a Mystery
Live for the day!
Re: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wante
Reply #8 –
What you need to watch with a LD are the condition of the end caps and the roof seals.  Any water that intrudes through the end caps (corner moldings) or roof will do damage to the wood structure.  The longer the intrusion the worse the damage.  That damage can be very hard and expensive to repair. 

Ron S
Ron and Linda
Ada Michigan
Re: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wanted])
Reply #9 –
I’ve enjoyed (?) monitoring RV prices for a long time especially for my favorite 3-4 brands. What’s clear to me is those used RVs from quality manufacturers that have closed continue to command premium prices.   Some examples are Born Free, Chinook, Bigfoot Class C, Country Coach, and a bunch of 5th wheels from about 2003-2009.  There’s certainly other examples but I can’t remember them right now.   At any rate, I’d expect LDs to hold their valve in the coming years.
Re: How concerned about mileage should we be? (split from Re: On the hunt [Low mileage midbath wante
Reply #10 –
To me low mileage is a two edged sword.   Location plus mileage may say more about the vehicle then mileage alone.   Fro example a LD sitting in AZ sun will age different then a LD sitting in Seattle overcast.   A LD that has been used and maintained no matter the miles is better then a LD sitting in a backyard under a tree. 
Nothing replaces a complete inpectionby a seasoned inspector.  

Glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King