Advice on buying a Le Sharo

[Dave]

Sent: 3/2/2007

looking at an 88 le sharo, can anybody tell me about them? I know it is a 4cyl. diesel and front wheel drive, any good?
Thanks,
Dave

[bill_never_paid]

Sent: 3/2/2007 1:11 PM

Dave----

Now --- I really don't want to get into a long msg on the unit and trust me
I could go on and on and I am afraid one of the CW members may own one and be pissed off.  I will only, but I am willing to, tell the "whole story" after I see the reactions from the other members.
"RUN DAVE RUN LIKE "H" ---That's the best I will do for now
Bill

[LJ-TJ]

Sent: 3/2/2007

Hey Bill, tell us. I'm real interested in what you think. I mean isn't that what this site is for. Discussion.  I appreciate the opinions of others.

[Oz]

Sent: 3/2/2007


     For a small cadre of enthusiasts the LeSharo is a good solution.  But for the general run of RV operators, it will have too many issues, be too hard to get parts for, and too difficult to use as simply a recreational vehicle.  That diesel drivetrain is mostly made in France, there will be parts you will need that are not commonly available at autoparts places, and some of them will carry a Price Premium.  You need to join at: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Lesharo-owners/ and view a year or so of the message postings.   If you are an avid amateur mechanic, who likes challenges, the LeSharo might be for you.   If you want reliability, durability, reasonable access to inexpensive replacement parts - then probably not.
      It is one of the few RVs where the owners have developed a complete replacement drivetrain (based on a GM front wheel drive 3.0 liter V6) to replace the diesel engine and tranny.

[Slantsixness]

Sent: 3/2/2007 10:55 PM


I had a long explanation, but for some reason, my web browser is having difficulties.

Diesel Lesharo:
does it run?  Does it make common american diesel noises?  Then watch out!

Who maintained it? if the answer is "my brother-inLaw who works on Caterpillars", RUN AWAY!

What do you know about Renault diesels? If the answer is "nothing" then RUN AWAY.

Either way, you could get lucky, or you could spend a BIG GIANT CRAPLOAD OF MONEY, and still have a non running LeSharo.

I think that's simple enough...

Tom

[Cooneytoones]

Sent: 3/7/2007

Oone of our members SeaHag he bought one nearly two years ago and I don't think it's running yet....I've heard....Some parts are not just hard to find, but IMPOSSIBLE to find, unless you know of a good machinest tool and die maker or are one yourself.......
Personally from the stories I've heard.........Run away fast as you can.......   

NOLESHAROTIMMY

[RV Mech Tech]

Dave -the questions about the Rialta/LeSharo RV's are numerous and there have been many pro's and con's from owners - things to consider- parts availability, availability of service including qualified people to work on them (If you do not do your own work) and downtime for repairs - with the Rialta's (VW chassis) that VW did not provide the proper training, have adequate facilities (the hoists in a regular VW dealership would not lift them) or provide the dealers with the correct tooling even though they were VW chassis - I have heard the same about the LeSharo- obviously more research is needed on your part before you buy one- here are some websites:

a) www.garagepartner.com/rialta
b) www.rialtaheaven.com
c) http://www.foreignengine.com/  engine conversion specialists for the Rialta/LeSharos - this is the company 'Foreign Engine Service' in Portland  - they offer complete chassis service for the Winnebago lines as well as repairs to VW buses/campers and have parts available for LeSharo/Rialta owners:
1-800-349-3778 
d) www.rvlemonlawinfo.com
e) www.automotix.net salvage parts
f) www.LeSharo.com  ( I think this is F. E. Service as above?)
g) www.booksforcars.com -some manuals

Hope this gives you some guidelines.

[Oz]

Good job!  LeSharo owners have been desperate for resources like these!

[RV Mech Tech]

Thanks Mark-  all of these sites are on the net currently- the Foreign  Engine  Exchange has been repairing these Winnebagos for a long time and had some problems with the original owner but its under new management (some of the mechanics got together and purchased the business)  and from what I hear they offer good service and a parts source- they also do engine conversions to replace the original VW/ Renault motors - I will post more info when I find it.