Feedback on 34 foot Journey please update!!

RCtime · 08-08-2007, 11:31 AM

I am online looking at a 2001 DL 34 Journey. Cat. 330 hp
I have talked with the owner and looked at all his 60 plus pictures. Seems to be a great unit.
I offered $75,000 pending inspection. His asking $82,500. NADA 67,840 low--$81,730 Average with alum. wheels,power seat etc. adding a little more. I felt a reasonable offer at that price. He says he still owes his asking price, So dont think he will budge much so no deal Yet. Mileage is 46,000. What do think of offer, too low?
Also opinions on the 34 footer as to highway manners. I also have my eye on a 2000 Itasca Horizon 36, Cat.275hp and 14,000miles@ DeMartini RV.
Opinions please---Ron See new post

RCtime · 08-08-2007, 11:31 AM

I am online looking at a 2001 DL 34 Journey. Cat. 330 hp
I have talked with the owner and looked at all his 60 plus pictures. Seems to be a great unit.
I offered $75,000 pending inspection. His asking $82,500. NADA 67,840 low--$81,730 Average with alum. wheels,power seat etc. adding a little more. I felt a reasonable offer at that price. He says he still owes his asking price, So dont think he will budge much so no deal Yet. Mileage is 46,000. What do think of offer, too low?
Also opinions on the 34 footer as to highway manners. I also have my eye on a 2000 Itasca Horizon 36, Cat.275hp and 14,000miles@ DeMartini RV.
Opinions please---Ron See new post

SCVJeff · 08-08-2007, 11:57 AM

The Horizon is certainly the top of Itasca's line. I think I would be looking at that one 1st if you think the smaller CAT will work for you.

As for drivability, there are several of us here that own 34H chassis. Personally I have no issues with it, but it's also the longest motorhome I've driven with any regularity whatsoever. I have no issues with control or handling (except the rocking that was suppressed by FDS shocks).

Tom N · 08-08-2007, 01:31 PM

IMHO, the seller would be very wise to accept your $75,000 offer.

-Tom

smlranger · 08-08-2007, 03:50 PM

I don't think you would be disappointed in the 330 CAT. However, in today's buyer's market, low NADA or slighty more is a more resonable price for that rig. $75K is more than a reasonable offer, IMO. The seller may owe more than that on the coach but that is his problem, not your's.

Pusherman · 08-08-2007, 03:53 PM

Ron,

I am on my second 34' Journey. I have never had a driveability issue with these coaches (other than the new one initially having out-of-round tires on the front - fixed that real quick).

The 34' is a nice length - maneuverable, and can get into smaller spaces with them as compared to the larger coaches. Plenty big for our needs.

I think your price on the '01 is about right, maybe just a touch low. I sold my '00 last September for $69K, but noting that the '00 (including the one you are looking at) has the Cummins 275hp engine. The CAT 330hp engine is probably worth $5k over the Cummins on those year coaches.

You will also like the CAT 330hp over the 275hp Cummins. I think this Cummins is a little underpowered at 275hp.

P.S. The Horizon and Journey are the same coaches for these model years, just dressed differently.

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

bellsharbor · 08-08-2007, 06:55 PM

HI Ron,

I have to agree, I think you are right on at $75,000. I have had both engines and like the 330 Cat, for the size of the coach. Good luck with whatever you decide.

John

Izzyblueye · 08-09-2007, 04:58 AM

JC2: The owner might as well take your reasonable offer. He is "upside down" on his coach and probably will not get a much better offer. The depreciation is going to roll on. These types of situations make my head hurt.

Barney B. · 08-09-2007, 08:34 AM

We love our 34. The best interior function is the curbside dinette which allows a "better view" when parked along the way. The 350 CAT is more than adaquate so I'm guessing the 330 will be fine. You should drive the 275 before buying.

RCtime · 08-10-2007, 07:56 AM

Alls well that ends well.
I never heard back from the party who I gave my offer to and I never pursued it further.
I did continue my search an came across a 2002 Journey DL. I think its a winner, only a little over 19,000 miles. pictures and description is good. Apparently like new. A lady ownes it whos husband passed away the 1st year they owned it.. Again way upside down on the motorhome.
I have over a 1000 miles to go drive it, but looking forward to it
Again I offered a VERY reasonable offer of $82,000, she said she still owes 97,000 but would take 85,000. We agreed were close enough in price to talk. So I expect a meeting in the middle. Low book is$74000plus and Average is $89,000 plus
It has it all, cat 330, sat. system, cherrywood interior, all the goodies.
So I will go look, drive,inspect and maybe my search has ended.
Now got to put a 4 sale sign on old reliable.

CHIPPYSGT · 08-10-2007, 10:20 AM

Just for info, DeMartini is a great dealership to do business with.

RCtime · 08-10-2007, 10:51 AM

Doug
I know he is the best. I bought my 98 Vacationer from him new.
I wish he would have had what I was looking for.
He had a solid reputation back in 98 and it hasnt changed a bit.