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Are Older Low Mileage RVs A Good Buy?

by FRANK M DEPAUL
(LISLE ILL)

Tips on Buying Older RVs

Tips on Buying Older RVs

I have seen c class RVs from 1998 to 2005 with low mileage, some as low as 20,000 miles. Could these be good buys or should I stay away from these oldies just because of age?

ANSWER Hi Frank, the answer to your question is not as simple as a Yes or No. Older Used RVs can be an excellent buy, or they can turn into your worst nightmare after you purchase them.

There are a lot of factors to consider when buying an older RVs. One of the main ones is how well was the RV maintained by its current owner. Just because an RV only has 20,000 miles on it does not mean that it has not had extraordinary wear and tear.

The first thing to remember about buying a used RV, especially from a private seller, is that you are buying it AS-IS. Once you own that RV, the seller is not legally obligated to fix anything. If you drive that RV for 5 minutes and the engine seizes up, you will be responsible for all the costs of the repairs.

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The phrase to remember when buying a Used RV is "BUYER BEWARE". Here is a different phrase I would like to throw in "BUYER BE PREPARED". You can alleviate much of the risk of buying a used RV by performing a pre-purchase inspection.

You can hire companies that will come out and do a thorough inspection of the RV for you. Once they complete this inspection, you will be provided with a report that will tell
you what problems there are with the RV.

Remember, you are the one that will be paying for this inspection. The money you spend on this inspection will be well worth it and could save you a lot more money in the future if the inspector finds a major problem with the RV you are considering buying.

If you feel comfortable performing the inspection or have a very knowledgeable friend about RVs, you can save money by performing the inspection yourself.

The bottom line is that you should not buy a used RV from a private seller until a used RV Inspection is performed.

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We feel so strongly about these inspections that we have dedicated a whole section of our website to Used RV Inspections. I would suggest that you click on the links below and review the information we have provided.

Used RV Inspection, Is It Important?

Section 1 is for motorized and non-motorized RVs. It covers the guidelines for reviewing important documents about the RV, the inspection of the interior and exterior of the RV.

Section 2 is for motorized RVs and covers the guidelines for inspection of the engine and the guidelines on what to look for during a road test of the RV.

Hopefully, this will help you better determine if the Used RV you are looking at is a "Great Deal" or "Bad Deal."

If any of our visitors would like to put in their 2 cents, they can click on the add comments link at the end of this page.

I wish you the best of luck on your RV search and Happy RVing.

Comments for Are Older Low Mileage RVs A Good Buy?

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		great article
by: Jeff Andersom

I was fortunate enough to buy an RV park 7 years ago and I've learned a lot about RV 's In that time and still have a lot to learn. there is a whole huge RV community that will buy nothing but RV that are manufactured
from 96 to 2006 just because they feel like they were built better and after the.com bubble crash the quality of our V construction really went down. But I agree it is still imperative to have any used Rv be checked out by someone who knows R v's
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Gray Goose Orphan ongoing saga
by: Gritty Gray Goose

My orphan RV saga continues. The pre-purchase inspection indicated the generator didn't. When I took the MH to get an estimate of repair/replace I was told it did work. Second RV service center assessed the generator working as a yes - it did turn o and run, and no- it didn't provide power to the RV [I must have sucker on my face]. After that painful experience the back lights [brake, turn signal, etc] wouldn't turn off. I finally removed the plastic covers and pulled the lights out. My theory is someone jacked with the electrical system. So - now I'm stuck with a rig without lights. My third attempt to find a credible, honest RV repair technician is a travel company.
All that said, I would buy a used RV applying the lessons I've learned and after finding someone who knows what they are doing and is honest. [maybe that is the impossible dream]
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		50 yrs experience
by: Paul Kovatch

I have owned over 12 used RVs over the years and been very satisfied over the purchases.

From travel trailers to class A all come with special features and disadvantages.

For example a trailer is the cheapest but isolated from the wheel for emergencies.

I've never owned a toy hauler and i think that will be next for swap meets but i need to find a suitable pickup.

Great family opportunities
Happy rving!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Older RV journey
by: Gritty Gray Goose

Pre purchase inspection by certified RV technician doesn’t eliminate surprises. I bought a 1995 Europa-Chevy chassis with 49,000 miles. The seller agreed to pay for a number of items. The rig is no longer made. Waited a month for repairs due to having parts made. I finally thought I was good to go! I do not have repair skills and feel disadvantaged compared to the other commentators.

The manuals weren’t much help.What I saw didn’t match what I read. I don’t know what I don’t know so am depending on what I research from numerous sties and the RV service center.

After two months I was ready to experience RV camping.
New oil, batteries, heater, converter, tires, AC etc.

With less than 100 miles the oil dip stick indicates add oil - oil only covers the tip. The oil pressure gauge looks fine. I can’t find any obvious leaks so it’s back to the shop.

Incidentally, my miniature schnauzers went through the screen within the first ten minutes.

I thought I did it right to buy. RVing has been a longtime dream. I may not be able to do the work but thanks to websites such as this one I am better equipped to ask appropriate questions.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		I have a 1981 dodge rv
by: Sharlene\carl

Help wth everything fromhow to start genarator to the breaker box under sink how to make light tv refrigerator stay working wth out engine on
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		bloody good article
by: doug

when you buy any used RV, take it to your mechanic or a RV dealer and PAY THE MONEY to have it inspected....you expect older homes or older cars
to have issues; used RV's are the same....and some, if you can buy them right, are really worth spending money on to make them 100%
Rating
starstarstarstar 		My Ruff RV
by: Dogmom

I purchased at 30 foot 2003 Four Winds 5000 in 2016 to transport myself and dogs back and forth from Florida to Maine. While I know virtually nothing about RV's I tried to educate myself and looked at many before pulling the trigger on this one. I had Sellers look me in the eye and say the roof is great, then be surprised when I crawled up on it and saw it was a hot mess, or crawled underneath and saw disconnected pipes, rotten exhaust..etc. If it smells moldy, run! If it's delaminated, run!

I paid 15k with 32,000 miles on it and what looked like new tires. Well, one blew out on the maiden voyage home-I thought "oh no, what have I done?". However, after immediately replacing 6 dry rotted tires ( that looked like new) I have had zero troubles!

My RV runs like a top, all of the systems work great, I couldn't be happier with it. I put eternabond tape (as a precaution) on all my roof seams/around skylights, I cover my tires in Florida to help keep the sun off of them, and always check inside every cupboard and closet after rain to be sure nothing is leaking.

I bought mine off of elderly folks that had barely used it, and I feel like I got a great deal on an RV that retailed for 60k back in the early 2000s. I don't object to spending money to keep it up, and would never have purchased something close to what the newer ones cost.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Dammed if u do ,Dammed Dammed if you don't
by: Anonymous

I have fallen into this trap already!! As much as we like to think that RV'ERS ARE ALWAYS THE NICE FOLKS YOU MEET AT THE CAMPGROUNDS but it ain't so !! When these folks put an RV up for sale they turn into lying SOB'S We found this motor home on Craigslist went and checked it out. Nice enough talking guy the motor home was a 2001 Tradition with 42.000 miles clean as a pin. Good strong engine tranny shifts well. Did have signs of a leak around the Kingdom off air ant but the owner said that this was from a PO and they had recalked the motor home and had no leaks now. It does and I doubt that it has been calked in the last ten years

Asked the guy point blank if there was anything that needed to be repaired. He said the only thing he could think of was a string in one of the shades. Biggest lie yet Have found at least 25 other things. Would never advise anyone to buy from a private party, Nor a dealer. Just select your own poison own pison
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starstarstarstarstar 		1991
by: Anonymous

bought a 29 foot 1991 suncrest sunliner (orphan RV)bought it private party with 40,000 miles. Seller was wonderful and let me call him 30 times after purchase with questions. We became friends. I only had to replace the 02 sensor. Love my rv. i chose an older one because they are built better and less bells and whistles means less that can go wrong. Very happy with my purchase.
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starstarstarstarstar 		18 Vintage Coaches and counting...
by: Anonymous

I have been blessed to now be on coach number 18, and very enthusiastically too. I am currently in my 2nd 33ft 1984 Foretravel Class A motorhome (the first Foretravel I had was a 1978 Dodge 440 mint) with every bell and whistle available including fireplace, built in blender, vacuum, Ice maker, two furnaces, two ACs, enormous kitchen, recliner (built with the coach) in the large front living room, leveling jacks, awnings on all windows and 20ft patio awning, new wood floor in the kitchen (carpet throughout the rest of the coach since I do use it year a round), tag axle, excellent glass and screens, back up camera, 2 TVs, 1997 (the coach is a 1984) out of the crate brand new Chevy 454 Big Block Engine that purrs like a kitten with under 20,000 miles, newer tires, new chrome rims...I could go on and on...my point, I consider myself to be well versed in vintage/older RVs. I have looked, and looked at newer and even brand new coaches. None compare to the emotion, feeling, history, life, construction, attention to detail, character and overall experience as does a classic, well cared for vintage ride. While yes, they do require work, they ALL do. I just don't want to pay a mortgage on a vehicle that looses value every year. My current coach, and all coaches prior never exceeded $10,000. The one I'm in now, with all the bells and whistles, $4550! No joke! You just really have to do your research and pay attention. Full walk around without being hurried. Look at absolutely everything! Twice.
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starstarstarstarstar 		New or Used
by: Kevin

I just bought a 1990 Fleetwood Southwind rv 34 ft has 29758 miles on it as Chevy 454 a drivers door and every extra option it could come with. I am the second owner. All books. Manuals, bill of sales maint records since bought. I paid $1500 from a dealer everything looks new and runs great. Purchased Jan 11,2018. But buying new or used , it still can break down. It just comes down to ,how much work do you want to do.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yes and/or no
by: Anonymous

Last year I bought a 1976 Barth class c with Chevy chassis. Paid a grand and I think I made out like a bandit. It had been well cared for with paperwork, receipts and maintenance logs all placed in a neat binder. The engine was in super shape and tires good. The only work that I did was fix the speedometer and change the oil in the engine and tranny.
Recently my friend bought a 1978 dodge commander class a. He only paid $500 for it and was really proud. It took him several days to get it home however since it wouldn’t start. He finally gets it home and it did run ok. BUT. The roof was never protected and water damage is throughout. The tires are old and weather rotted. Gas caps were missing and tank exposed to who knows what. A walk around the outside revealed an area where exterior wall was rusted out. On the other side of that wall wa the shower so who knows what nightmare awaits there. The moral of this story is can indeed be a wise decision sometimes, and sometimes not a good idea at all.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Used RV purchaser
by: Anonymous

This is a follow up of my previous comment. I have had my motor home for almost two years. It is a 27ft 2007 BT Cruiser and I have put just over 5,000 miles on it and it had 22,000 on it when I purchased it.

After a few trips I wanted to replace the sofa and chair and the carpet with a new floor. I order the new furniture off the internet and it is covered with leather and very comfortable and it was shipped to my home and I installed it myself. The floor was installed for me by a professional and it is a board vinyl that is easy to clean. I installed a new TV antenna and did a few other things, not because I was having a problem, but because I wanted to upgrade the RV.

Buying a used motor home turned out to be great for me. Hubie
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starstarstarstarstar 		Work in progress
by: The beast

If you think of all the issues that come with a house and then all the issues that happen with a car, put them together and you have an rv. But thank goodness we now have google, you tube and sites like this. An RV is a continuously never ending project...especially if you buy an older one and plan on remodeling. I bought a 1993 C class that had been sitting (like most are) for $2500. So far I have replaced all tires, new electrical system, new fridge, new alternator, rebuilt the cab over loft due to leaking, rebuilt bedroom ceiling due to leaking, patched roof, repaired generator, completely remodeled interior, added sound system, three new batteries, and a host of small repairs. I have had it for two years and have never taken a trip cause we don't know what may happen next. It should be finished and road ready by year three.But it will be designed the way we want it. So there ya go. Research, research, research is all I can say. The Internet will be your best friend.
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starstarstarstarstar 		I have been lucky
by: john and tammy NC

Bought a 1964 Snyder HiLo,out of someones back yard. It looked horrible ! Been sitting for about 15 years. After new ceiling, new side wall, tires, wheel bearings and a little electrical work, we were on the road, and have been for 7 years now. Only paid $350.00 for it and we love it
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starstarstarstarstar 		Older rv
by: Charlie bolt

I bought an 1984 Fleetwood Pace 30' motor home for $1500 it was running and driving. I drove it home which was 1.5 hrs and it did great. I have been redoing it for a year now. I replaced everything motor wise and fuel. All new battery's and tires , new trans carb the whole 9 yards. I'm close to being done with the insides. I'm about $7200 in to it now and I have built the insides the way I like them. So if you have some skill then yes buy an older one
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starstarstarstarstar 		USED RV"S
by: RV4ME

If looking at an older rv watch out for BIG DOLLAR ISSUES ,If its ever had a roof vent or window leak RUN,mold starts and you can't stop it.

Make sure the fridge works on ALL settings this can be a $1200 oversite

Check date code on tires if they're over 4 years old they need replacing even though they look good.$1200.again

The RV may have been stored for a long period of time TERMITES get in the roof vent for the fridge and worked their way through the roof and walls.This is a game changer $800 to tent the RV
and a new RV needed to fix this one (LOST THE RV WITH THIS ONE).

BEWARE and look close before you buy a money pit.

GOOD LUCK and keep on RVing.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Hopefully I Can find a good Motorhome
by: Anonymous

My wife and I are wanting to find an RV but we don't have a large bank roll so we've been looking in the 15000 to 25000 price range. Let me tell you, I'm a decent mechanic when I need to be but the thought of buying some else's junk really scares me! With so many different systems on an RV it's easy to miss something that could potentially cost thousands of dollars. So here is my plan and maybe this will help someone else, I will do an inspection myself using the information on this website as well as some others. (Print out an inspection form and take it with you, you cannot remember everything!) Even if you have a towable you can have the same problems as with an RV. Brakes, water leaks, electrical problems, tires, appliance issues, the list goes on and on. The biggest difference to me with an RV is that they sit for long periods of time without being moved and when you start driving it after it has been sitting, all of the dry rotted rubber parts will start falling apart. I've heard of RVs needing complete suspension rebuilds after just a few short trips. That's why I'm not necessarily looking for an RV with the lowest miles. I want one that has been driven some but not worn out. Maybe somewhere around 60 to 70000 mile range for a late 90s model, and yes the cleaner the better, inside and out. To often people let RVs sit for years at a time and when this happens humidity gets trapped inside and causes wallpaper to peal, mold and mildew and rot in places you can't see. If it smells bad when you walk in an RV, RUN!, and don't look back...
That's my 2 cents worth so I hope it helps. Good luck and just be cautious, use your head and nose and you might just find the dream RV you've been looking for, I hope we do!
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starstarstarstarstar 		Purchase of a 2002 Phoenix Cruiser
by: Pete

We purchased a 14 year old Phoenix Cruiser with 38K miles on the odometer; a purchase which came within our budget.

Fortunate in that the seller (the second owner) had kept the RV in very good condition. We are now closing in on four thousand miles of use, and have experienced no significant problems. Some minor repairs which are easily handled with a basic tool kit.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Used RV
by: Dave

Bought a 1997 Damon ultrasport 35ft 3 years age and absolutely love it. It had 28,000 miles and was is great condition. Bought it and drove 1300 miles home with no problems. Over the past 3 years gremlins have popped up and as I am good around automobiles and home construction nothing is too major. I usually improve the design and upgrade.

Wiring is horrible in RVs so I reconfigure more sensible wiring paths when possible. I paid 15k for mine and use it every 1-2 months with family. Advise to anyone looking for a used one is know what you are in for. Updating items such as tvs, faucets, lights, is going to be expected and with general repair knowledge around the house and doing things yourself is cheaper and fun. Good luck.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Yes and No
by: Anonymous

I recently bought a 2010 (title), 2009 paint, and 2008 chassis date - short Class A. I got it about $20,000 below retail and expected to have to put cash in it. $1700 tires, originals were date code 1408; $1300 for alternator, chassis batteries, all fluids, filters, brakes and bearings checked out ok. Getting ready to replace roof air, and have replaced or repaired a dozen or so little items including coach battery - another $2000 total. I hope I can keep it a year and get my money back out or break even. It has been good handyman therapy, re-education on RV systems, and fun on the weekends.

I knew it might be a bigger money pit. My wife is a Hilton girl and didn't know how that would work. I expect to upgrade in a year and look forward to shopping for another "project" coach.
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starstarstarstarstar 		I bought used
by: Anonymous

Well, I'm back from my trip and I had a great time in my used motor home. I read where the gas mileage for the V-10 was awful, but I have no complaint. I got between 10 and 11 miles per gallon and that is about the same as I got with my truck towing a trailer for the past few years. Before my trip I replaced the air filter, had a lube job and checked the tire pressure and checked all the fluids. One of the slide rooms gave me a problem until I read the Manuel and bought some silicone spray.

I would think a used motor home is a good buy if you do your home work.

Keep on camping.

Hubie
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starstarstarstarstar 		Got Stung
by: Anonymous

1 1/2 yr. ago I bought an old 20 ft. Lindy on a ford chassis with a 460 FI and only 42,000 mi. It now has 42,025 mi. I am disabled and no longer able to do a vehicle inspection properly. The cost of an inspection was out of reach because of limited funds (you don't get rich on disability).

The "new" tires later found to be 10 years old, no coach battery so no testing the genny, (worked but no fuel line), a/c (didn't work) or fridge (didn't work).

Later found damaged wiring due to a probable blow out. Seller & his mother "swore" everything worked and since it was getting late (could only be viewed late evening) I rushed. The test drive was fine, it handled great although it did seem a little under powered for a 460. Wife said buy it so I did (she's the "boss" and in charge of the money).

On the way home the engine started blowing smoke and losing power. Barely made it home and when I went to park it, it died and never ran again. Had 8K in savings, paid $3800, towing to shop $120, replacement engine $3600. Tags, title, registration & insurance $200.Guy I ran across was putting bigger tires on his class c so sold me 4 really good tires for $100. Another guy I ran across from a parts store sold me his 2 RV batteries for #120.I'm now dead in the water.

Moral of the story... Buyer Beware!
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starstarstarstarstar 		I bought used.
by: Anonymous

You guys are scaring me to death. I just bought an
eight year old class B+ and it looks wonderful.
New it would cost 89,000.00. Only has 22,000.00 miles and clean inside and out. I drove it about one hundred miles and everything worked and drove like new. I got it from CampingWorld
icon.

They were great to let me try it out and take it to
a friend to look at. I hope I can come back and tell you how wonderful my first camping trip is.

Wish me luck.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Good way to see if you like it
by: Alan

Better to pay a few grand to get into it find out whether your rig will get used. To many drop bick bucks and the unit sits parked.
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starstarstarstarstar 		what's wrong now?
by: Anonymous

I bought a 1991 fleet wood bounder r v ,a 40 footer last November 2014. I bought a new alternator,2 new heads,2new exhaust manifold ,a starter, regular,2 sylnoid switches,3 batteries, generator, all electrical work done. Now I have an electrical problem from the alternator to the switch. something is taking my starting battery down. I have never taken it on a trip. I am a retired person and been waiting for this moment. I can't move. What is my problem?
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starstarstarstarstar 		Old Rv
by: Alan

We bought a 2000 Jamboree for $15,000.00
48000 miles.
So if you have some mechanical skills, electrical skills then one of these is a great deal.
Ours had some problems that we fixed ourselves, such as generator float was broken and got another on eBay for $4.00 its fixed. Water heater had debris to clean out. Had surflo pump leak replace hose clamp, front tires had high spot from sitting got new ones. Egr valve was dirty cleaned it.
Battery was bad replaced had to clean cables and battery box. So if you can do the things above YOURSELF. I would recommend older RV.
If you are unsure of how to fix it watch the You Tube videos many describe the repair in detail.
Our runs great now and with low gas prices we go on long trips.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Your joy can be a nightmare
by: Dorothy

Bought a 1994 Gulf Stream Conquest, Class C. I had to drive from San Antonio Tx to Iowa to return home. These things happened.

1) Couldn't put fuel in the tank b/c dry rot prevented the gas from flowing from the gas nozzle opening down the tube to the tank. Hence gas all over the driveway at the gas station. They weren't very appreciative.

2) Several hundred miles down the road the seals blew in the transmission. Apparently they were dry rotted or simply dried out from not being driven. That was a major repair not to mention the tow bill.

3) Several more miles down the road the alternator completely died, another mechanic bill that had to be taken care of in a shop attached to another tow bill.

Since this was not set up to live in yet as it was just purchased, it also cost me considerable for motel bills for both of these breakdowns. I thought I was getting a great deal, it was set up like I wanted, it looked good, well mostly, but what you can't see, BUYER BEWARE is right. Unfortunately, I'm not sure if these are the things that an RV inspection would have even caught.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Older high-end motorhomes
by: Claude J

In 2003 I bought a 1998 38ft Holiday Rambler Imperial with a cummins diesel and allison Trans. I believe that if the mechanicals are sound and if you do preventive maintenance, buy quality fuel, change your filters regularly and carry spares, you will reduce the nasty surprise factors.

Regardless what you buy plastic parts i.e. cabinet door locks, mouldings, etc tend to dry-up and break after 5-6 years. Get rid of carpets replace them with wood floors, purchase a good awning with Sunbrella and wash and wax it regularly.

My 6 batteries are almost 10 years old and still going strong, protect your electrical system with a good surge protector. I had a surge that cost me a new inverter, microwave, stereo receiver.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Is it worth maintaining?
by: Anonymous

I bought a 17 year old class c Rv well knowing it's age. It sat idle for long periods of time in Arizona. I was able to buy it well under retail price. I was only going to use it, with little driving, in Arizona. When I decided to bring it home to Michigan I wasn't, surprised when I started to identify issues ( leaky transmission seals, dry rotted tires, bad brakes, etc. ). My wife and I discussed it and decided that since I really enjoy using it, even though she does not share my enthusiasm, and. I had less than its book value in it, it was worth spiffing it up and making it road worthy. I spent the time and money needed to bring it up to standards, and now I am not afraid to drive it anywhere. In December it is back to Arizona for two months including destinations along the way like Baton Rouge, LA, Houston,Tx, Austen, Tx, plus roadtrips around Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, etc. So I don't regret the money or time spent.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Buyer Beware is a true statement.
by: Anonymous

Most of us look for the best deal. Lower mileage on a older RV means it probably wasn't moved much. Remember bodies at rest tend to stay at rest. On the other hand, Higher mileage might mean its used up. Buying a used Rv should be based on life style and not so much cost. If dependability is the desire, lots of investigation and the adage "Don't buy some else's misery" works well. Bottom line is, 'Know what you want, walk away from too good a deals and keep looking until you find what you want'.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Comments Received On Facebook
by: RVing Al

Here are the comments we received on this topic on The Everything-About-RVing.com Facebook Fan Page.

Dick Reed: We found a used class c a couple of years ago with low mileage, and we absolutely love it. Had to do a little work on it, but it had been stored inside mostly all of it's life and still is. Here's the rub. We looked at over 200 of them to find it. Most people will spend $65,000 to $150,000 for a new rv and then let them sit outside and ruin. It takes at least 3 to 4 hours to do a decent inspection. There are good ones out there, but it may take some time to find them.

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