Used DP Pre-purchase Inspection
We are looking at getting a used DP in the next year, likely between 2001 and 2008, 36' to 40'. Budget is $45k to $70k. We also have a list of preferences including: side radiator, Cummuns ISC or IS...
Forum Discussion
Inspections are helpful, but certainly cannot be expected to catch everything. Buying an extended warranty on a 2001 RV may not be possible or cost effective because of the age and what would be excluded because of the age.
From personal experience I know one person who did a very thorough inspection of a diesel coach that the owner maintained. The coach looked great and for any inspector, it would have passed with flying colors.
The only problem was that during one of his "services" the owner failed to tighten ONE bolt. Several hundred miles later that bolt had worked loose and the engine seized from lack of oil. It seems that at highway speeds, the engine can be damaged before the low oil light comes on.
In any case, this is something that NO inspector would have ever caught. No inspector goes around checking the tightness of bolts and plugs, etc. This may have lasted 10 miles or 1000 miles, there is no way to tell.
I agree with the OP about putting $10,000 aside for unexpected repairs. They can happen and in most cases, an inspection would not have helped. Anyone that has had an inspection done knows that NONE of them offer a guaranty. They are NOT responsible for anything that they miss.
There will always be a risk and just be prepared to deal with it.
From personal experience I know one person who did a very thorough inspection of a diesel coach that the owner maintained. The coach looked great and for any inspector, it would have passed with flying colors.
The only problem was that during one of his "services" the owner failed to tighten ONE bolt. Several hundred miles later that bolt had worked loose and the engine seized from lack of oil. It seems that at highway speeds, the engine can be damaged before the low oil light comes on.
In any case, this is something that NO inspector would have ever caught. No inspector goes around checking the tightness of bolts and plugs, etc. This may have lasted 10 miles or 1000 miles, there is no way to tell.
I agree with the OP about putting $10,000 aside for unexpected repairs. They can happen and in most cases, an inspection would not have helped. Anyone that has had an inspection done knows that NONE of them offer a guaranty. They are NOT responsible for anything that they miss.
There will always be a risk and just be prepared to deal with it.
