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2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Good evening. My family is considering purchasing a 2000 Grand Villa in the DFW area. We are new to coaches but previously owned class B and C RVs. Would very very much appreciate any insight and advice the community can offer on this Grand Villa. The configuration appears to be uncommon, per the wiki resource. We visited last weekend and were impressed with the exterior condition. The interior is immaculate and nicely updated.  Tires are dated 2020 and chassis/house batteries recent. The engine and genset started quickly while cold and ran smoothly. Maintenance records have been requested but not yet received. We have an inspection with local Cummins shop (with fluid analysis) and also an RV technician inspection scheduled this week.

There is an odometer issue as the coach was previously listed for sale by the PPL dealer in Oklahoma last year with 49,703 miles. The current Cleburne TX dealer reports that they identified an odometer issue and computer issue and had the odometer reprogrammed to report 214,695 miles, which they believe is accurate. Interestingly the prior owner disclosure documentation reports an odometer issue with 214,695 kilometers reported and actual mileage of 133,405 miles, which matches Mi-kM conversion. Not quite sure what to make of this and the sales manager and service manager couldn't explain this well, either. The sales and service managers believe that a $6,000-7,000 computer replacement is necessary, but is unsure of the details on this. A prior interested party had a diesel mechanic inspection completed, during which a computer issue was identified. The dealer had diesel shop evaluate and came back with a diagnosis of bad computer or impending computer failure, and that estimate amount. The dealer is selling As-Is and is not interested in having any repairs done, themselves.  Request for information on both the odometer and computer issue, to dealership owner is pending. They have dropped the price considerably and stated willing to move a bit more.

VIN# 1F97D5406YN054902
FMCA# 14814

Link to current listing:
2000 Foretravel Grand Villa Series M4000 GV320 | D744CL

Video from Oklahoma PPL listing last year:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DsN0dS2lo7j4&ved=2ahUKEwi-2buwrOeJAxWJrYkEHSkwKgwQwqsBegQIDxAG&usg=AOvVaw3g-g0MXwjj8dflDw6MwyFD

Videos from current Texas PPL dealer:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DF5MvGuB-5-g&ved=2ahUKEwi-2buwrOeJAxWJrYkEHSkwKgwQwqsBegQIDRAG&usg=AOvVaw2r94D1aHMd_prq_Qcf1lSt

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DQDuCnkwyfO4&ved=2ahUKEwi-2buwrOeJAxWJrYkEHSkwKgwQwqsBegQIEBAG&usg=AOvVaw2Os2gU3WjeQG1tY89pWA2R


We would very much any advice the community can offer as we consider this coach for our family. We know this is a "pig and a poke" to some extent but hopeful that this coach has potential with a reasonable (at least initial) entry price point.  We are trying to establish realistic expectations for additional investment required to get things safely road worthy and ready for travel. MOT also has a couple of good options currently, which we will consider visiting, pending outcome of inspections this week.

Thank you all, in advance, for any guidance you can offer!
2000 GV320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Foretravel Fan 2024 –

VIN# 1F97D5406YN054902
FMCA# 14814

Welcome to Foreforums!

FYI, that's not an FMCA number, it's a Foretravel Motorcade club number.  The number follows the owner, not the coach.  They may not have been the most recent owner of the coach.  That's a fairly old number that I'm pretty sure pre-dates 2000, so it wouldn't have been their first Foretravel.

Can you get the build number?  It will be on the plate with the VIN and tire pressures, near the driver's left knee.  Reading The Foretravel Build / Model Code

I believe the odometer can be reset to the actual mileage presented by the ECM (engine control module), which does not involve a pricey replacement of the computer.

BTW, since the coach is in Texas, if the RV tech you've hired for inspection isn't Keith Risch, I HIGHLY recommend you cancel and get Keith to do your inspection.  He knows much more about Foretravels than any typical RV tech and will know the chassis systems, where most techs won't.  He's in Nac, worked for Foretravel for many years, and now runs his own shop.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #2 –
Thank you for the reply and advice, Michelle!

I believe the build# is G00549540WTMEGV320E27.  I will dig into the reference you linked.

Also, will reach out to Keith.  Thank you for your reply and advice!

Brendan
2000 GV320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #3 –
Let the forum know if you need Keith's contact info.  I don't believe he's a member here. 

There are a couple of other inspectors well-versed in Foretravels, but the typical RVIA inspector will not be one of them.  When we were selling our LTV, a buyer hired an RVIA inspector.  I actually had to demonstrate every single thing to the guy.  He had no idea how to operate anything (other than his camera to take pictures of the odometer and the tire dates.)
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Let the forum know if you need Keith's contact info.  I don't believe he's a member here. 

There are a couple of other inspectors well-versed in Foretravels, but the typical RVIA inspector will not be one of them.  When we were selling our LTV, a buyer hired an RVIA inspector.  I actually had to demonstrate every single thing to the guy.  He had no idea how to operate anything (other than his camera to take pictures of the odometer and the tire dates.)

Thanks so much.  I found his number in an old post and have reached out.  Have a great evening and thank you again for your advice.
2000 GV320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #5 –
Buy it, Fix it, Drive it, Love it.  Nothing better than a Foretravel GV320!!!!
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #7 –
tires dated 2020....not 2000.  Sorry about the typo and thank you for the replies. 
2000 GV320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #8 –
lots of things to break at first. Engine and transmission (outside the potential computer) usually run fine for much longer than 200,000 miles (if correctly maintained).
Plenty likely need repair and cost $$$ in the first year of ownership - airbags, aquahot, brakes, OEM Refrigerator and more. W/O a slide, budget $10-$12K in the first year, less if you can work on it yourself. No matter what you pay, you are buying a 24 year old coach that today would cost in excess of $1M.

Great news is it probably is at the lower point of its depreciation cycle, maybe do a bit of remodel and love it for a LONG time. check out all the storage space, and that mile high driving position! Also, you will need a Foretravel trained inspection, as there are some expensive potential issues that come with the foretravel custom chassis the average RV inspector would not know about. The coach either has the issues or does not have them. If it does, repairs need to be ascertained and factored into the purchase price. Keith Risch is the right man for the job.

Good luck, hope it all turns out, you will love that coach.
Tim Fiedler

Quote
On Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 9:55 PM Foretravel Fan 2024 via ForeForums <noreply@foreforums.com> wrote:

tires dated 2020....not 2000. Sorry about the typo and thank you for the replies.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #9 –
What is their considerable dropped selling price? Not easy to price these, and always allow for some large additional costs.

No slides will reduce your unknown maintenance problems.

From the below nameplate, being made Dec 2098, I would think of this as a highly futuristic model.

Wonder when the coach was made ? Dec 2098?  Anyone know what that number stands for. . . 

Without slide could it be 1998?  Maybe they wanted to call it a 2000 model year by design, but messed up the 19 & 20.  But when it was made will indicate how long the coach has been on the road.


Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
What is their considerable dropped selling price? Not easy to price these, and always allow for some large additional costs.

No slides will reduce your unknown maintenance problems.

From the below nameplate, being made Dec 2098, I would think of this as a highly futuristic model.

Wonder when the coach was made ? Dec 2098?  Anyone know what that number stands for. . . 

Without slide could it be 1998?  Maybe they wanted to call it a 2000 model year by design, but messed up the 19 & 20.  But when it was made will indicate how long the coach has been on the road.

Recent price decrease was $11,000.  Thank you for the reply and info.  I look forward to hearing responses to your question!
2000 GV320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Tim Fiedler –
lots of things to break at first. Engine and transmission (outside the potential computer) usually run fine for much longer than 200,000 miles (if correctly maintained).
Plenty likely need repair and cost $$$ in the first year of ownership - airbags, aquahot, brakes, OEM Refrigerator and more. W/O a slide, budget $10-$12K in the first year, less if you can work on it yourself. No matter what you pay, you are buying a 24 year old coach that today would cost in excess of $1M.
Great news is it probably is at the lower point of its depreciation cycle, maybe do a bit of remodel and love it for a LONG time. check out all the storage space, and that mile high driving position! Also, you will need a Foretravel trained inspection, as there are some expensive potential issues that come with the foretravel custom chassis the average RV inspector would not know about. The coach either has the issues or does not have them. If it does, repairs need to be ascertained and factored into the purchase price. Keith Risch is the right man for the job.
Good luck, hope it all turns out, you will love that coach.
Tim Fiedler TCERDirect® | TC-ER-JP cable for ALL of your Projects | Generator Installatio... - Our Products. Your Solution. Call me at 630 240-9139 Gen-Pro Products LLC

On Mon, Nov 18, 2024 at 9:55 PM Foretravel Fan 2024 via ForeForums <noreply@foreforums.com> wrote:

Thank you for the response and advice.  Reached out to Keith and hope to have additional information by next week.  Thank you!
2000 GV320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #12 –
Beautiful, very desirable coach!

Note that Keith is the best and can be tough to connect with on occasion. It's well worth it! Mornings seem to be the best time, he prefers texting.

Good luck!


(936) 462-3764‬
8946 US HWY 259
Nacogdoches TX 75965
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #13 –
According to my 2008 Motorcade book the owner at that time was;  Vincent & Eva  Abate,  P.O. Box 6456 Lake Charles, LA  70606. Shows an Email -  abatesplumbing @aol.com 
The selected media item is not currently available.
Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #14 –
It looks clean. Don't fall for the computer replacement scheme. I have 250, 000 miles on my coach. Drive it away. Cheap price

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
From the below nameplate, being made Dec 2098, I would think of this as a highly futuristic model.

Wonder when the coach was made ? Dec 2098?  Anyone know what that number stands for. . . 

Good catch on the typo.

Quote from: Foretravel Fan 2024 –

VIN# 1F97D5406YN054902


Reading the VIN code

Vehicle Identification Numbers (VIN codes)/Model year - Wikibooks, open...

Digit Y = 2000

Build number 5495 must be a very early 2000.  Our 2000 U320 was delivered to the original owners in late 2000 and has a build number 220 units after that GV

ETA and the date on our info plate is Jan 2000.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #16 –
This thread tickled my curiosity about the 2000 model GV320, so I poked around a bit in our Forum.

Found an old post by Barry Beam estimating that Foretravel built only 10 examples of the GV320 in model year 2000.

2000-2003 GV production numbers

I also located two other recently active Forum members who own 2000 model GV320 coaches.  Build numbers are 5712 and 5717.
They might be willing to answer any questions the OP has (that are specific to the GV320 model).

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=5611

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=8240
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #19 –
Quote from: Chuck & Jeannie –
This thread tickled my curiosity about the 2000 model GV320, so I poked around a bit in our Forum.

Found an old post by Barry Beam estimating that Foretravel built only 10 examples of the GV320 in model year 2000.

2000-2003 GV production numbers

I also located two other recently active Forum members who own 2000 model GV320 coaches.  Build numbers are 5712 and 5717.
They might be willing to answer any questions the OP has (that are specific to the GV320 model).

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=5611

https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=profile;u=8240

Thanks so much for posting this. 
2000 GV320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #20 –
Quote from: Foretravel Fan 2024 –
Thank you for the advice.  Will keep everyone updated.

Please do!  You have an entire forum waiting (with fingers crossed) to hear how it goes  :)
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #21 –
Tommy D in Bardstown is super nice guy!
David & Emma Roche
Dino (Golden Doodle)
1999 U270 WTFE 36' Build # 5534
Xtreme "Lights, Stripes & Roof"
Motorcade# 18321
Dayton, Ohio
Towd: Jeep Grand Cherokee
Two Townie Electra Bikes

Life is made to enjoy, the Foretravel helps!

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #22 –
When you have it at the cummins dealer, have them connect to the ecm and check the mileage.  Also get a list of any error codes it has. Many members here can help you understand any codes it might have.
1991 U300 Side Aisle 6V92 Silver #3897
2004 U320 40' #6246

Re: 2000 Grand Villa M4000 GV320

Reply #23 –
Dropped by $11,000 or to $11,000 ? It makes a difference. I can't see how you could go wrong at $11,000