Hello all, I've always wanted to buy a small RV and travel the east coast with my two girls (6 and 10) while they are still young. I've recently been looking in TX at some new models that were a steal compared to the prices here in CT. I've always been nervous about buying vehicles of any kind used with fear of breaking down. It's just me and my two kids, my husband passed a few years ago. I came across a 2003 (dont know the exact model yet, going to look at it today) with 50,000 miles on it being sold by someone I know for 12k. It's a little outdated but looks in great shape! They are claiming its mint. For the price, I'm thinking I can get a couple years out of it, get the RV experience in and then if we really like it buy a new one and continue. I dont know much about RV's. I dont know how much they break down or at what point they become unsafe to be driving across country. I realize that I'll have to get it inspected and I realize that it may need a couple things and I'm sure RV repair isn't cheap, that's fine. I'm basically asking for any pointers or insight that you all want to throw my way. Does this seem like a good deal? Thanks in advance!https://www.dropbox.com/s/iin8nqnnau1rf9k/16581.jpeg?dl=0https://www.dropbox.com/s/vuy5uut2k3zyqyv/16571.jpeg?dl=0

Welcome to the forum. If you don't know anything about RV's, now is a good time to learn. Read this forum, and others, ask lots of questions. Your idea of 'mint condition' is probably very different from the seller.It would be wise to hire a mobile RV tech to inspect the RV you are seriously considering. Water leaks are a killer for any RV. A small leak not fixed quickly can do a lot of damage. So, the roof definitely needs inspected.Tires are another major item. On RV's tires usually age out before they wear out. Just because they have plenty of tread and look good does not mean they are safe. Learn how to read the tire code to determine the age.There is a lot to learn about RV's but, it's all fun stuff so don't be intimidated.Ask a lot of questions and don't be in a big hurry to buy.Use your search as a earning experience.

gbopp wrote:Welcome to the forum. If you don't know anything about RV's, now is a good time to learn. Read this forum, and others, ask lots of questions. Your idea of 'mint condition' is probably very different from the seller.It would be wise to hire a mobile RV tech to inspect the RV you are seriously considering. Water leaks are a killer for any RV. A small leak not fixed quickly can do a lot of damage. So, the roof definitely needs inspected.Tires are another major item. On RV's tires usually age out before they wear out. Just because they have plenty of tread and look good does not mean they are safe. Learn how to read the tire code to determine the age.There is a lot to learn about RV's but, it's all fun stuff so don't be intimidated.Ask a lot of questions and don't be in a big hurry to buy.Use your search as a earning experience.I agree with the above for the coach items. I would probably have a mechanic go over it. We bought a slightly used 8-year old B+ to take to Alaska several years ago. Had our mechanic change all the belts, hoses, fluids and filters. The coach made it over 15,000 without a blip.Enjoy! Looks like a really nice coach, but have it checked out.Dale

With one or two minor exceptions (Related too boot) I'd not call a 2003 "Outdated" but then I'm sitting in a 2005.. Same exceptions. but I've upgraded.Televisions: 2003 came with a CRT boat anchor. Unless the prior owner has replaced it with a modern WIDE SCREEN ... with ATSC Digital (over the air) capability that would be my first upgrade. If you need I can discuss how to do it but I'll need photos of your current TV install.The TV antenna. Nost 2003 would have a Winegard Sensar II or III. this is the classic crank it up and rotate it "Batwing style" RV antenna it is the 2nd best RF antenna sold in the USA. To make it the best you buy the WINGMAN (About 30 bucks) and put it on. Tools needed.. Ladder, Fingers and optionally a pair of pliers (common slip joint) Job involves removing some rubber "Feet" (just pull 'em off) Line up the holes and insert some push pins included. That's it folks.(IN some cases you may need to do some trimming).Next upgrade also antenna is to replace the wall plate with the light. 12 volt outlet. switch and antenna connection.. YOu replace it with the Winegard Sensar PRO. (About 100 dollars) You will need a screwdriver and possibly a 7/16" open end wrench (11mM) Everythign else should be simple. That is really about the only "Outdated" things you will have. Or might have.THere may be a few maintenance issues.. (I Mean at 12 years old I had to replace the water heater tank, Batteries may need replacing, Check the age on the tires. 8 years replace 'em.) but that kind of thing is Routine maintenance for with the exception of brakes and tires and the like, any house.

Scottiemom wrote:I agree with the above for the coach items. I would probably have a mechanic go over it. You are absolutely correct. I failed to mention a mechanic, sometimes I assume too much.Definitely have the mechanicals checked by a trusted mechanic.

I agree that you will want both an RV Tech and a good mechanic to inspect it before you spend your money on it. But both of them cost good money. A quick search on YouTube will turn up numerous videos on 'inspecting recreational vehicles'. Watch a few of them and conduct your own PRELIMINARY inspection. If it passes that, then spend the money on the outside inspectors.

Tips and insight for new uses purchase? | Good Sam Community

paddykernahan
Explorer
Aug 27, 2018
I figured something was wrong.
If everything checked out from an RV tech and a mechanic, I would have thought that unit would have been a steal.

Since checking in on forums like this, I have heard that class C motorhomes are either leaking or are going to leak.

We have a class C but no cab over bed so less stress and hopefully no leaks. I still inspect for them on a regular basis.

Good luck in your quest.
Grit_dog
Navigator
Aug 27, 2018
Good job spotting the lack of care or repair.
Unless you’re set on spending a premium for something you’ll presumably use not so much, with 2 kids in school, etc. you do not have to buy new, you just need to find one that was taken care of.
Jrogers83
Explorer
Aug 27, 2018
Thanks for the comments! It was really kept well overall and everything about it I loved but there seemed to be lots of leaks over the years and really bad attempts at fixing them. The shower (carpeted) ceiling had a lot of black mold, all the caulked exterior seams were coming apart and the overhead bunk wood was really soft and damp and the ceiling had a lot of taped sections. My throat was itchy after being in there for 10 minutes. I was really disappointed! Oh well. Back to my original plan of buying new, using it for 10 years hopefully with no issues, and then selling. I was looking at MSRV in Texas... they seem to be the most affordable.
Beowolf
Explorer
Aug 27, 2018
Matt_Colie wrote:
Jamie,

This is right place to ask.
You have lots of really good answers to digest.

I will tell you that I am a little concerned. There is a discoloration around the light fixture. I hope it is just an artifact of the picture, but if it is not, it could be water damage. If that is the case, either decide you are going to be happy tearing into it, or just walk away.

Water leakage is a common cause of death for RVs with wooden structure.

I hope it isn't too out of date, the one we were just out in was made in 1973, and it serves us well.

Matt

That does look like a water damaged ceiling, good catch.
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Aug 27, 2018
Jamie,

This is right place to ask.
You have lots of really good answers to digest.

I will tell you that I am a little concerned. There is a discoloration around the light fixture. I hope it is just an artifact of the picture, but if it is not, it could be water damage. If that is the case, either decide you are going to be happy tearing into it, or just walk away.

Water leakage is a common cause of death for RVs with wooden structure.

I hope it isn't too out of date, the one we were just out in was made in 1973, and it serves us well.

Matt
Mountain_Mama
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
If you’re on Facebook and haven’t already, check out the FB page "RV Pricing and Values" before deciding and buying. Be sure and read the Pinned Post before asking questions! David may be able to help you save some $$$.
John_Wayne
Explorer II
Aug 26, 2018
Was it any where near the big Texas floods????? Get the make and model and check the pricing with NADA on line it will give you an idea on price. On Class C check around all windows on the overhead bunk for water damage, dry rot etc. This would be a deal breaker if you found any.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
Jrogers83 wrote:
I came across a 2003 (dont know the exact model yet, going to look at it today) with 50,000 miles on it being sold by someone I know for 12k. It's a little outdated but looks in great shape! They are claiming its mint. For the price, I'm thinking I can get a couple years out of it, get the RV experience in and then if we really like it buy a new one and continue.

I dont know much about RV's. I dont know how much they break down or at what point they become unsafe to be driving across country. I realize that I'll have to get it inspected and I realize that it may need a couple things and I'm sure RV repair isn't cheap, that's fine. I'm basically asking for any pointers or insight that you all want to throw my way. Does this seem like a good deal?

Doesn't look "outdated" to me, does look in pretty good shape, and for $12,000 seems like a really good deal to me providing there's nothing seriously wrong with it. My question is - who is this "someone you know"? - an actual friend or just someone you met recently? Trustworthy? - or you have no idea? As far as breaking down is concerned nothing is guaranteed, even with a brand new unit. In your case especially I'd recommend you set aside contingency funds for "just in case" emergencies AND enroll in some sort of nation wide emergency service should you get stuck "in the middle of nowhere". I'd personally certainly consider it.
Optimistic_Para
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
I agree that you will want both an RV Tech and a good mechanic to inspect it before you spend your money on it. But both of them cost good money. A quick search on YouTube will turn up numerous videos on 'inspecting recreational vehicles'. Watch a few of them and conduct your own PRELIMINARY inspection. If it passes that, then spend the money on the outside inspectors.
gbopp
Explorer
Aug 26, 2018
Scottiemom wrote:
I agree with the above for the coach items. I would probably have a mechanic go over it.

You are absolutely correct. I failed to mention a mechanic, sometimes I assume too much.
Definitely have the mechanicals checked by a trusted mechanic.