How old is to old to purchase a DP

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How old is to old to purchase a DP

November 14, 2014, 09:10:32 am

This may be a crazy question, but I am looking at moving up from a late model gas MH to a DP and am looking at the possibility to purchase a 2002 Foretravel U270 which is 12 years old with a Cummins with low miles. I have looked over the unit and everything works great and looks to be great shape over all. Also, I am very familiar with RVing and started off over 20 years ago with TT's, 5th Wheels and 3 MH, which have all been gas which included a high end Pace Arrow Vision. I have also put a lot of miles on my 3/4 and 1 ton diesel pickups pulling my 5th wheels and am familiar with the diesel maintenance and upkeep requirements.............But, my real question is............is 12 year to old for this really good well kept DP described above? Thanks for your input and comments............Have a great day and drive safe.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #1 – November 14, 2014, 09:31:06 am

Not to old for me. Take a look a the signatures of the posting in the forum. There are a huge number of Foretravels coaches here older than 02 running around the country. Wed. at Foretravel, David Flannagon head of remodel, mentioned they had just done over $40,000 in remodel work to a 1980's Foretravel for the kids on their parents coach.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #2 – November 14, 2014, 09:38:29 am

We have a 1990 Grand Villa with Cat 3208T and I would not hesitate to take off to Alaska today in it! I view a 2002 as a "new" coach.
We also have a 1996 U320 which is also very reliable. If the 2002 is in good shape, I wound't hesitate. I prefer to have a coach with a few miles on it rather than one that has been stored it's entire life. Running the coach is good for it--- miles are your friend.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #3 – November 14, 2014, 09:49:39 am

We have a '97 and travel all over the place. We wouldn't think twice about going across country if the need arose. A well kept '02 Foretravel may outlast you with proper care. If we were in the market an '02 Foretravel would be a "new" coach for us.

Pamela & Mike

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #4 – November 14, 2014, 10:13:13 am

I hope it is not too old. I have 168K on my 2001 and plan on owning it till the wheels fall off. That is about 10 more years I would think. Mileage wise, I might have to find another older unit to fix up again.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #5 – November 14, 2014, 10:57:02 am

Howdy Imatiger77,
We have a '00 with over 125,000 miles. Would definitely not be afraid of a '02 FT. We traveled over 15,000 miles last year.. Here's a link: Our Travels 2013
Good Luck, Dave A

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #6 – November 14, 2014, 11:01:26 am

Thanks very much to everyone's response...........I personally didn't think this unit was to old to purchase, but just wanted some assurance and confirmation from knowledgeable and experienced RVers.

I think you helped me make up my mind..................I have a really nice 2014 model gas unit and am pleased with it, but I have always wanted to move up to a DP and primarily a pre owned one that has been well taken care of..................

Thanks again and have a great day.

Jim

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #7 – November 14, 2014, 11:20:00 am

We have a new forum member, that upgraded from a 2012 Winnebago Sprinter 24' View with two slides to my older 1993 U225 36. I think they are very happy and already upgrading it to their tastes. They have way less money in their new 93 Foretravel, lots more coach, and a pocket full of change to do lots of customizing as well.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #8 – November 14, 2014, 12:19:54 pm

It's not too often that you hear someone say they "upgraded" from a 2012 to a 1993. I think Cobb's answer says a lot!

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #9 – November 14, 2014, 01:04:51 pm

Sometimes I think about getting a newer rig....If this 89' 280 ever starts giving me trouble she is a gonner.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #10 – November 14, 2014, 01:41:10 pm

Its all about quality:
Of the design.
In the components used.
In the build process.
In care and maintenance...

A brand new cardboard and staple coach (They are out there) will not give the same ownership experience over the next 100K miles as a 1999 U320 with 300K on it already (as long as its been taken care of).

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #11 – November 14, 2014, 02:09:23 pm

On that 89' U280---- I think your gonna wait a LONG time for it to be a goner

I have less trouble with my 1990 than I do with the 96' U320.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #12 – November 14, 2014, 02:48:47 pm

We purchased our 1995 almost two years ago with a little over 150,000 miles on it. It was (and is) in excellent condition and we've had no drivetrain problems with it. Since the suspension and drivetrain are the same as are used on semis and tour buses, I figure it has "only" around 800,000 miles left before the major items wear out. In other words, I'm pretty sure I'll wear out before they do!

If the rig you're considering is in excellent condition, then "go for it." I don't think you'll be sorry.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #13 – November 14, 2014, 04:10:17 pm

Thanks again for all the responses and the valuable input you have given me............I am convinced that I am making a good decision and will purchase the unit after I am able to take it out and test drive it, if it is as good as is looks with everything working.

Based on your good and expert opinions, it helps in making a good decision when spending money such as this..............ha.

Also, I am assuming that you purchased an extended warranty with the unit? I have an extended warranty on my Gas Unit with Route 66, but they will not issue extended warranties on older models..........How about a warranty with Easy Care?............Or is there a better one?

Thanks and have a great day.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #14 – November 14, 2014, 04:17:00 pm

I don't spend money on extended warranties. Overall, they are simply not worth the money. Make sure your prospective coach is properly inspected, and make sure you have some money set aside "just in case." That approach has consistently worked extremely well for us over many years and many purchases.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #15 – November 14, 2014, 04:22:38 pm

I bought a car that came with an "extended warranty" and when there was a problem I discovered that they had cleverly ruled out virtually everything that would break.

Craig

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #16 – November 14, 2014, 04:26:50 pm

Quote from: wa_desert_rat – November 14, 2014, 04:22:38 pm

I bought a car that came with an "extended warranty" and when there was a problem I discovered that they had cleverly ruled out virtually everything that would break.

This is one of the major reasons I never buy an extended warranty!

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #17 – November 14, 2014, 04:29:13 pm

Quote from: wa_desert_rat – November 14, 2014, 04:22:38 pm

I bought a car that came with an "extended warranty" and when there was a problem I discovered that they had cleverly ruled out virtually everything that would break.

Craig

Yep, knowing I get to pay, is way better than finding out they are not going to pay. Just carry a box full of spare dollars in the safe. Add the yearly warranty cost to the box, and after a few years it is still all yours.

Remember, the big front page print gives it too you, and all the pages of small print following, take it all away.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #18 – November 14, 2014, 04:40:57 pm

Thanks and I hear what you are saying about warranties...............I bought a pre owned Jeep one time with and extended warranty and they didn't pay and claimed that it was a pre existing condition on the transmission failure...........ha

Have a great day.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #19 – November 14, 2014, 04:42:37 pm

Quote from: Imatiger77 – November 14, 2014, 04:10:17 pm

Thanks again for all the responses and the valuable input you have given me............I am convinced that I am making a good decision and will purchase the unit after I am able to take it out and test drive it, if it is as good as is looks with everything working.

Based on your good and expert opinions, it helps in making a good decision when spending money such as this..............ha.

The absolute best time and money you can spend on a potential coach purchase is to hire Brett Wolfe (member/moderator wolfe10 here on the forum) to inspect the coach for you. Not only will you receive a thorough inspection of the coach, you will gain an amazing amount of knowledge about the coaches and their systems.

Michelle

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #20 – November 14, 2014, 04:55:17 pm

A good roadside assistance program has real value. One flat repair and it has paid for it's self.

Pamela & Mike

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #21 – November 14, 2014, 04:58:28 pm

Quote from: Pamela & Mike – November 14, 2014, 04:55:17 pm

A good roadside assistance program has real value. One flat repair and it has paid for it's self.

Agree.

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #22 – November 14, 2014, 05:20:13 pm

I thought my 2002 U270 was still in the "new" category. I love it. There are several folks here who have 2002s, and the slide units used are different from the 2001 or the 2003, and some procedures (like checking fluid level and exactly how they work) are very different.

Good luck!!

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #23 – November 14, 2014, 05:52:48 pm

I wouldn't bother with the extended warranty

Re: How old is to old to purchase a DP

Reply #24 – November 14, 2014, 07:39:42 pm

Quote from: Brad & Christine Slaughter – November 14, 2014, 05:20:13 pm

I thought my 2002 U270 was still in the "new" category. I love it. There are several folks here who have 2002s, and the slide units used are different from the 2001 or the 2003, and some procedures (like checking fluid level and exactly how they work) are very different.

Good luck!!

This unit is a 2002 U270 with a slide.......were the slides a problem on this year model? What should I be looking for?
I do like a slide for the room, but don't a problem.......

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