LeSharo Motorhome
Dave Killingsworth
have no experience whatsoever with RV's.
Does anyone have any comments, good or bad, about this unit? Anyone
know the original cost in 88? Is $10,000 a fair price considering it
appears to be in very good condition and has 48,000 miles?
Thanks for any input you can provide.
Dave
Jim Walker
Search the archives of deja news. There was a long thread on LeSharo a
short while ago. Don't remember if it was this NG or
rec.outdoors.rv-travel. The upshot of the thread was that there are a
number out there with problems, usually engine. You would have to
identify the problem areas and check them carefully before buying.
--
Jim Walker
Northern Va.
BlaseBone
I, too was very interested in the LaSharro at one time, mainly for the clever
design of the coach, however I quickly discovered that the unit had some fatal
flaws, mechanically.
There were two versions of this MH - the earlier one had an Isuzu diesel (I
believe it was the 2.2L). Later, they changed to a gas powered Renault engine,
which is what you should find in the '88. The two major problems with both
engines (especially the Isuzu) was lack of power. It was also very difficult
to find service for the Renault. It was somewhat easier for the Isuzu engine,
especially when Chevy was still using a version of it in their LUV pick-ups...
but not anymore.
I am seeing quite a few on lots up and down the valley between Bakersfield and
Sacramento, CA, generally going for around $4,000 or less.
Paul Keen
Fresno, CA
Esh !
>
> I am considering the purchase of a 1988 Winnebago LeSharo Motorhome,
> but
> have no experience whatsoever with RV's.
>
> Does anyone have any comments, good or bad, about this unit? Anyone
> know the original cost in 88? Is $10,000 a fair price considering it
> appears to be in very good condition and has 48,000 miles?
>
> Thanks for any input you can provide.
>
> Dave
Ooo, my favorite subject ! I shopped for my first motorhome this year
too. I got very interested in the LeSharo's early this year and decided
to check them out thoroughly... make sure you do the same ! I have found
dozens of them trashed and left for dead all over, in rv dealer lots
mostly where owners traded them in and now birds live in them (I kid you
not !). Several were left in no-engine condition where the owners had
obviously tried to get service or parts and couldn't so they abandoned
them. Finding them for under $10k and around 50k miles is all too
common... mos that I saw said "make offer". The sad truth is that all of
the older models (pre-96) are badly underpowered with French Renault
4-cylinder gas or deisel engines. Either engine makes no difference,
it's a dog. Test drive one and see for yourself. Prone to breakdown and
not easy to find parts for, the LeSharo was a good idea placed on a bad
powertrain. I highly recommend that you do not buy one of these unless
you are a foreign engine mechanic with nothing else to do. I have heard
of some mechanics successfully putting Oldsmobile 6-cylinder engines in
them. Winnebago finally got the message and stopped making them until
they could contract with VW to provide a six-cylinder engine, starting
in 96. The same configuration as the LeSharo, modernized plus a couple
of new interior options, is now available as the Winnebago Rialto and is
a super-nice small motorhome (although I've beard some complaints about
showers failing etc. and when I test drove one I was surprised at how
much interior noise it produced in the form of plastic-on-plastic
squeeks and noises). None the less it drove well and handled excellent
and I may own one someday when all the bugs are worked out. They sell
for about $50K.
I found a better used motorhome for the money: I now own an '88 Champion
Transvan that I got for $13k with 50K miles. Similar interior to the
Lesharo but much more room, Ford 8-cylinder drivetrain that can be
serviced anywhere, streamlined exterior like the LeSharo, dual-rear
wheels for stability, and an all-around fine motorhome. The engine had
some leaks and a bad cylinder so I recently replaced the whole thing for
about $2,300 (at a chain called Dr. Motorworx). The rest of the vehicle
was in perfect shape anyway, so for $15k I now have a nice motorhome
with a new engine under a 3-year unlimited milage warranty, and my wife
and I camp in it every chance we get. Wonderful play-toy. Good luck with
your search and remember that is pays to do your homework.
--
Esh !
Internet Musician
"Esh Home Page":
http://g-net.net/~esh
NMRV
and the best advice I can give you
is to stay away from the Le Sharo.
Parts and mechanics for Renault
are few and far between.
Do your self a favor and look at something
else.
ROMEO RAABE
far superior. Can also be serviced anywhere and give15 mpg to boot.