What's this thing really worth?

I think the OP has left the building...

Piper5314 wrote:
I'm kinda looking for a motorhome, and been looking for good cheap Class C with a lot of RV for the dollar. 2004 Hurricane Class A with V10. RV has 17k miles and looks totally like new inside. Stored outside, so the exterior has some sun UV damage to the decals and paint. Tires are brand new but date coded 10/17. I found two small areas on roof where it has leaked in the past and has some rotted wood about 12"x24", but not currently leaking. Not too worried about the leak. I know this is a very low end coach, and I know the reputation of the Hurricane line. Just want to make an real offer based on value. Thanks in advance for any advice.

You haven't stated the asking price, or what you are willing to pay. What is the vehicle length? Does the vehicle have slides, jacks? What size generator? What other significant options that might interest you. (upgraded trailer hitch, wheels/tires, solar, AC, upgraded interior, satellite dish, etc.) You stated that this is a "low end" model. IMO, this vehicle is right at the age that will be needing MAJOR investments to keep it running reliably. Refrigerator, roof, tires, suspension, paint, fluids, filters, under hood/body soft parts, pumps, valves, wiring, cabinetry, appliances, batteries, plastic body parts, etc. If you are handy, have time/space/tools/aptitude/patience to work on it yourself, it could be a good deal. (I don't mean to be non empathetic to the current owners situation) But, if you are looking for a trouble free economical motor home, this probably isn't it. Without seeing it, I'm thinking well under $10,000.

I'm NOT being snarky here, only trying to be helpful, but, if you want to see what you're potentially in for, go to YouTube and search for "Shot's Life Grady White $10 Boat" (no affiliation)

Chum lee

Couple of things to consider, like others have mentioned, water damage is scary in an RV, and you have to really enjoy projects to get into this.

From a financial stand point, what ever purchase price you end up at, you need to be willing and able to take that amount of money and set it on fire, and it not affect your life. This project may be a fun little adventure, or it may end up a nightmare, and you need to be able to sell it for scrape and not be affected.

Ask yourself how much of a project do you want. If you like a project then this might be what you're looking for and you'll enjoy getting it back to top notch condition. If you don't like a project this might not be the one for you.

I once bought a travel trailer that was a complete mess - it was BAD. I knew it and the dealer knew it. I like a project and paid accordingly.

I put (not kidding) 400 hours in the rebuild - 395 of them were an absolute blast! When I was done I had the best 2002 TT ever made. :B

I used it a few times, rented it a bunch, and when I was done sold it at a fair market value.

Only you can determine if it's worth the risk.

Or if you can get it on the cheap and you’re handy, make it worth your while. Nothing wrong with a fixer upper if you know what you’re getting into.
You mention being conscious about not low balling the old folks, however, from your post, it appears you think they’re asking more than it’s worth for the repairs and parts it needs.
No hand wringing. Offer what you want to. It yes or no from the seller.

Leave that thing alone. Plenty of MHs out there w/o roof leaks and rotten ceilings and dry rotted tires. You will end up spending more money on repairs and down time than it will ever be worth. And, you will have wasted time and effort and be frustrated.

Ditto on the roof comments. So far you've probably found only some of the roof damage...lots can be hiding where you can't see it.

Personally I wouldn't buy anything with water damage. While the roof was repaired, was the ceiling, interior walls, and/or floor? Mold can grow and water is pretty damaging to RV materials. Water leaks often cause damage you can't see. Also, as others have said, low mileage is actually bad. Rv's need to be used. Seals, hoses etc all dry out from lack of use and it's really bad on gen sets to sit. So In my opinion, a 20 year old entry level class A with low mileage and evidence of leaks, isn't worth much and you risk putting more into than it's worth. Money you will never get back out of it. If you are looking for an RV, get a budget, find floorplans you like and go from there.

BTW, this advice is my opinion and worth exactly what you paid for it. :-)

Better to spend more and not get rot - which I would avoid at all cost.

^So based on that and the market and what you’ve looked at, you can decide if it’s the right price to pay.
There’s more than tires, roof leaks and oxidation to the equation. IE you may prioritize a “like new” interior which this rig may have, over something more “well used”. Or it may come with a toad hitch setup that hou may otherwise need to buy, or maybe it has a big slide out which is valuable to you.
A written pros and cons list may help you decide. That’s what I do every time, either mental or written.