Nui
Vancouver
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Joined: 08/15/2011
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Thanks to everyone who responded about the 2005 Sightseer I was looking at (78,000 miles). My brother and his mechanic friend had a look at it and said that, while a lot that was wrong was cosmetic (which I knew), they had concerns over the transmission and recommended I pass.
HOWEVER, they also looked at a 1999 Chieftain 35U that was on the same lot. It has 46,000 miles but it is pristine. They gave it a good going over and said it looked fantastic. Price is $28,800. and the guy will give me a 1-year power train warranty.
The price is right, for my budget. I was going to spend up to $50K for a unit, but the extra $20K or so will buy a lot of gas.
Would you buy such an old unit? Any advice would be appreciated.
Nui
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PapPappy
Wilmington, NC
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Joined: 12/23/2007
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Well, since we bought a 2000, I can't say too much against a unit that is only a year older. If it was well kept, and maintained, there is no reason that it won't be a wonderful RV for you and your family.
The drawbacks are of course, that the equipment (appliances and such) is older, and may be due for repairs or replacement, but then again, you've got all that extra cash now too, so you can fix things as they happen.
You may find that there is a recall on the fridge....if it hasn't already been repaired by the previous owner...and again, this is not a reason to not buy this MH....just something to be aware of.
Tires have probably been changed already, but some people don't read RV.net, and may only be looking at the tread wear, so you need to check the tire dates, to make sure that they are less than 7 years old.
Sounds like a good RV...and with that warranty, an even better buy. We bought ours a few years ago, but it's still in great shape, and I wouldn't hesitate to take a cross country trip in it.
Good Luck and Happy Camping
Bill & Claudia / DD Jenn / DS Chris / GS MJ
Dogs: Sophie, Abby, Brandy, Kahlie, Annie, Maggie, Tugger & Beau
RIP: Cookie, Foxy & Gidget @ Rainbow Bridge.
2000 Winnebago "Minnie" 31C, Ford V-10
Purchased April 2008 FMCA# F407293
The Pets
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Valkyriebush
Yuma/Port Townsend
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Go for it. Esp if it checked out good. I think you might be able to get them to come down on the price a little more too. Previous care counts for alot, and if it looks as good as you say sounds like it will serve you well. Anyone buying a used RV should consider buying a one year extended warrenty policy, like CSP just in case you missed something. You should know of any issues by the time the warrenty is up.
Command Master Chief (AW) USN, (ret)
2003 Fleetwood Excursion 330 Turbo Cat 39D
2000 Jeep GC
2005 Big Ruckus (Rides Behind Jeep)
2003 VTX 1800
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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Joined: 08/03/2008
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The age wouldn't bother me. We have a 96 Southwind we bought over 4 years ago. It had the perfect floorplan. I would take it anywhere.
Check the age of the tires on the unit you're looking at, them may need replaced.
Enjoy.
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Pogoil
Oregon Coast
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We bought a 1995 and after the maintenance items I have done to it I would not hesitate going cross country with it. As far as appliances go your biggest concern is the fridge. I have seen new ones go out in a year and some 20 years old still working. Water heater can fail as well, they are not that expensive.
Tires, hoses, belts and fluids should all be checked or changed, cheap if you do it yourself compared to a failure on the road.
Pogoil.
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Art D
Louisiana
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Joined: 03/06/2004
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Nui wrote:Thanks to everyone who responded about the 2005 Sightseer I was looking at (78,000 miles). My brother and his mechanic friend had a look at it and said that, while a lot that was wrong was cosmetic (which I knew), they had concerns over the transmission and recommended I pass.
For my future reference, what were their concerns?
Geaux LSU
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driveby
Vancouver BC Canada
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Joined: 01/07/2005
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Just beware that the 1999 and 2005 have very very different chassis under them. Are the wheels 16" or 19.5? That would be a big clue as to how heavy duty the chassis is. I'm not saying don't buy this one but don't assume the chassis and engines are equal. could be a F53 with a 460 or F53 with the then newly minted 6.8 V10 or it could still be a P series from Chev. Each of those has there merits and warts. I'd find out and read on what you're buying then make a decision. Like I said, I'm not saying don't buy, but there will be a difference, that may be material to you.
2008 Itasca Sunova 35J Class A
1997 TJ Sahara, hard and soft tops and AC
Held together via Roadmaster Falcon 2 tow bar and stopped by US Gear Unified Brake system.
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HTALLEN
Fremont,CA
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Joined: 10/17/2003
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We've owned a 1997 Southwind 32VS for almost 8 years...it had 21,000 on it when we bought it....it now has about 33,000.(we do mostly short trips) However we have been out 70 times...only 1 trip cancelled for a mechanical....have spent about $2500 on repairs...it has been a great unit. My 1st RV and I still love it.
1997 Southwind 32 VS,Banks,SafeTPlus,Bilsteins,Henderson Trac Bar
3 maniac poodles..Mozart (RIP 10/6/10),Ziggymonster,Nickolas
Honda Civic
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cbeierl
Nashua, NH
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Joined: 12/19/2005
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Here's the Winnebago brochure for the Chieftain: 1999 Chieftain Brochure.
Chris Beierl
2005 Winnebago Vectra 36RD
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crasster
Dallas
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Joined: 07/06/2007
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I've seen NEW class A's go for 50k made by Tiffin. Just saying...
4 whopping cylinders on Toyota RV's. Talk about great getting good MPG. Also I have a very light foot on the pedal. I followed some MPG advice on Livingpress.com and I now get 22 MPG! Not bad for a home on wheels.
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