Need your thoughts, used 2002 Coleman Niagra

[Roosterfish09]

Been lurking in the site for a while and wanted to get some help from the many knowledgable people on this site.....

Going to look at a used 2002 Coleman Niagra tomorrow.  Pictures look good but will see more when there.  Is this one of the years with possible ABS roofs?  Also what would you expect to pay (approximate)?  Other than adding an AC, looks standard.  How accurate are nada guides? 

Any and all advice welcome.

Cheers
Roosterfish

[mstrbill]

Yes, this roof would have the ABS originally. Having fought a failing roof, I can't advice anyone to purchase a PUP with one. Can't help with the price, except that I would use the known problems of the ABS roof as way to drive down the price.

[Campergirl1028]

We have one and love it! We've had it for a few years and either you are a taker of it or not.  Check it out-if it only has had one owner and you trust how they've taken c/o it, then fine... if not, then don't take it. 

Ours was about $5200 about 2 yrs ago and we've done minor things to it.  Nothing major-in my opinion.  Change tires, normal wear and tear, the awning cracked (during a windy time on vacation).  Refrig, A/C, heater all work.  We just did mods to it. 

(now that you jinx'd us... )  :)

We do love ours! It's very roomy and stores quite a bit! GL!

[Roosterfish09]

I appreciate the replies.  It is at a dealer so I have no idea how many owners yet. The price seemed high to me for a used 2002.  If the roof looks good maybe make a low offer hat I am willing to pay......

[wavery]

If the camper has AC, that's not necessarily a plus with the ABS roof unless the trailer has been garage stored all it's life.

Look for any cracking (crazing) in the roof. If the roof has been painted, it may be questionable. The previous owner may or may not have done a proper repair. "A coat of paint covers a multitude of sin"...... in some cases.

Also, make sure that the edges of he roof seat well on the body. If it does not seat well all the way around, that could be a sign of a failing roof, even if there are no cracks. This usually only happens on the ABS roofs with AC but it doesn't happen to all of them.

[Lazyike]

I own a 2002 Niagra now and this is my secnd Coleman with the abs roof with no problems. Check out the roof for any delam (areas where the outside plastic is bubbled). I would not pay full Nada retail and I would bring up the roof issues to try to get the price down. If it has a/c look inside the roof and make sure it has a square metal bar running on the inside of the roof from side to side. This is a support bar for the roof to help support the a/c. If you end up with it do not cover the camper when stroing it outside. The heat building up under a cover has caused numerous abs roofs to fail. Like the other post make sure the lower edges of the roof line up with the edges of the box when it is down. Also the Colemans with the  front storage trunk  tend to leak and cause the front corners of the trunk floor to rot. Crawl under it and check out the floor. We realy enjoy ours as it has tons of options and lots of room. Good luck with your purchase.

[94-D2]

Sold our 2001 niagara last year.  Had it for 10 years.  Only problem I had with the roof was some minor cracking under the awning bag and a gasket/seal that separated.  Did nothing with the cracking since it was superficial, not visible and only cosmetic.  front storage was great, rain tight and held all our stuf.  The only wear after all that time was the floor.  Lenolium was yellowed, stained by dirt (not neglect or abuse) and needed replacing but usable.  The pup spent its entire life outside.  100+ in summer, 20's in the winter.  Got $5,000 for it.  If the dealer is asking 5200 for an 02 w/air, sounds doable spending on your area.  In CA, 52 would be in the ball park.

Good luck, and welcome to pux.  Have fun. 

J

[Campergirl1028]

FYI-ours came with the A/C. 

[wavery]

Sold our 2001 niagara last year.  Had it for 10 years.  Only problem I had with the roof was some minor cracking under the awning bag and a gasket/seal that separated.  Did nothing with the cracking since it was superficial, not visible and only cosmetic.  front storage was great, rain tight and held all our stuf.  The only wear after all that time was the floor.  Lenolium was yellowed, stained by dirt (not neglect or abuse) and needed replacing but usable.  The pup spent its entire life outside.  100+ in summer, 20's in the winter.  Got $5,000 for it.  If the dealer is asking 5200 for an 02 w/air, sounds doable spending on your area.  In CA, 52 would be in the ball park.

Good luck, and welcome to pux.  Have fun. 

J

Don't kid yourself..... you got rid of that trailer just in time IMHO  ...... Cracking of ABS is not "Superficial". ABS roofs are made of a solid mold of colored plastic. If it's cracking.... it's cracking... and will continue to get worse over time. The most common area for this to start occurring is around the awning.

[94-D2]

Lucky me.  Good thing my new one is not.