Greetings new to the forum and we are going to look at a 07 Marathon Next week... suggestions on things to check out if before we make offer or the best way to cover ourselves?
Thanks
Fogs
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Greetings new to the forum and we are going to look at a 07 Marathon Next week... suggestions on things to check out if before we make offer or the best way to cover ourselves?
Thanks
Fogs
Where or who are you thinking of buying it from ?Quote:
Originally Posted by Fogsrv
The basics are Batterries, Tires, & Service Records. Inverters , pumps, A/C systems, Heating , Hot water Heater.
Air systems, Brakes, Seals, Air bags, lights inside and outside.
If it has slides, check for ease of movement in and out. Check the ceilings front to back for any water leaks.
Any error codes on the Detroit Engine DDCC.
See if you can acquire History info from Marathon and Prevost.
Flip every switch, operate every lever, run every system.
After the prospective buyer has gone through all that stuff, we're on what ... noon of the second or third day? Make the buy/no buy decision the next morning?Quote:
Originally Posted by garyde
These coaches are fairly complex machines.....like a house that goes 70 mph. I agree with Gary, take the time to thoroughly check them out, item by item. Do it in a safe location where you have time to understand how each system works. Otherwise, you may find yourself trying to figure it out in an unsafe location, like a busy intersection or freeway, or some other place where it is difficult to get help. Best to learn as much as you can during a pre-purchase environment. There will still be surprises you did not prepare for or understand.
As you learn more about your coach, there is nothing more enjoyable than owning a Prevost coach, and meeting the great members of POG.
Best of luck!
Some of the issues can be answered by the seller. Like ' how old are the tires and batterries. Do you have maintenance History. Have you serviced the coach to a Level 3.
Other items whcih are not as easy have to do with the air systems and other systems. Take a test drive, a long one.
Have the seller operate the slides and level the coach.
Run the Genset and watch it switch the loads over. Run the water in all the faucets and the toilet.
Get familiar with the coach , this is not like buying a car.
A successful purchase will equal the time you invest .
When you have a level of comfort, then make an offer which takes into consideration items needing fixed or replaced.
Tires can run $7000.00. Batteries will be $2500.00 just for the Coach.
Depending on your location and the availability of a qualified tech, I would ask the seller permission to have someone in the service business check out the coach and generate a list. Similar to a mechanic checking out a used car before purchase. Marathon makes an excellent and highly reliable coach, but there will always be something with every motor home.
In our shop we charge 750.00 for a full inspection and the related list. As a rule this takes a knowledgeable guy around 8 - 10 hours and includes a road test. If we get enough related repair work from that list we waive the fee.
All in all though, you should be on very firm ground with the Marathon / Prevost combination.
Best,
Pat Sprenger
Coach Pro LLC
800-918-7172
When you purchase a coach that is just the beginning there will be lots of little things you might need help with and a good seller will give you there number and help you on the phone whenever possible,
I bought my Coach from Florida Luxury Coaches 3 years ago and I still today will call them if I have a question and they always have time to help me or get the answer I need,
and I just put two new tires on the outside drive and rotated them to the tag at the tune of $2,400 everything is going up !!!