[pairodice]

1. Yes, the HWH systems used on that vintage (we have a 1998 2-slide) are a maintenance issue as ALL slides on ALL coaches are. We have a love/hate relationship with our slides - we hate that they leak when it rains unless we tilt the coach (luckily it’s easy to tilt). We LOVE the extra space and functionality of the slide rooms - the BIGGEST thing going for Newells is their support department is first rate and can answer or figure out just about anything on your coach.
2) the resale market is definitely better for a slide coach than a non-slide unless you buy the non-slide very cheap and know that all maintenance has been done.
3) any coach this age will need maintenance and there are always things that go wrong when you have 45,000 lbs rattling down the freeway. These are all basic maintenance systems that all high-end coaches will have. You should plan on $10-15k for unplanned problems with your coach when you first buy it.
If you don’t like doing maintenance or cannot do the maintenance then you will have to pay someone to do it for you - this will be an expensive proposition. This would be the same with ANY coach of this age but at least Newells have great build quality.
This group is a great resource and we can probably help you through any issues you have.
Happy Hunting!