Re: I have the opportunity to purchase a 2004 U320...
Reply #7 –
You say the PO "gave it great care and maintenance". Are there any service records you can get a hold of? This will help you save a lot of money so you don't service things that don't need it. Did you look to see if dates or mileage are written on the oil filter or elsewhere? Do you know where he may have had it serviced? If at Foretravel (in Nac) they keep records by the unique build number of each coach and can help you fill in any service gaps.
My understanding of service is it's "a la carte": the owner typically tells the service writer exactly what he wants done. If you tell them you want "everything serviced" you are leaving it up to the service write down everything he can think of at the time (and he/she might still forget something). This could possibly mean days of labor at $100+/hr then add on parts too. There are a lot of "systems" on these coaches: an initial inspection by Foretravel would be a good start after the initial local engine/tranny service. You will want the Aquahot working before your trip to Foretravel: I would try to get a AH specialist to do a checkout and service (I understand it's something that should be done annually).
Sounds like a great opportunity assuming it has been taken care of so well. Many buyers here on the forum would love to be in your position. If I were you I would buy the coach, bring it home and pour through the owners manuals. There is a ton of information and all of it is applicable to your coach and will have all the required servicing listed therein. I think many new owners don't trust themselves initially to do any service and then after a while they start to do more and more as they get more familiar with it. Even if you elect to do no service on your own I hope you realize you are picking up a new hobby and it will require some of your time - I hope you have it to spare and are willing.
I purchased our coach when it was 10 years old too - but I had not records or history whatsoever. I took it into the engine dealer for oil change, radiator flush, new coolant, new belts, and a new air cleaner. I also had them put it on their dynamometer to check for the right horsepower and also check for any trouble codes on the computer. I took it to Allison for a transmission oil change, inspection and functional test drive to verify it was shifting correctly and to verify no codes were present. I was also close to a Foretravel store (FT closed all stores later) and had them service the chassis and check the steering and brakes. Then my wife and I took off and full-timed for almost 3 years on a sabbatical.
Topic: I have the opportunity to purchase a 2004 U320... (Read 980 times)
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