How old is too old? (RV)

[ticer]

Looking for RV-yes, newbie- I spotted one today, a Sundance 26 or 27 foot, was not inspected since 2006 - but did not look bad on the outside. Waiting for the guy to call back, year??? No way to know till he calls back. My mind is saying - walk away- my heart is saying, maybe I can afford it. So, when I find out the year, how old is too old? If everything is OK, I guess at some point it's unwise to buy an oldie . Thanks, Vicki

[Liz]

A lot will depend on how it has been used and maintained. Being used and maintained is better than being stored and neglected for a long time.

[BirdbyBird]

If you can't get your own eyes on it but think by looking at pictures and info that it looks promising, you might be able to contact an RV tech in the area who will inspect it for you. Rigs can be abused and neglected in a short time or can be cherished and maintained for many years and be a great deal. You need to keep collecting information....

[Bethers]

Since I'm from states without inspections ... never had one that HAS been inspected or thought to check, when I've been looking. And I'm not sure those inspections would mean much ... That said, I'm not afraid of old. As said already, it all depends on how it was taken care of, mileage, etc. Oh, and the price being asked. All this said, you didn't say what you're looking for, A, C, tt, etc. and the manufacturer. That could make a difference, also. Or not ... again depending on how it was maintained.

[Gentleladybear]

If it has been maintained well and used,it could be a good buy. Check the tires for cracks on the sidewalls, this is very important on motorhomes. If it is made out of fiberglass see if there is a chalky runs from the fiberglass. This means the fiberglass is dried.. You may be able to get a good wax job on it and use it for many years. When you go in the motorhome see if you smell a real musty, mold smell, if so, there may have been a leak. Look at the ceiling, the under sink cabinet and shower/batheroom area. check to see if the floor is soft. Sometimes people have leaks and don't get them repaired and get the water up to keep down the damage. If you want the motorhome, just get the price down as low as you can and enjoy.

Nan

[Bethers]

On another note ... I see this is your first post. Could you please go to the intro room and give us a little information on yourself? It's one of the only requirements of the forum; and we'll sure look forward to it.

[retiredhappy]

If it hasn't been registered since 2006 I would be very worried that it has been just sitting since then. The worst thing for RVs is to just sit and not be used. Stuff freezes up and rust can set in. I bought a 1999 Roadtrek online, with 100,000 miles on it from a dealer in New Mexico. I am only the 2nd owner and the dealer had all the maintenance records. Its not the age or the miles, its the care that was taken of it.

[nella74nasus]

I have a friend that belongs to a group where the RV cannot be any new than 1999 (I think that's the year.) She has a 13 foot 1988 trailer. I agree it depends on how well it is maintained.

[Nasoosie]

Every time I see your stage name, nella74nasus, I am reminded of my brother's and my games of school we played in the old days where he was Nella (Allen) and I was Nasus (Susan) backwards! Makes me laugh to remember those good times!

My mother called me Nasty Nasus for a long time! I now call my brother Nole, as he said Nella sounded to effeminate for him!

[nella74nasus]

Nasoosie, I wondered if your name had to do with that. nella74nasus is my name backwards with our wedding anny in the middle. Surprising, most people notice it.

[ticer]

Update-----It's a 2003 Sunseeker LE, 26 foot, class c has 10,300 miles on it. Bad thing- the guy said it sat for 4 years. wants $14,000.--should I run??

[Liz]

Not necessarily. Find out the exact model # and look up it's value on nadaguides.com. Probably in the $12-$15000 range. Check it out thoroughly and be aware of work that will probably need to be done to it...figure that in any offer you might make. Be especially wary of the big ticket items like generator, refrigerator, AC. If any of those are not in good working order, you might want to walk away. You will probably need new tires all around, probably new batteries too. So it'll come down to what deal you can make and how much you are willing to put into it.

[Acadianmom]

And you could be looking at some brake problems because it has sat so long. Be sure and get them checked out too.

Martha

[Bethers]

What Liz said. If I was looking right now, I'd seriously look at this. You need to do some homework and have someone check things out for you, but it could be an excellent purchase. As with anything used, it could also be a lemon. Well, there are new lemons also. But for the right price, I'd be very interested in this, if it panned out.

[Sandersmr]

I would also get a mechanic to check the drive train - engine, transmission, etc. I'm sure all the fluids need to be flushed and changed.