Considering a 2008 Great West Vans Classic
Hello, new member here. This weekend I looked at a used 2008 Great West Vans Classic (Elite, Ford chassis) at a sportsmens show. I've been searching for a used Class B for about 6 months. But they are rare around Pennsylvania, USA. So when I saw this one, I arranged with the dealer selling it for a tour at the show. The unit has only 3500 miles on it, having been used by a senior couple who are now experiencing health issues (or so the dealer's story goes...). The same dealer was the original seller and then bought it back from their customer. The price is in line with similar models. It is in excellent shape. I have an appt. to take it for a test drive this coming weekend. I spent over two hours reviewing the unit both when the dealer was and was not present. I had a checklist prepared of all of the things to consider, examine and catalog the condition. Almost all of that was positive for this unit. The ones that were not are features that either could be added later, like a rear view camera or changed, like the placement of the TV (it blocked the extendible cutting board in the kitchen area). I plan to use this unit solo for extended trips (across the USA and Canada) as well as to local events. I will have a friend traveling with me on some of those trips. My objective is touring, not so much just camping.
I do know that it has the Tri-fold electric sofa/bed and with that, a lot more storage than I have seen in other Class Bs. It also has storage above the cab, open but with a cargo net already installed. And an outside "drawer" big enough to hold such things as leveling blocks, hoses and even chairs and a folded rug. Very little storage int he kitchen unit, but not a deal-breaker. The wet bath was very confining but not much different from other Class Bs. It does not have the expandable shower area that some Roadtreks have, for example. The front seats swivel and a built-in, foldout table for two is made for them. That was a very comfortable area in which one could dine or work on a laptop.
Despite some extensive searches on the Internet, I'm having trouble finding any information on this model regarding reliability or problem areas to watch out for. So my request here is for some assistance from other GWV owners or any others who can point me to some sources for this information. I want to make sure that I am buying something with any known problems already repaired (like recalls, for example). I am aware that GWV was bought out a couple of years ago and that they are no longer making the Classic models, only the Sprinter Legends. So, that is a factor in my decision as replacement parts might be difficult to obtain in case of damage.
Let me know if there is any other information that I can try to obtain before I decide to purchase this unit. Thank you.
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