1996 Coleman Sun Valley

[rstephenhoward]

I have the opportunity to purchase a Coleman 1996 Sun Valley for $2700.  Everything is in excellent shape, including a never-used screen room and brand new tires.  My concern is the ABS roof.  I've read so many horror stories and I just want to be careful.  The roof on this unit looks brand new.  There are no cracks of any kind, no blemishes, etc..  In fact, it looks so new that I suspect it may be a replacement roof.   My gut feelings are that 1) if it is the original roof and in this good shape, it is not defective and 2) if it is a replacement roof that solves the problem.  I would appreciate some advice as to whether or not I am taking a risk with this outfit.  Thanks, Steve

[hoppy]

This is a choice better made by the purchaser, not the members of the forum.

It maybe that it is the original roof, and has aged well over the past fifteen years. And if it was replaced, the original owner probably would have stated that fact to assure the faint of heart, and produce a receipt.

 Remember, not all ABS roofs were subject to failure...... mine is coming up to ten years old, and is still in great shape.

 BTW: I took the chance purchasing my used Mesa back in 2003.
 After a very careful inspection using a tightened string for warp, bow, delamination, cracking, etc, I bought mine for nearly a couple of thousand dollars less than the fair market value at that time.
 In my case, it worked to my benefit.
  Good luck

[rstephenhoward]

Thanks.  I realize that the decision to buy or not is mine, but I am interested in the opinions of other owners of Coleman campers.  It never hurts to consider a variety of viewpoints.

Steve

[coach]

I'd check http://www.nada.com/ and the local news paper, dealers and craigslist for comps. Seems high to me.

I would NOT pay the same for 2 identical PUs, one with and one without ABS roof. If I owned an ABS roof, I'd keep it inside the garage. But then again, I'd keep any PU in the garage.

[hoppy]

Thanks.  I realize that the decision to buy or not is mine, but I am interested in the opinions of other owners of Coleman campers.  It never hurts to consider a variety of viewpoints.

Steve

I believe that the responses from the ABS roof owner's will be mixed, and you really won't be reassured by the replies. JMHO  :confused:

 Those with the ABS roofs that are still in good condition will think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread, and those who owned the ones that failed will say they are a POS. Once again, JMHO.  

 Good luck with your decission..... either way.  

 BTW: The '96 was the first year for the ABS roofs, so when looking in the interior, be certain that the original owner added the roof support bar up there in the ceiling. This was retro fit repair added to help minimize the bow.... especially if the A/C was up there on the roof.