EMan508
Well-known member
Yesterday I visited a 2004 Winnebago Brave 34D (Chevy 8.1 Workhorse) RV (on consignment at a dealer that only sells consignments). It has less than 12,000 miles on it so I'm worried that the engine seals or other hidden components might bite me in the tush after my check clears. The rig looks like it was garaged because there is very little rust or peeling paint and the body is perfect. The interior has barely been used and I searched for leaks but found no stains.
The negatives I found were that all tires are from 2003 (obviously I need them replaced), the bedroom emergency window (tilting panes) had moisture in between the seal, one of the outside storage compartments had water dripping in via the hinge area and the bathroom fan roof cover had a small crack. The engine battery only turned the engine over a couple of times and died so I never heard it run. The house batteries looked new but the dealer couldn't get the boost to work for the engine. The listed price was $70k (I was shocked that it was so high), but the NADA price range is from $39k-$55 depending on how you value the low mileage (personally I think it is a negative being so low).
Questions
#1 Should an 8 year old rig with so few miles be avoided?
#2 Is there really any way to test the engine/transmission for failing rubber seals or other issues from sitting?
#3 What problems have other 2004-ish Brave owners had that I should look for?
If they bring the price back down to reality then I will hire someone to also inspect it but I want to fell great about it first before investing in that service.
Thanks,
Eric
The negatives I found were that all tires are from 2003 (obviously I need them replaced), the bedroom emergency window (tilting panes) had moisture in between the seal, one of the outside storage compartments had water dripping in via the hinge area and the bathroom fan roof cover had a small crack. The engine battery only turned the engine over a couple of times and died so I never heard it run. The house batteries looked new but the dealer couldn't get the boost to work for the engine. The listed price was $70k (I was shocked that it was so high), but the NADA price range is from $39k-$55 depending on how you value the low mileage (personally I think it is a negative being so low).
Questions
#1 Should an 8 year old rig with so few miles be avoided?
#2 Is there really any way to test the engine/transmission for failing rubber seals or other issues from sitting?
#3 What problems have other 2004-ish Brave owners had that I should look for?
If they bring the price back down to reality then I will hire someone to also inspect it but I want to fell great about it first before investing in that service.
Thanks,
Eric