Soon to be owner..maybe!

YO! Jan! What happened with your RV Inspection over the weekend?

You can use the EDIT function to correct that word to "Silicone" which by the way is a product we don't recommend for repairs. It doesn't stay put but leaves a residue that nearly nothing will completely remove and nearly nothing will stick to, including silicone.

J-d....you would not believe the condition of that RV!! Besides all the silicone glopped on the window frames,they then had awning clear tape over that and it was peeling off in strands! Inside,the ceiling stains were not the problem...it had also leaked into all the side cupboards. The rv had a crack in the rear panel which looked like spackeling had been used to fill it..by the way--this unit was at a dealership!
Anyway,with my physical limitations,and the desire to just go local occasionally,I am going back to my original hunt for either a Toyota mini or a class b...must be under $10K....it's hell to get old in body but not in your mind!Guess it's better than the reverse!

Keep your eyes open and read all your craigslist ads in the area every day morning and night. You will find your RV. I think the Falcons or Coachmans are mostly under 10,000 these days. Mid 90's vans with couch, small bath in the rear, and small kitchen area. No overhead which I would miss. Although there is one for sale in Phoenix right now that advertises an overhead sleeping compartment.
The Toyota's are attractive but some are so old, mid 80's and you are looking at lots of work that you don't sound like you want to do.
I have liked the look of the fiberglass shell Starflyte RV's--Ron.Dittmer has a great post about what to look for in a Class C and his brother has one of these. I have seen them for sale occasionally in Phoenix. In fact there is a 2000 now, but the $8000 price seems a bit undervalued--and the other is a 1999 at a dealer for almost $20,000!
Seems with your situation you might also consider a small Class A. If you would not mind driving the different form factor. It could be more comfortable for you and your DH as they have a bit more space. Sometimes the Class A's are less expensive for the same model engine etc.
This may be a little late in your area to buy but off season purchases are often a better bargain. Searching for your next RV is a good challenge and quite a bit of fun to see what is out there and what will get you out and about enjoying yourself! Good Luck!

I am so happy you found the issues and ran away from that RV!!!!

RV dealers are crooks... I will never trust them! Your salesman was hoping you wouldn't notice the issues and stick you with a pig! There is no way he could not have seen issues that severe!

I encourage you to look at private party sales. You get more RV for your money! When I was looking dealers wanted 50% to 100% more money than identical private party RVs. If you go with a private party RV run away if you don't get a good feeling from the seller. Even before checking the RV out. If you don't trust the seller listen to you gut and don't buy from them. You might or might not find a crook when buying from a private party. You will definitely be dealing with a crook if you buy from a dealer.

Search craigslist frequently. If an RV has been up there forever there is probably a reason it has been. Look for new listings and put a priority on checking those out.

Great suggestions from all of you! I have bought and sold 19 units in 28 yrs of rving..I believe only five were from dealers..I prefer private owners as well..I always am upfront with selling--wish I could buy from myself..lol!

Okay everyone--ready for more input! My neighbor is selling his 1990 24' Tioga Montara..has 92,000 miles. He put an entire new rubber roof last year including new plywood, tires 3 yrs., new awning last year and newer fridge. He is retiring and buying a larger unit.Likes to fix people's campers! I have only seen the interior thru the very dark windows but it all looks really great! Just had it inspected and has winterized it..Will be looking at it later today but so far I really like what I see! I wouldn't have answered an ad for a '90 but just happened upon this one. The one fly in the ointment as far as price goes,is he had AC compressor in the cab leaking so he removed it..now that is NOT a big issue for me but could affect resale.I will only be going 20 mi.to state parks and if I really needed it,the genny can power the house AC. His price is $7000 o.b.o. Nada is $4800. Remember: my DH has dementia and has no opinions to offer..I need to have something so we can get away a bit..73 yrs old and love rving! Janalee

Many of the older RVs will have non-functioning cab ACs - they can be very expensive to repair. You learn to work around it. With mine, I use a 12v fan in the back to help with air flow while on the road. I have a fridge with nice cold drinks as needed. And I use old fashioned AC - open the cab windows.

Don't worry about resale. You're buying an RV so you and your husband can enjoy your time together - not so you can make money.

Even though it's winterized, make sure you test the water, etc. It's too easy for someone to say everything works when they don't have to prove it.

You mention he's a neighbor and that he likes fixing RVs. Would he be willing to help/advise you with repairs, etc. on the RV if needed? If so, I might be inclined to offer closer to his asking price for the goodwill.

With an older RV, I do recommend getting the fuel lines and propane lines checked. A leak in either could be disastrous or worse and it's an easy thing to check.

Toedtoes..thanks again for reassuring me--I am hoping this might just be "the one" ...Will update hopefully this evening..! It won't get any real use this year but I could have some nights "away" right here in my driveway!

Driveway campouts are great. My dogs love the "different" view of the neighborhood they get by sitting in the cab seats looking out. :)

Another benefit you might find with the RV is for day trips. You can take rests during the day, have lunch on hand, etc. With your husband's condition, it might be of help if he gets nervous - he can take a nap, watch a movie, etc. And you don't necessarily have to pack up and go home. I went out on a day trip this weekend and took my regular vehicle. Throughout the day, I kept thinking "if I had the clipper, I could have done this instead".

Well everyone..I am still searching for MY rv. I am really having trouble deciding which floorplan and size to go with.There's not much out there right now though to choose from...lots of scammers taking up your time and print space! Plus I have to stay within my budget of 10k.! Janalee