Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
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Is a 2004 Itasca (diesel) that looks like it it new, will have new tires and batteries, still a good rig?
We missed making an offer on one, saw it on Saturday and went back on Sunday and it was sold. I have found a couple of others that are it's twins within a couple of hundred miles of us and wonder if we should jump at one of them now or look some more.
The salesman said that they other buyer has to get financing and doesn't have great credit. If he can't get the loan, we may be looking at it again.
The ONLY think we are wary about this model is the age!
If it wasn't abused and was well maintained, there's no reason that you can't get many years of satisfactory use out of it. We are with friends now that are planning on taking their 2000 Dutch Star to Alaska next year.
Ask the salesman if there are owner maintenance records avail. Some people would tell you if not - walk away. Of course there is always the professional inspection of all the RV components as well as an inspection of all the mechanical components. Each might cost you $400 or so. Have it written in "If problems are found and the dealer will not fix them as his cost - you get your deposti refunded.
I wouldn't hesitate for a microsecond to buy a 2004 diesel pusher as long as I can verify that it's in good shape. You can do a CarFax on it which will show how many owners it's had and whether it's been in any wrecks. If you're buying from a dealer it would be great if you could contact the previous owner to check on maintenance records.
A well maintained diesel engine and drivetrain should last hundreds of thousands of miles, which it is highly unlikely to get as a recreational vehicle or even if used for fulltime living. The rest of the components are about the same as they would be in any RV, made by various manufacturers. Winnebago builds a very good unit and you'll find that the factory backup is unsurpassed.
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Ron and Joan 2005 Itasca Sunova 34A 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
We have a 2004 Itasca Diesel Pusher. It is virtually like new. As long as we RV, I would not consider changing anything except tires and lubricants.
Age and mileage do not hurt these machines. With proper care, they will keep rolling and you happy. We still think of it as a new acquistion. We have had not one serious problem, and do not expect any.
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Ethel & Charles Henry, Itasca Horizon DP/Honda Element Toad Traveling with our furry-snouted, four-legged children.
"Each of us must take part in making this a better world for all people."
Thank you all for your input, and if anyone want to add more thoughts, please do. We hope to find just the right rig in the next few months. When I do I will let each of you know what we did.
Looking but scared just a little. I hope that other guy's financing falls thru! I really want that Itasca.
We have a 1997 Itasca Suncruiser, gas, not diesel, but it's very well built and has handled the years well. I wouldn't hesitate to buy an Itasca. Winnebago bought Itasca so that says a lot about the quality of the RV construction.
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The Crumps
1997 37' Itasca Suncruiser and Scion Xb toad.
Life isn't a journey to the grave with intentions of arriving safe in a pretty and well preserved body; but rather to skid in sideways, used up and totally worn out yelling - WOO HOO - What a Ride!