Dealer Finds Market for Used Rialta Motorhomes
April 27, 2009 by Bob Ashley 15 Comments
Rialta Heaven Inc., a small outfit in the northern Indiana community of Milford, is marketing used Winnebago Rialta Class C motorhomes, last built by the Forest City, Iowa, manufacturer in 2005, on a limited national basis as “Earth Friendly RVs” because of their high fuel mileage and wind-cutting aerodynamics.
“Over the last two years, we’ve sold about 200 of them,” said Karen Rowland, co-owner and sales manager. “We find them all over the country”
Built on the 7,275-pound GVWR Volkswagen extended Eurovan cutaway chassis with a 6-cylinder Volkswagen gas engine that in the later years of production were rated at 201-hp, the sleek, low-profile Rialta today would be considered a “B-plus” style motorhome due to the lack of a cabover compartment. Typically, 22-foot Rialtas get 18-21 mpg, Rowland said.
Winnebago built about 8,000 Rialtas from 1994 to 2005; Volkswagen quit building the chassis in 2003.
Like others in the RV industry, however, Rialta Heaven, located in a former used-car lot on Ind. 15, has experienced a downturn since late last year. ”This time last year, we were selling half-a-dozen a month,” Rowland said. ”Since September, times have been tough.”
Depending on mileage — usually with fewer than 50,000 miles on the odometer — prices typically range from $22,000 to $50,000. Currently, the company has five Rialta’s and a Winnebago Vista, a true Class C built on the Eurovan chassis with a cabover sleeping compartment.
“Rialtas are very popular,” Rowland said. “Once people get to know them, they find the Rialta is small and easy to drive. And they are totally self-contained — bigger than a van but smaller than a bus.”
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I own a 1996 Rialta with less than 96,000 original miles. New tires, stainless steel coated exhaust, Cab Air, Fibreglass Skylight, major tune up all VW parts. Show room condition, would like to sell.
Great unit 23 mi. per gal.
What price range were you thinking for that beast? Also, you didn’t identify the model. Could you tell me what model you are offering for sale:Thanks.
Looking to buy a Rialta to travel in soon to be retirement. Would like a unit under 20K. Live in central NY.
I would like to buy a Rialto for under 20,000. Live in North Carolina.
I would like to buy a Rialto – Do you know of any for sale in Oklahoma????
I have a 2004 Rialto owned by my parents, low mileage and in fantastic shape. Located in Southern Oregon. If interested please email me at paris_brice@yahoo.com or call 541 690 8695. Thanks brice
2000 Rialta model RV222FD under 29 thousand, like new with 16 optional equip installed. Interested Sandyshands2heal@hotmail.com. Jst decied to sell have not priced it yet.
Wanted: Rialta QD … under $20k. I know…thats expecting a lot, but I can dream. Had a LeSharo and loved that French ‘lady’ dearly…spent so much trying to keep her running *sigh*…finally gave up and gave her away. Been looking and hoping for over 10 yrs …. so I’ll be here if and when???? :)
interested in Rialta in excellent condition near the Minnesota area.
I have a 1999 QD for under 19,995 with a five year drivetrain and engine warranty. Sell as is.
If you are interested contact by email and that will be fine. Please only serious buyers. Live in South Dakota near Sioux Falls. Bought from Rialta Heaven.
Thanks.
The email address is alanmontgomery13@gmail.com
I have a 2005 Reialta QD with only 25,000 miles on it ….This unit is in very very good Condition …I am looking for $38,500 OB
bentj@centurytel.net…….May be able to Deliver it ….Depending on Location
Hello,
Just started looking at rv’s….like the Rialta. We like the fd and qd models. Anybody selling one? We live in Tn.
Thanks,
Greg
Hi I am looking for a winnebago Rialta or a vista. Under 20,000. I live in N.M. just e-mail or call 575 389-5488.,
I am looking for a pre-owned Rialta for under $20,000 close to Ohio for pickup.