Robert,
I bought a 2000 RT200 Popular which was built on a 1999 Chevy chassis.
The RT200 is really a unique vehicle built on a Chevy Express Cutaway chassis. When shopping for a B, we were mainly looking at the 190 model, but when we saw the 200, we fell in love with it. There is lots of room and the storage space is huge.
I haven't had paint issues and haven't heard about them being a problem with the 200. Maybe it spent most of its life down south and the heat and intense sun deteriorated the paint ... just guessing here.
As far as the mechanical side goes, some of the 350cid engines of that period had leaking lower intake manifold gaskets. Mine did and I had to have the manifold replaced. Once it has been replaced by a newer gasket design the problem probably won't come back. The old gaskets contained plastic and the Dexcool coolant contains a plasticizer ... doen't make for a good mix. So check to see if the LIM gasket has been replaced, and if not, make sure there is no coolant in the oil, and expect to change it eventually.
Other than that, the 350cid engine and the 4L80E transmission have a very good reputation.
On the house side, some people have had issues with a leaking rear window. Check to make sure there are no signs of infiltration. Also, watch out for problems with the rear side window operators. Check to see if they open smoothly. The operators cost next to nothing, but the windows have to be removed to replace them.
If the air conditioner in back is original, it might be on its last legs, but that is true for any 15 year RT.
Good luck, and if you buy a 200, I'm sure you'll enjoy it.
