My husband and I are possibly considering getting a used one to sustain us until we get our fifth wheel in a few years. The biggest question we have is engine type? Is there a better model to get that has a better chassis? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
-How many miles could we expect out of this rig?
-How well do these handle?
-How many miles per gallon could we expect?
-Would you buy this rig?
-Is this a fair price? And if not...what is a reasonable offer?
Thanks so much,
Woodchip
53 Merc said
03:46 PM Feb 23, 2010
A quick search of NADA indicates they might be high on the asking price. No telling how many more miles are left, it is all according to how it has been maintained. They handle like a tank, given the E-350 frame and suspension. Look at 6 to 8 mpg, depending on how you drive it. Sports car, it ain't. You are the only one that knows if it meets your needs and price point. Maybe look a bit more. Have you looked at PPLRV in Houston? They have a huge inventory of all types. (consignment seller)
contra said
09:59 PM Feb 23, 2010
We have a newer version of this model - 2008 2130QB - which will be traded in when we pick up our fifth wheel next month. I don't know how this compares to the '98 model. Our floorplan is slightly different; we have a corner bed in the back.
We loved it for what we bought it for, which was primarily weekend camping. It is small. Neither of us are big people and we did ok when it was just the 2 of us. However, when we included our 80-lb dog with a dog bed and 20-lb cat with a litter box, it became quickly cramped. We also took it on several week-long trips. We like to be outdoors so we spent most of our time outside under the awning, at the picnic table or around the campfire. So it was pretty much used as a glorified tent.
It drives very easily. It didn't feel a whole lot different than driving our SUV. We didn't get great gas mileage; I think it was around 10-11 MPG regardless of whether the tanks were empty or full. The tanks aren't real large but we were able to boondock for 4-5 days by conserving water (we did bring our own drinking water).
We wanted something small that could fit into any campground. We prefered to get off the beaten path, often times just driving up a forest road. It worked well for that.
I think it will depend on how you plan to use it. If you're like us and are looking to "camp" rather than RV and plan to spend most of your time outside, then it might be a good fit.
I would also recommend checking NADA guides to determine if the price is fair. Our model is a common rental model in Colorado (and I would imagine elsewhere), so there seems to be many of them in the marketplace. Ours was a rental return, but had low mileage and was in good condition. You might want to try renting one for a weekend just to see how small they really are.
Good luck in your search!
-Connie
Woodchip said
08:09 AM Feb 24, 2010
Thank you all so much for your help. We will keep you posted as to what we decide to do.
thanks.
Woodchip
We loved it for what we bought it for, which was primarily weekend camping. It is small. Neither of us are big people and we did ok when it was just the 2 of us. However, when we included our 80-lb dog with a dog bed and 20-lb cat with a litter box, it became quickly cramped. We also took it on several week-long trips. We like to be outdoors so we spent most of our time outside under the awning, at the picnic table or around the campfire. So it was pretty much used as a glorified tent.
It drives very easily. It didn't feel a whole lot different than driving our SUV. We didn't get great gas mileage; I think it was around 10-11 MPG regardless of whether the tanks were empty or full. The tanks aren't real large but we were able to boondock for 4-5 days by conserving water (we did bring our own drinking water).
We wanted something small that could fit into any campground. We prefered to get off the beaten path, often times just driving up a forest road. It worked well for that.
I think it will depend on how you plan to use it. If you're like us and are looking to "camp" rather than RV and plan to spend most of your time outside, then it might be a good fit.
I would also recommend checking NADA guides to determine if the price is fair. Our model is a common rental model in Colorado (and I would imagine elsewhere), so there seems to be many of them in the marketplace. Ours was a rental return, but had low mileage and was in good condition. You might want to try renting one for a weekend just to see how small they really are.
Good luck in your search!
-Connie