About 3 years ago whilst on a Dutch barge, near Dijon, which belonged to my friend Ian, I thought what a good idea, travel around at leisure in ones own mobile home. The idea developed and eventually decided to buy an RV in the USA, travel around the west coast in it and then ship it back to the UK and commence traveling in Europe.
I started by looking at dealers in and around Spokane, Washington State, where my daughter lives and became very disillusioned with the standard and quality of service of most of the dealers, something which has been confirmed more than once since.
A look for RV's for sale brought up thousands of hits which was very confusing indeed, especially to one with little or no knowledge. Eventually I settled on two sites that seemed to have a consistency that I was looking for, RVregistry.com provided me with two sales of similar Winnebago Itasca Sunova's which seemed to fit the bill. Both were the same year 2003, i.e. 18 months old at the time, and with very low mileage, 6000 miles each and at an acceptable price, around $62,000. An initial phone call to both parties established that one was more prepared to deal than the other so I arranged a time and date and made the flight to Bend, Oregon.
One issue I had with reading the adverts was the lack of relevant information about the vehicle, No of cd's in the changer a plenty, but service history - not a sign. However this one I was to look at was different and the seller said the right things to me in the advert, and on the telephone and emailed me a complete list of all important relevant information as well as stating that full detailed paperwork would be there for me to read on my arrival.
Despite my lack of knowledge about RV's I was immediately impressed by the accuracy of the information supplied and the overall condition of the unit. The vendor picked me up from the airport in the RV and within 5 minutes I was driving my first RV. I spent the night in the RV reading the mass of information supplied. Every manual and service record had been kept and importantly a transferable 3 year warranty from Winnebago as well as a separate 10 year extended warranty insurance was included. By the morning I felt that a connection had been made and I was happy, as well as I could be, with the unit. Now the price and inspection. I negotiated a figure of $57,000 subject to independent inspection and transfer of all warranties.
Given that the unit was $86,000 new, 15 months earlier I felt that a good deal had been struck, $29,000 savings, a third off the new price, and virtually 'as new' condition rig and all that I thought needed was there, and no there was no CD changer installed.
I arranged for the unit to be fully inspected, $300 well spent, and a opinion on the price to be paid. The service engineer, not a dealer, was also very straight forward and recommended the price excellent for the age and state of the RV. A deal was struck and the vendor delivered the unit to Spokane a month later.
I detail here what I bought. The original advert stated:-
Itasca Sunova 27C, 27.5 feet 2003, 6,000 miles. Interior: Sandstone/Oak, Exterior: white/Gray $62,000
Comments: Original Owner, excellent condition, Motivated to Sell. $15k of upgrades. Slide Out, Workhorse Chassis, 340 HP 8.1 Vortec Chevy, 4 Spd Automatic transmission, Cruise, Anti Lock Brakes, 2.5 years Left on The Choice premium Service Protection Contract, Hydraulic Leveling Jacks w/interior control, Back Up Camera, Monitor Panel, Awning, King Dome Satellite Dish w/Auto Search, TV Antenna w/Booster, 2 TVs, DVD/VCR Player, 4000w Onan Gas Generator, 130w Inverter, Defroster Fans, Fantastic Ceiling Fan w/Rain Sensor, 225w of Solar Panels w/Battery Charger, Upgraded deep Cycle Batteries, 5,000lb Hitch w/Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar System, Rock Chip Protection Flaps, Front Stabilizer System w/Airbags, Ducted 13.5k BTU Roof AC and 30k BTU Furnace, 6 Gall Water Heater w/Electric Ignition, Stainless Steel Wheel Liners, Nice Size Bath and Bedroom Queen Bed, Sleeps 4, Special Exterior Finish Protection, 75/36/46 Fresh/Black/Gray Holding Tanks, 18 Gall Propane Tank, All Hook Ups In One Bay, Spacious Closets and Cupboards, Large Storemore Storage Compartments. Also available Tow Vehicle 2004 Honda Element, Negotiable as well. I can provide a detailed list of all options and features via EMail. DELIVERY AVAILABLE ON SALE.
THE FOLLOWING WERE ALSO INCLUDED. Power Rear View Mirrors with Heaters, Exterior ladder, DC Laptop port, Glass shower door, Moen Steel Fawcet in sink, carpets and misc items.
