From personal experience, don't spend so much money on an old rig that you feel forced to keep it instead of upgrading. Old rigs don't sell for much over $4000 despite a lot of expensive repairs and replacements. Make sure that your wife is enthusiastic about refurbishing and using the old rig, including all costs and time involved before it will be safe and enjoyable, as well as her interest in camping/touring in general.
Another point, if this is a short rig ,22-24 feet, it's floor plan and sleeping accommodations, storage and cabinet space may not be to your liking/needs. Sleeping in the overhead or on convertible dinette cushions or sofa is not comfortable/desirable for most RV'ers especially with arthritis problems. Climbing over your sleeping partner in the dark to go to the restroom, getting back to bed and getting back to sleep is a problem for many. Don't feel family obligated to keep the old rig if you would not have chosen the length and floor plan.
