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Topic: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help (Read 2117 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #25
I bought a '97 U295 (without the full body paint, but with some other upgrades) last year for about the same money and thought it was a sufficient bargain that I took it without even looking at it in person first.  I figured I could still invest a good sum of money and still come out ahead at that price.

After a few upgrades of my own (about $5K), it has been appraised (by a real appraiser, not an insurance adjuster masquerading as an appraiser) in the high 70,000s which matches the value that Progressive Ins. has in their own company value book.

The only thing that would concern me about this coach is the mileage.  If correct, that is less than 3000 miles per year which means a lot of sitting that I personally don't regard as particularly good for HD diesel-powered vehicles.
Regards

1997 U295 40 with CAT 3126

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #26
Thank you all for your insights and suggestions.  I am on my way to TN after lunch today.  If all is as it seems I will probably drive it home.  The beginning of a new phase in life is always exciting and a bit scary.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #27
Might be worthwhile to ask James Holder, the service manager at TN RV to do an inspection, he is knowledgeable, personable and qualified. He is also a Foretravel owner.
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #28
I bought a '97 U295 (without the full body paint, but with some other upgrades) last year for about the same money and thought it was a sufficient bargain that I took it without even looking at it in person first.  I figured I could still invest a good sum of money and still come out ahead at that price.

After a few upgrades of my own (about $5K), it has been appraised (by a real appraiser, not an insurance adjuster masquerading as an appraiser) in the high 70,000s which matches the value that Progressive Ins. has in their own company value book.

The only thing that would concern me about this coach is the mileage.  If correct, that is less than 3000 miles per year which means a lot of sitting that I personally don't regard as particularly good for HD diesel-powered vehicles.
I also have a 97 U295 with the Cat 3126, in great shape, with several upgrades.  Great motorhome and I'm not interesting in selling but if someone offered $70k I think I'd probably jump on it.  I 'd be surprised if anyone would pay that much though.  Maybe I'm not giving it enough credit.

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #29
  Maybe I'm not giving it enough credit.
Value is a very hard thing to come up with as if varies by who is the buyer and what they see in an item.  Auctions thrive on people not understanding value.  Some people would not pay 70k for a non slide coach.  For some people that is exactly what they want and they understand a well maintained one at 70k is a better value than a poorly maintained one at 50k, or even 40k.

I am on the list of people that would not pay 70k for a non slide late 90's coach.  I would rather buy a pretty good one in the 40's and get to make it like I want it.  While some people do amazing modifications or pay the factory to do them some don't.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #30
Might be worthwhile to ask James Holder, the service manager at TN RV to do an inspection, he is knowledgeable, personable and qualified. He is also a Foretravel owner.
I spent a while on the phone with James, really nice guy, very willing to talk about Foretravels.  He is only 2 hours from my house and will be where I get service done on the coach.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #31
I spent a while on the phone with James, really nice guy, very willing to talk about Foretravels.  He is only 2 hours from my house and will be where I get service done on the coach.

I'll be there on Monday. Good luck with the coach!
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #32
I bought a '97 U295 (without the full body paint, but with some other upgrades) last year for about the same money and thought it was a sufficient bargain that I took it without even looking at it in person first.  I figured I could still invest a good sum of money and still come out ahead at that price.



In November 2016 we paid similar money for our 97 U295 36'.Had to go 2400 miles round trip to get it. Its a cat, 104K miles. Ours has 750 hrs on a 4K Kabota. Tires were good, but we put new ones all around because of age.
TV's upgraded. Front TV has custom 1st class cabinet work.Auto Sat dish. No W/D
We did get the Silver leaf, and some more extra's,including all new Motion windows 5K, and 5k new heated flexsteel front seats. But no full body paint. Minor bulkhead separation in the rear, has already been repaired.36' coaches are hard to find. I prefer a 36' over a 40' personally.
Our coach is in great shape, well maintained. I consider our coach a steal.We have it insured at stated value for 60K. I consider that on the conservative side.



Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348


Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #34
Search forum for Vmspc or silver leaf.  A proprietary product that connects to available ekectronic control momitor systems for temps, rpm, mpg, etc etc....contact Roger Engdal this Forum if want one.... I have it...and be sure with him what data is available that coach and engine

Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #35
"I am on the list of people that would not pay 70k for a non slide late 90's coach.  I would rather buy a pretty good one in the 40's and get to make it like I want it.  While some people do amazing modifications or pay the factory to do them some don't."

While I agree mostly the slide floorplans move the dining area away from the curbside and put the galley their instead.

Almost all the early coaches have the dinette on the curbside.  Not the galley.

We orientate our coach so the view is on the curb side.

Basic drawback IMO to slide coaches.

Mid 2000's I think went back to curbside dinettes.  And eliminated  propane stoves to allow the stove top to move in the slide.

While it's safer I like the propane cooktop personally for its backup cooking methods.

It's a integrated system. 

Hobbs choice,  more space but design drawbacks IMO. 

We will stop at this versus adding the front door disadvantages/advantages.

My old time foretravel manager two cents.

I would and did pay more for a non slide coach to get a 97 WTBI 40' u320 mid door with the dinette on the curbside

"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #36
"I am on the list of people that would not pay 70k for a non slide late 90's coach.  I would rather buy a pretty good one in the 40's and get to make it like I want it.  While some people do amazing modifications or pay the factory to do them some don't."

Agree, wouldn't pay even 60K. Paying 40K and doing 5-10K in upgrades to bring it to personal standards was my goal.
I meant that this coach is worth 60K to me now, and we would be heart broken if anything happened to it.
Because of the low production of these coaches, the market is limited in finding good ones, the way one would want it.
Cheers








Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #37
Well Did You Buy It? 8)
91 GV U300 Unihome 40' Build 3811
6V92TA Detroit

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #38
I made him an offer.  He has not responded.
Some more stuff came up during the inspection.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #39
Matt, replied to your PM on condition, repairs etc.
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #40
If odometer is VDO, would be good to check and make sure it is original and not replacement that wasn't set with actual at the time of replacement.  (search forum for odometer set for more info)
Run it over to a shop and have the ECM read.
'02 40' U320t  4010WTFS Build 6036 1 slide
Motorcade # 17841
SKP 151920
Retired truck driver
 5 million miler
Still have itchy feet for travel

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #41
I made him an offer.  He has not responded.
Some more stuff came up during the inspection.


I see it's sold. Did you buy it?
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #42
I did not.  Just couldn't get comfortable with it for the price he wanted.  Probably missed a pretty good deal.
1999 U320 3600
CAI floorplan
Build #5466
M11 - HD4060R
Name ?..  working on that

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #43
Don't look back.  There is one out there with your name on it.  😁
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #44
I did not.  Just couldn't get comfortable with it for the price he wanted.  Probably missed a pretty good deal.

Sorry, I thought that too on the 1st two I missed, but then a better one came along. Sometimes I think they are hard to find, but then I see them pop up like that one. Just takes patience I guess
Chris
Chris and Tammy White  CDA Idaho
Previous owners 1997 U295 36' 3126 Cat 300 HP Build # 4998
Former Foretravel tech & RVIA certified tech
Former owner Custom Satellite home/RV satellites 
Former owner Vans LTD  van conversions
Unemployed, panhandler, drag racer NHRA #6348

 

Re: 1998 U295 for sale in TN I could use a little help

Reply #45
I know where there is a very nice 97 u270 36 ft it is in Florida right now, but if not sold will be in Ohio. send me a pm for contact information. Thanks Ron
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins