May I Borrow a Cup of Wisdom !!!

Studio2bn · 02-18-2011, 11:43 PM

Newbie here....just signed in at the new member section.....

J Michael & Maggie Here....we are about to embark on our first/starter MH in our lives.....Like a lot of folks we have a budget we are "Attempting" to stay within....So......tomorrow we are going back to look at a 1997 Winnebago Brave DL 31 RQ ...58K miles....and is visually been weeelllll taken care of.....We realize that buying an older MH does bring with it some issues....This where we ask for your Wisdom and guidance.....What are your feelings about us purchasing a 14 year MH.....I remarked to Maggie that the initial purchase price maybe the least amount of money we spend !!!
Your input and experiences would be very much appreciated ...

Thanks...and so glad we found all you guys.....Now, Please speak to us Ye Ole Wise Ones !!!

J Michael & Maggie

94winnie · 02-19-2011, 12:21 AM

Bought a 1994 adventurer and have never regretted it. The price was right and came with everything.

Studio2bn · 02-19-2011, 12:26 AM

Thanks for the quick response....I have been trying to research around an found out what a fair price would be for this 1997 Winnebago Brave 31 RQ considering this economy and the market.....Got any Guesstimations !!!

Thanks

DAN L · 02-19-2011, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Studio2bn

Thanks for the quick response....I have been trying to research around an found out what a fair price would be for this 1997 Winnebago Brave 31 RQ considering this economy and the market.....Got any Guesstimations !!!

Thanks

nada is usually on the high side of value. do not add the value of accessories when calculating what the moho is worth. look at the nada value and deduct 2k-3k. good luck and have fun.

1997 Winnebago M-31RQ-CHEV,FORD(*) - 31'(BRAVE,MH,Center Kitchen,1) Standard Equipment, Prices & Specs - NADAguides

New Car Prices, Used Car Values, New Car Reviews & Car Buying Guides - NADAguides.com Official Site

Lt46 · 02-19-2011, 09:24 AM

I bought a 97 coach and have had minor issues. The key is to make sure you understand how stuff works. On the RV side, either learn yourself via the various forums, web sites and publications or hire an independant RV tech to check systems out. On the chassis side, a road test will be huge. Get it on the road and feel how it drives, accelerates and stops. Like any used car purchase, does it leak anything? Does the AC work, heat work? If problems are found, negotiate a repair or price reduction. For me, I like to start at ground zero so, I presumed 14 y/o stuff would be wornout and budgeted for some replacement parts. Shocks-replaced, Brakes-replaced, Fluids-flushed/replaced.
By investing into your own RV education, the purchase process and your end satisfaction will be a positive.

Theberrys · 02-19-2011, 10:05 AM

We bought a 1999 Tradewinds and have had a few minor issues but nothing that I wouldn't take on again.

Another fellow was looking at an older Tradewinds so I wrote this document for him. Some o0f it is Tradewinds Specific but some is generic and may be helpful. Remember it's from my experiences and certainly not a definitive document.
http://cid-ae67fff392766057.office.live.com/self.aspx/.Public/Tradewinds%20Docs/Buying%20A%2010%20Year%20Old%20RV.pdf

Having an older coach probably means there will be projects you will want to do. Here is a link to some of the things we've done over the years. If you don't want to do projects or perhaps can't do projects then the costs will very quickly get out of hand hiring them done, and you should look at newer coaches.
http://cid-ae67fff392766057.photos.live.com/browse.aspx/RV%20Mods

Good luck in your search and have a pile of good times and memories with your new coach.

Dick

timmer594 · 02-19-2011, 10:06 AM

Hi, We just bought a 88 LaSalle. It was in nice shape we thought so we went in at the top of our budget. It's in the shop now, don't know if we'll have any money left to go camping with...
Like my mechanic told me, It's old, plan a couple thousand to get it were you want it. Things wear out and when they know theyr're gonna sell it they just let it go.

dirko · 02-19-2011, 01:29 PM

Hi Ho: You have received good advice. On the plus side, if all goes to pot you don't have much invested. On the other side, you should know your mechanical and electrical abilities and interests if you get an older coach. We bought our 2000 Suncruiser new and I couldn't wait for the warranty to expire. I am an electrical engineer and have rebuilt a number of engines etc. What we don't know is whether you have the interest and time to learn how things work and if you are able to find a quick and simple solution that doesn't cost much.

If the answer is yes, then you will have a great experience. If it is no you may not want the hassle factor. Our coach has never been to the shop in over 10 years and 50,000 miles. But I enjoy maintaining and fixing things. Do you?

Wanabee FTer · 02-19-2011, 01:37 PM

You don't have to be mechanically inclined to buy an older coach, but it sure makes it more affordable to own!

Finhawk · 02-19-2011, 02:25 PM

Make sure you check the age of the tires. No matter how good they look, about 7 years is the max age before they might start self-destructing. A blowout at speed is not my idea of a good RVing day

John_N_Terry · 02-22-2011, 08:47 AM

Hey, we have a '96 Brave 33RQ and would definitely do it again!! Sounds like the mileage is right on...any less and you risk things having just sat still and unused. That is more scary to me than high mileage.

As far as price, we paid $10,000 even for our '96 with 48,000 miles, but I think we got a really good deal...especially because it's in great shape. I wouldn't pay over low book for it though if I were you...especially in this market.

W9WLS · 02-22-2011, 09:27 AM

Getting a PROFESSIONAL (s) physical on the rig is most likely the best advise you can get to start with, next , LEARN the systems , what they do and how they are supposed to do it.
Over time you will become a mechanic, electrician with A.C. & D.C. experience, sheet metal worker, body specialist , plumber, and everything in between.
Make your first trip a short one , even if you just drive it to the other side of town and back and then CAMP in the drive way for the weekend , that way if something malfunctions you are not 100 miles (or more) from home and make repairs as needed with out high tow bills.
Start slow and learn !