Forum Discussion

girasoledonna's avatar
Apr 17, 2013

1996 Winnebago Rialta

I just got a second chance offer to purchase a 1996 Winnebago rialta with 90,000 miles- kept extremely Well with solar panels also
For 12K. Bad idea for full time
Living in something this old? I like it cause I'd want to do a bunch of modifications
Like a guy named tynan did for full time living. He too
Lives in a 1996 rialta. They've done a ton of routine matenence on it regularly and state it all the eBay description.

This is what it says:

1996 Winnebago Rialta. Is being sold only because of space. The Grandkids want to go with me-me and pawpaw on great trips so we are selling to get much larger rv. This RV is in great condition mechanically. All mechanical work has been done by certified mechanic shop. The items that has been worked on is listed below. Fully self-contained. We had 3 solar panels installed for when we parked off roading for lights with no gas to be used for generator. So easy to park anywhere in normal car spots and freshen up or rest in queen bed made for 2 comfortably that requires no assembly with storage underneath bed sharing space with large inverter for solar panels. This great rv has great 5 cylinder engine ( common Jetta engine) with 6 speed auto transmission for smooth performance and up to 22 mpg for great savings to spend on more trips. The under side of body has been coated with rhino liner to prevent rust. Has central plus the overhead air for shore power. Has generator that runs great when parked. The generator fuel line has to be placed in separate gas can or needs to be placed back on fuel pump. That is the only quirk the camper has. We could not find a rialta fuel pump but replaced fuel pump with a VWJetta new pump. Has cruise control,privacy shades, tow hitch 5 pin 2000 lb. Tow capacity, 3 way fridge, dual burner stove with microwave, great tires. This eurovan has manuals and is service ready for the next mileage trips. NEW:: wire and parts for trailer hitch, new brakes and calipers, ball joints, 2nd water pump for heater control valve, front end alignment, timing belt and tensioned with pulley, timing belt idler, water pump, pulley and fan belt idler and tensioner, radiator rodded cleaned with new fluids, cooling system checked and flushed, generator serviced bowl of carburetor cleaned, oil light sensor replaced, solar film window tinting, full tuneup with plugs filters and wires, belts, radiator cap and clamps, fuel tank removed and cleaned, ball joints, electric window motor, water tanks cleaned and winterized, overhead air serviced. The exterior is original and awning is great shape. It needs a simple light globe, the shower has crack in top right but does not hurt a thing, the roof has been resealed and windows and skylight has been sealed. This has let us take trips we would not have been able to afford otherwise to go on if this camper had not been so affordable to operate and very comfortable. Sleep in your own bed in places that there is no shelter and set under the stars and enjoy quite. Perfect for couple or single person who's job requires lots of travel. Also, has matching seat covers for uniformly looks. The seats are in good shape with a exception one of the seat bottoms is a different pattern but no holes or tears. We dont smoke nor have pets but cant be sure it has never had either but does not have the smell of a vehicle that has not been taken very good care of. Will be happy to answer any questions. This will sell for much less than we have invested So happy bidding and good luck. This auction is final and sold as is with receipts for the service done. We require a $500.00 deposit Through PayPal within 48 hours of auction ending for good faith and a email message as to pickup or plans for arrangement for delivery (buyer responsibility). Cash for final payment. Clear title presented to buyer after final payment received and cleared. Needs to be picked up within the month unless arraignments have been made. Serious bidders only...We reserve the right to pull auction until Sunday April 15th at 5 pm. We have found another unit to purchase. If little interested serious buyers we will pull and trade. Boy will they get a deal.

Thoughts?? A good deal for first rv purchase?

15 Replies

  • Thanks for this feedback guys I really appreciate it :) I'm also as I stated yesterday looking at a 2000 Dodge Xplorer with 65K on it - he's asking $15,000 for that one and am also not sure if thats a good deal. I did more research on that vehicle though and seems the going rate is around 18K for it. But its still a 13 year old vehicle so i dunno
  • I've made my dislike for the Rialata no secret. $12K for a 90,0000 mile that's 17 years old is not a good deal. But, that's my opinion and doesn't have much meaning. To check the price, just ask your bank how much they would loan on such a vehicle.
  • I would never buy on ebay unless it was in my city so I could have it looked over by my mechanic or a diagnostic place. Same as buying a house, I would make sure I had an expert look over everything. I am a newbie to RVing but so far I do know that generators dont last forever and are expensive to fix or replace. They run on gas and gas "gunks up" the carburetor over time.

    This is built on a VW chassis, not sure how great they are the second 100,000 miles. I bought a 1992 GMC van at 96K miles which looked and ran in fabulous condition. I am told they are very good the second 100K. The elderly couple sold it owned a gas station and kept the van stored inside in winter. I dont know if he was a mechanic or not. Paid 5K for it and have put at least 3K into repairs. I expected to have to replace original equipment on this 20 year old vehicle because over 20 years things just wear out, rubber "rots", belts crack, etc. Because like you I am mostly traveling alone I have my (very honest) mechanic go over the van with my detailed check list and replace anything seems dicey before I head out. I do belong to triple A so I can call if I break down somewhere for towing, tire repair and advice on a mechanic if needed.
  • I know i saw this thats why I was looking at a winnebago - I just have no idea if 90K is too many miles?