what's covered used?

[CricketSail]

I definitely expect I will be buying used (class C). As I get closer, I'm wondering what's covered if there is a major problem that shows up after purchase - weld, leaks, engine problems. I'm familiar with boats where you get a surveyor before purchase (or you should). I'm doing my part by learning everything I can so I know questions to ask, things to look for. But if something does go wrong, how covered am I, or how can I arrange for that? I just talked to a couple that had to replace an engine block right after purchase - that would blow my mind and my budget.

[retiredhappy]

Generally a used unit is bought "as is" so its imperative that you either get a bumper to bumper warranty from the dealer for 30-60-90 days IN WRITING or have an independent RV repair person inspect it. You can buy a warranty program but you must read the fine print. Often these warranties aren't any good after the RV is a certain age or has a certain mileage. Most of us that have had those warranties dropped them because what you pay will mostly cover stuff that needs replacing; ie frig, AC, etc. Ask to see the previous owner's maintenance records. When I bought my 1999 rig with 100,000 miles I was the second owner and was given all the maintenance records on the rig. I did have to replace the frig (it was original from 1999) and I chose to replace the AC to get more BTU's. A used rig well cared for has the bugs already worked out. A well maintained engine in any of the manufacturers is meant to go to 200,000 miles or more. Even if you have one inspected there could still be something that is not visible but that's also true of new rigs. You could also buy one that still has a year or two left on their warranty. My first Class C had one year left on the warranty. Just be sure its transferable to a new owner. Good luck - looking is half the fun.

[CricketSail]

Thanks for the comments. I'm not going to be upset about the refrigerator or something that I know by looking at it and can replace, just like in a home or boat. But if it leaks, or has an engine problem, I will be Very upset (as one would be in a boat!) Good point about getting a warranty from the dealer if not the manufacturer. I would look at maintenance for sure, but I want this to go the distance without a major engine or structural problem. I understand a diesel should get up to 600,000 miles if very well maintained, yes? I also agree a used can have the advantage of having the kinks worked out. But if there is something amiss under the hood and I don't know about it...well, I just don't want that to happen.

[Bethers]

You can't be guaranteed any of the things you're asking. You can buy from a dealer and ask for a short term warranty - but realize - it WILL be short term and the types of things you're talking about may not be wrong, but can happen the next day (or the day the warranty runs out). That part is no different than purchasing a car. But I purchased my rv so much less (and even less than if I'd bought it through a dealer) that no warranty was acceptable to me ...

Now when I sell mine, I'll have to tell anyone (or a dealer if I trade) that it's had leaks. But I'll also say that at this moment, all leaks have been fixed. I can't promise that tomorrow a new one won't spring up somewhere. That's a fa ct of life. So far, most of the fixing of mine has been fairly easy. That said, I've replaced my fridge, and while you say that's ok, they are NOT inexpensive. And by choice, I replaced my microwave with a convection/micro combo. My generator was a big problem and I spent way too much over the years on it. I've learned since. If I buy used again and have any genie problems ... one fix, then I'll probably just replace the dang thing if it has more problems.

When they say things are sold as/is ... just make sure you ask the right questions and inspect everything you can. And then, you have to decide if the price is one that is acceptable to you for the age, etc.

As to major engine problems, I got lucky. I sold a vehicle with NO problems. I lived in a small town. The dealer had it in and called me to say I got very lucky - as only a couple months later it had some major engine problems. No guarantee on that ... but I had no way of knowing it would happen. And I would have been just as upset if I still had the vehicle and it happened to me as the new owners were. Unfortunately, chit happens.