Opinions needed !!! Found a nice one ????

[bubblerboy64]

Fellows, I just returned from a run to look, feel and fondle a 1977
33ft Side Bath. This one was NICE, So nice even the engine air
worked. Paint 95% interior 90% all systems functional. 120K miles
with an engine replaced at 70K couple questions.
1) If this is the best of the best or close how far off is
the asking price of $24K ? I know, I know, that's a crap shoot but I
am thinking if I offer I would not feel good at over $20K. Knowing
the realities of what the future holds even if its really that good
today
2) Only problem I had was driving it. I had trouble keeping
in going now the road straight. Owner said characteristic and I was
doing better then he did first time in the drivers seat but I found
it disconcerting enough that 45 mph was about all I felt comfortable
going. When the owner was driving he seemed to have no trouble. So
question. Is this the nature or is there a steer box issue?
3) Driving home over some of the roads I would in fact drive
the coach over I began to question the lack of turbo and retarder.
Not talking about the Rockies here but I am interested in opinions
(again I guess) about the NA seventies coaches. This had air
suspended seat and as a result I was more then satisfied with ride
quality.
4) My goal is to do this one time or not at all. I intend to
drive a newer later coach with the items missing for this 1977 before
I go further. So perhaps some of you guys with 1983 to 1986 coaches
could drop me a note with phone numbers etc.
5) All opinions appreciated. Again thanks for all the
information all ready provided. I am attempting to do the leg work
and the travel to make an educated and wise decision. I realize that
I may need to spend more to buy the hammer to drive the nail that I
want to sink. I would love to spend $20K but I will not until I have
more opinions and more experience. It would make no sense to buy
less and then have to sell and more up. So what ya think? And I know
I have to be the judge but your input as a group is EXTREMELY
valued. Thank you again for your collective time, interest and
understanding. John Heckman Oh and PS why are some many of these
coaches facing engine replacements at around 80K miles. Shouldn't one
of those CAT engines go hundreds of K's. So at 120k miles is a guy
facing another engine at 150K ?