1997 Class C Winnebago, 47,000 miles too old to buy?

^If that's your experience, then older vehicles are a challenge. BTW, brake light switches for your van are like $10.99 at any parts store and easy to replace, which I'm sure you're aware of.

Which is why I mentioned that if your are not a shadetree mechanic, at a minimum, expect to pay more and be frustrated.
It's a balance between budget, knowledge, need and convienence. With a **** shoot of whatever might happen.