Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Looking for 26' GMC in Mesa, AZ -- moved from swap-meet
| Looking for 26' GMC in Mesa, AZ -- moved from swap-meet [message #170494] |
Tue, 22 May 2012 06:10  |
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mike miller
Messages: 3576
Registered: February 2004
Location: Hillsboro, Oregon
Karma: 0
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| habbyguy wrote on Mon, 21 May 2012 21:55 |
The long story: I've been working on the wife, trying to convince her that we need to do the "great American road trip" in an RV. But in 10 years, I never found one that didn't trigger a gag reflex in her. Until a couple weeks ago, when we passed a very nice GMC (23', I think) towing a nearly matching Suzuki. She was sold on the looks, and I'm all over the construction and engineering (I'm a car geek who likes to turn his own wrenches, so a 35 year old RV doesn't scare me nearly as much as it should).
Anyway, I've been turning over rocks for a few days, looking for JUST the right rig. I've seen some candidates - some with rebuilt motors (or new motors), some with nice new paint, some with great, new interiors (and some in pristine "unrestored" shape). I'm hoping to find one that's got either fairly low miles, or a recently restored / replaced motor, good paint, and a tidy interior (no disco flashbacks, hopefully). I also need it configured in a way that would sleep six (well, two couples and a few small kids), preferably with a rear bedroom configuration (even if it can be converted into a handy dinette).
If anyone has intel on something that will fit my needs, and that's not too far from the Mesa / Phoenix area, I'd very much appreciate it. And heck, if anyone in the area insists, I'll come over and drool over your rig even if it's not for sale (I'll bring the wife to continue the reeling-in process).
Thanks!
Mark in Mesa, AZ
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Mark,
Welcome to the GMCnet!
Now is still a good time to buy a motorhome. The market is down. Unless you have a good reason, avoid most "fixer-uppers." The reason is that prices of complete motorhomes are down but prices of parts and labor are not. I have seen coaches that would have gone for $20,000 five or ten years ago, sell for $10,000. From the asking prices, many sellers have not figured out that the market is down.... They will as the coach doesn't sell. (And who knows, they MIGHT get the asking price! It COULD happen.)
Anyway:
I would normally direct "lookers" to the club local to them. <http://www.gmcsj.com/> That way you could stop in at a rally and see some coaches and meets some people, all at one time... but their rally schedule is over for this year.
Just a note: The "sleeps 6" listed for most GMCs, assumes small people who like each other. If the kids are very big, I would carry a tent for them. I have known a GMC'er to pull a pop-up tent trailer for the kids.
Here are two links to start:
<http://www.gmcers.org/>
<http://gmcmotorhome.info/buygmc.html> (Keep in mind some of the prices on this last site where a few years ago.... so some are too low, some are too high.)
When you are "done" with those here are some more:
<http://www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html>
<http://gmcmotorhome.info/>
This one is of special interest:
<http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/>
I have seen some nice buys on eBay. You might search on "GMC motorhome" and find some interesting coaches.
You might have to travel a bit to pick-up the "best" GMC buy. You could ask for volunteers here or check the blacklist (see above link). It is nice to have someone "put eyes" on the coach before you travel. If nothing else to avoid scammers. I would not ask a non-professional to put a price on a coach, but they could tell you about "how much of what" the seller has been smoking!
A quick check of craigslist shows some possibilities, I tried to put the ones that fit your requirements first:
<http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/3022430528.html>
<http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/rvs/3026326511.html>
<http://reno.craigslist.org/rvs/3030106217.html>
<http://nd.craigslist.org/rvd/3023905304.html>
<http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/rvs/3017975863.html>
<http://louisville.craigslist.org/rvs/3028955888.html>
<http://evansville.craigslist.org/rvs/3018718284.html>
<http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/rvs/3020998958.html>
<http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/rvs/3029384604.html>
<http://orlando.craigslist.org/rvd/3024948636.html>
<http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/rvs/3022139278.html>
<http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/rvd/3026179356.html>
<http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/rvs/3019660138.html>
below do not meet your requirement but are of interest
<http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/rvs/3009711459.html>
<http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/rvs/2987903723.html>
<http://boise.craigslist.org/rvs/3025170629.html>
<http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/rvd/3019562320.html>
<http://boise.craigslist.org/rvs/3027411267.html>
<http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/rvs/3024707112.html>
<http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/rvs/2996248289.html>
<http://fresno.craigslist.org/rvs/3027578876.html>
These are mostly parts coaches and stuff.
<http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/rvs/3018116921.html>
<http://salem.craigslist.org/rvs/3024502373.html>
<http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/rvs/2992571527.html>
<http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/rvd/3026769754.html>
<http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/3021924825.html>
<http://sarasota.craigslist.org/rvs/3025358537.html>
<http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/rvs/3021159641.html>
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
More Sidekicks than GMC's and a late model Malibu called 'Boo'
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for 26' GMC in Mesa, AZ -- moved from swap-meet [message #170497 is a reply to message #170494] |
Tue, 22 May 2012 07:01  |
george beck
Messages: 66
Registered: December 2008
Karma: 0
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Member |
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A little further for a good buyhttp://southjersey.craigslist.org/rvs/2969829389.html
Motorhome!
________________________________
From: Mike Miller <m000035@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2012 7:10 AM
Subject: [GMCnet] Looking for 26' GMC in Mesa, AZ -- moved from swap-meet
habbyguy wrote on Mon, 21 May 2012 21:55
> The long story: I've been working on the wife, trying to convince her that we need to do the "great American road trip" in an RV. But in 10 years, I never found one that didn't trigger a gag reflex in her. Until a couple weeks ago, when we passed a very nice GMC (23', I think) towing a nearly matching Suzuki. She was sold on the looks, and I'm all over the construction and engineering (I'm a car geek who likes to turn his own wrenches, so a 35 year old RV doesn't scare me nearly as much as it should).
>
> Anyway, I've been turning over rocks for a few days, looking for JUST the right rig. I've seen some candidates - some with rebuilt motors (or new motors), some with nice new paint, some with great, new interiors (and some in pristine "unrestored" shape). I'm hoping to find one that's got either fairly low miles, or a recently restored / replaced motor, good paint, and a tidy interior (no disco flashbacks, hopefully). I also need it configured in a way that would sleep six (well, two couples and a few small kids), preferably with a rear bedroom configuration (even if it can be converted into a handy dinette).
>
> If anyone has intel on something that will fit my needs, and that's not too far from the Mesa / Phoenix area, I'd very much appreciate it. And heck, if anyone in the area insists, I'll come over and drool over your rig even if it's not for sale (I'll bring the wife to continue the reeling-in process).
>
> Thanks!
>
> Mark in Mesa, AZ
Mark,
Welcome to the GMCnet!
Now is still a good time to buy a motorhome. The market is down. Unless you have a good reason, avoid most "fixer-uppers." The reason is that prices of complete motorhomes are down but prices of parts and labor are not. I have seen coaches that would have gone for $20,000 five or ten years ago, sell for $10,000. From the asking prices, many sellers have not figured out that the market is down.... They will as the coach doesn't sell. (And who knows, they MIGHT get the asking price! It COULD happen.)
Anyway:
I would normally direct "lookers" to the club local to them. <http://www.gmcsj.com/> That way you could stop in at a rally and see some coaches and meets some people, all at one time... but their rally schedule is over for this year.
Just a note: The "sleeps 6" listed for most GMCs, assumes small people who like each other. If the kids are very big, I would carry a tent for them. I have known a GMC'er to pull a pop-up tent trailer for the kids.
Here are two links to start:
<http://www.gmcers.org/>
<http://gmcmotorhome.info/buygmc.html> (Keep in mind some of the prices on this last site where a few years ago.... so some are too low, some are too high.)
When you are "done" with those here are some more:
<http://www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html>
<http://gmcmotorhome.info/>
This one is of special interest:
<http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/>
I have seen some nice buys on eBay. You might search on "GMC motorhome" and find some interesting coaches.
You might have to travel a bit to pick-up the "best" GMC buy. You could ask for volunteers here or check the blacklist (see above link). It is nice to have someone "put eyes" on the coach before you travel. If nothing else to avoid scammers. I would not ask a non-professional to put a price on a coach, but they could tell you about "how much of what" the seller has been smoking!
A quick check of craigslist shows some possibilities, I tried to put the ones that fit your requirements first:
<http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/rvs/3022430528.html>
<http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/rvs/3026326511.html>
<http://reno.craigslist.org/rvs/3030106217.html>
<http://nd.craigslist.org/rvd/3023905304.html>
<http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/rvs/3017975863.html>
<http://louisville.craigslist.org/rvs/3028955888.html>
<http://evansville.craigslist.org/rvs/3018718284.html>
<http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/rvs/3020998958.html>
<http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/rvs/3029384604.html>
<http://orlando.craigslist.org/rvd/3024948636.html>
<http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwi/rvs/3022139278.html>
<http://dallas.craigslist.org/ftw/rvd/3026179356.html>
<http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/rvs/3019660138.html>
below do not meet your requirement but are of interest
<http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/rvs/3009711459.html>
<http://sandiego.craigslist.org/ssd/rvs/2987903723.html>
<http://boise.craigslist.org/rvs/3025170629.html>
<http://portland.craigslist.org/wsc/rvd/3019562320.html>
<http://boise.craigslist.org/rvs/3027411267.html>
<http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/rvs/3024707112.html>
<http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/rvs/2996248289.html>
<http://fresno.craigslist.org/rvs/3027578876.html>
These are mostly parts coaches and stuff.
<http://tampa.craigslist.org/hil/rvs/3018116921.html>
<http://salem.craigslist.org/rvs/3024502373.html>
<http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/rvs/2992571527.html>
<http://elpaso.en.craigslist.org/rvd/3026769754.html>
<http://nh.craigslist.org/rvs/3021924825.html>
<http://sarasota.craigslist.org/rvs/3025358537.html>
<http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/rvs/3021159641.html>
--
Mike Miller -- Hillsboro, OR -- on the Black list
(#1)'73 26' exPainted D. -- (#2)`78 23' Birchaven Rear Bath -- (#3)`77 23' Birchaven Side Bath
http://m000035.blogspot.com
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| Re: Looking for 26' GMC in Mesa, AZ -- moved from swap-meet [message #170530 is a reply to message #170494] |
Tue, 22 May 2012 12:02 |
Carl S.
Messages: 4186
Registered: January 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ.
Karma: 13
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Senior Member |
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quote title=habbyguy wrote on Mon, 21 May 2012 21:55]If anyone has intel on something that will fit my needs, and that's not too far from the Mesa / Phoenix area, I'd very much appreciate it. And heck, if anyone in the area insists, I'll come over and drool over your rig even if it's not for sale (I'll bring the wife to continue the reeling-in process).
Thanks!
Mark in Mesa, AZ[/quote]
[/quote]
Mark in Mesa,
Welcome! Mike has given you a lot of options to look into. If you are down in the Tucson area sometime, you are more than welcome to contact me and take a look at our Motorhome. We are on the North/Central side of town and my phone number is 5 two 0 - two 4 o - nine 8 3 six. I am also on the "Black List":
http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/
Here is a link to my albums on the GMC Photo Site:
http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u2326-carl-s.html
Looking forward to hearing from/meeting you sometime. Please let me know if I can help in any way.
Carl Stouffer
'75 ex Palm Beach
Tucson, AZ.
Chuck Aulgur Reaction Arm Disc Brakes, Quadrabags, 3.70 LSD final drive, Lenzi knuckles/hubs, Dodge Truck 16" X 8" front wheels, Rear American Eagles, Solar battery charging. GMCSJ and GMCMI member
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| Re: [GMCnet] Looking for 26' GMC in Mesa, AZ -- moved from swap-meet [message #170558 is a reply to message #170530] |
Tue, 22 May 2012 16:37 |
Fred Estabrook
Messages: 29
Registered: April 2004
Karma: 0
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Junior Member |
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Mark,
I would be glad to help in any way and you are more than welcome to see our
main rig (Lady Kathy ) a 76 Eleganza and our casita a 77 Kingsley.
Fred in Florence AZ
phone 520 8685492
On Tue, May 22, 2012 at 10:02 AM, Carl Stouffer <carljr3b@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>
> quote title=habbyguy wrote on Mon, 21 May 2012 21:55]If anyone has intel
> on something that will fit my needs, and that's not too far from the Mesa /
> Phoenix area, I'd very much appreciate it. And heck, if anyone in the area
> insists, I'll come over and drool over your rig even if it's not for sale
> (I'll bring the wife to continue the reeling-in process).
>
> Thanks!
>
> Mark in Mesa, AZ[/quote]
>
> [/quote]
>
>
> Mark in Mesa,
>
> Welcome! Mike has given you a lot of options to look into. If you are
> down in the Tucson area sometime, you are more than welcome to contact me
> and take a look at our Motorhome. We are on the North/Central side of town
> and my phone number is 5 two 0 - two 4 o - nine 8 3 six. I am also on the
> "Black List":
>
> http://www.bdub.net/Black_List/
>
> Here is a link to my albums on the GMC Photo Site:
>
> http://www.gmcmhphotos.com/photos/u2326-carl-s.html
>
> Looking forward to hearing from/meeting you sometime. Please let me know
> if I can help in any way.
> --
> Carl S.
> '75 ex Palm Beach
> Tucson, AZ.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
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| Re: Looking for 26' GMC in Mesa, AZ -- moved from swap-meet [message #170565 is a reply to message #170494] |
Tue, 22 May 2012 18:26 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Mark, I am in Scottsdale, my coach is in my driveway so SHE can see what a little hard work on the interior can do if you find a good low mile runner with a crappy interior.
PM me for contact info.
There are also a few floating around mesa that are not generally listed for sale. often times there is a coach on the SW corner of Dobson and Main on weekends. Price has been dropping.
My coach is usually just a stone's throw away from that in a storage facility, when it is not in my driveway waiting for intake manifold gaskets... 
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
[Updated on: Tue, 22 May 2012 18:27] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Looking for 26' GMC in Mesa, AZ -- moved from swap-meet [message #170602 is a reply to message #170494] |
Wed, 23 May 2012 00:07 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Mark, give Jim's coach a serious look. He has a Port Fuel Injected 403 and the coach is really clean and nice. I have seen it. You won't get all that if you buy a clunker and spend $20K. It's a runner, and Jim was in the RV business in the past, so the coach is sound.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: Looking for 26' GMC in Mesa, AZ -- moved from swap-meet [message #170608 is a reply to message #170607] |
Wed, 23 May 2012 06:06 |
Luvn737s
Messages: 1106
Registered: June 2007
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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| Luvn737s wrote on Wed, 23 May 2012 03:29 |
Mine's in Ahwatukee and it's just a good solid family camper, about as stock as they come. It's nowhere near the $25K range, but I'd have no qualms about taking it anywhere.
If Mama's ok with a little roadside wrenchin' and the continual state of upgrade and repair( in the driveway that is-that will keep the roadside work to a minimum) and she wants to get involved with some of the best and most generous folks out there, then jump in the GMC pool.
I run a little contrary to conventional wisdom in that I don't think you necessarily need to spend 25K on a coach and not everything has to be done at once. Conversely, a cheap coach is almost always the more expensive way to go. You need good tires and brakes and wheel bearings to be safe.Just about everything else you do as you go, little by little, year by year. I'd budget about $1500+/- a year in upgrade and maintenance if you do it yourself. Oh, and I'm firmly in the "Don't Tow" camp as the powertrain is doing about all it can just pulling itself along without a car too. Just one fat bald guy's opinion.
The stock design is fantastic, the aftermarket add-ons can be hit or miss based on their design and the installers workmanship.
I say go mid-level price ($10K-15K) and talk the seller down a few grand then go drive the thing often. The only place they don't look cool is the storage lot rotting away.
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Randy
1973 26' Painted Desert
Ahwatukee (Phoenix) AZ
[Updated on: Wed, 23 May 2012 06:09] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: Looking for 26' GMC in Mesa, AZ -- moved from swap-meet [message #170683 is a reply to message #170494] |
Wed, 23 May 2012 20:40 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
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Senior Member |
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Wow... I'd had a couple people tell me how great the GMC forum folks were, but you guys are downright impressive. I'd actually considered a couple other types of RVs, but to be honest, the GMC community has so much going for it that it's made up my mind to go all in.
I'm continuing to find "candidates", and will gladly check out the local machines that I can find (I'll be PM'ing those who've offered to show off their rigs - my wife is actually excited to see them... who woulda thunk it?).
And thanks for your advice on the ones that are for sale out there... it seems new ones pop up every day, though most are a fairly healthy drive away. Lots of 'em in California, which means a drive of 6-10 hours (well worth it if I come back in twice as many vehicles). Right now it's like being in a great Chinese restaurant with one of those 12-page menus (which is a high-class problem, I know...).
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
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