| Re: Newbie question [message #264688 is a reply to message #264686] |
Wed, 22 October 2014 21:04   |
A Hamilto
Messages: 4508
Registered: April 2011
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JR wrote on Wed, 22 October 2014 20:36New guy here. Been lurking awhile but now I have a question.
I have been looking at these motorhomes for sometime. I really like the retro style. I've watched CL for ages and checked prices. It seems that you can get a decent one, up here (Vancouver Island), for the $15-$20k range. Lots of cheaper ones out there.
The question is this. Is it realistic to expect to pay $20k and get a reliable, trouble free MH?
When I read through the threads on this site I see so many potential issues. Old powertrain, suspension issues, typical MH mechanical issues etc.
There is no doubt the GMC is a cool looking machine. But if I want to pack up and head out for a couple months am I better off to look at a newer machine? Is the GMC more work than a newer MH?
I am close to retirement(less than a year) and am trying to convince the better half that this would be a great adventure. I just don't want it to be too much of an adventure.
Feel free to educate me.  The probability of getting a reliable GMC is generally higher if you pay a lot up front for one that is being used regularly.
Some new owners have had a good runner coast to a stop on the side of the road with a blown engine or transmission shortly after departing the PO's driveway.
Others have taken one that has sat for years and gone through all the systems and put it on the road in a few months.
You pays your money and you takes your chances.
Personally, I DO NOT subscribe to the school of thought that you need to spend $25k to get one to a state that it will do what you want. I paid $6800 for a 23' Sequoia (with 67,000 original miles) and put another thousand in tires, a couple hundred for a used fridge and horse traded for a jack knife sofa to replace the dinette so it would sleep 4 instead of just three. Once I install the donated rear dinette to replace the rear permanent bed in the back and spend a few more hours to get the Onan working (not planning to spend many dollars on it) it will be ready to use anywhere.
If you are handy mechanically, and at other DIY stuff, you can do it affordably. Otherwise, you will need to start with a high limit on your credit card.
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