How did your "Buy Last Motor Home first" search go? Those searching, any questions?
I advise you to spend the approx 3 to $500 from a reputable rv repair garage to have it checked out and estimates given for necessary repairs and make sale "subject to" only if you find something you want to invest in. Do not be afraid to voice any concerns you have you want checked, as 3 to $500 is a lot of money. If all is in perfect condition, I'd still budget $5,000 to spend the first year. If you do not spend it all, you will have something to move over to the next year and then you can reduce that budget by an amount you feel comfortable with. Pay particular attention to any recommended roof sealing needed , brake, or engine issues as these can get very expensive very fast. Mold in the roof or walls could make a nice rv worthless. If you do not have all of that $5,000 for the first year repairs, do not be afraid to offer less. Remember, it is a lot easier to buy a motor-home than sell one. Some say "buy your last motorhome first". That being said, most of us have a budget to live within, do not overspend, remember you are buying this for a reason, possibly to have fun. Leave funds for food, insurance, milk, travel, etc.
Since my employer had my current "last motorhome" for sale, and I liked it, as an rv salesman for them, I sold it right away. The customer had previously owned many motor homes. He was looking to pay 50 to $70k for an rv and had no expectation of finding something as nice as the 97 U295. He was as excited about buying it, as I was excited about selling it. After giving a deposit, he backed out of the deal saying it must have been in a terrible accident since we were selling it too cheep for its obvious high quality, extremely nice interior and all the updates. He literally cussed me for this. I told him I was sorry he changed his mind, and I would call him tomorrow, and see if he didn't now want to purchase the rv. I called him the next day thinking everyone is entitled to a bad day. He continued to yell and cuss. I thanked him for backing out of the deal. He said why. I said because now I'll sell my "buy your last coach first, 92 Monaco Signature" and buy this Foretravel, and I did. Thus my search for my "last motorhome" ended. (I didn't know it had begun) According to my darling wife, it was suppose to have slides. It does not, and she is more than just pleased with it. Now I'm up to getting the Foretravel to where I quit with the Monoco. Thank you to forum member Randy for the idea for this post. [/b][/i]
I really think (and hope) we just bought our last RV. The more I am in it, the more I like it. It took a year and a half to find it.
I know I paid a bit too much for it but don't care. It was the floor plan (36' CAI) my wife wanted. It has the motor I wanted (M11) and the trim level we both wanted (320). It had obviously been well cared for, and was in the correct model year range. I was in a horrible bargaining position and for once I didn't care.
I don't think there is anything out there better suited for what we want to do with a coach.
Oh yea, we had Brett Wolfe inspect it. That was money well spent.
Hi,
As a newbie to a ForeTravel coaches, I have found the forum indispensable. I had no idea how well ForeTravels are built until my chassis mechanic gave me a report. The amount of tech support from ForeTravel and their loyal user base is amazing. Finding our rig took five years of searching because I use a power wheelchair. I was looking for any Class A that had accessibility features fitting my situation. I think for anyone looking for a coach it is important to know what you need/want up front. The "Last motorhome first" is excellent advice.
Regarding inspections etc: I purchased ours from 2500 miles away, from a private party and paid 1000$ for a full chassis and engine/drive train inspection including full Cummins shop service. I have learned that due diligence sometimes isn't enough. Things can look/test good and still fail. Always be prepared to sink more dollars into the coach. I don't know FOT policy on used sales, perhaps there would be some protection if purchased from them.
The good news I now have greater confidence in what we have under us after replacing the lift pump, all airbags, camera system, tank monitors and some miscellaneous coach items. It feels good to be in a Foretravel. I could have ended up with something much less.
Welcome and best wishes. You have great taste in dogs!