Advice on buying USED motorhome

[pump-dump-go]

Before I read ALL these great topics, I'm trying to find some advice that I may need to purchase a good USED Class A.
I have been camping most my 57 years of life, from pup tent to 30' travel trailer.
Now, I'm looking to purchase a good USED Class A. I have been by several local RV dealers, looked on craigslist, RVtrader, and local paper ads, and I find many different models with many different options, and ofcouse, many differnet prices.
I would like to hear some feedback on some of the better models, that are still in business ofcouse.
I would also like to hear of some of the models to stay away from, maybe they are out-of-business, or just poor service from this rig.
I do not want to start a debate on "yes my rig is best" or "I would not have such-a-such model", just advice on YOUR experiences with different models.
I have read and copied a topic on what to look for when buying a used motor home and what to look for when inspecting the rig before purchase, and Thanks for that info.
Since this is my FIRST motorhome, I do not have to have all the bells and whistles, just a good motorhome with a good reputation.
Here is some of the motorhomes I have found that fit our budget,
2001 fleetwood terra 1 slide
1999 winnebago Brave NO slide
1999 fleetwood flair 1 slide
2000 coachman santara 1 slide
All of these rigs have less than 40,000 miles, and can be bought from prices as low as $14,000 - $25,000.00. Ofcouse, some of the price difference is in options, mileage, upgrades like new tires ect....
I also know that buying USED, you can get a "pig-in-a-poke", and you just have to trust the person you are buying from to give all information as truthfully as possible as for their care and maintainace for the rig.
Sorry to ramble on, all good advice is very much appreciate. 🙂

[robertbenita]

I look for "one owner" types and not dealerships. Mileage indicates use to me, so if I am not going to tack on a huge amount, higher mileage and less expensive is fine. I love it when they have the paperwork and I ask to take it with me. When I sell, it will help me too. I ask about repairs and leaks and then I see how they did them...shop or duck tape or does it look really good. If the engine bay is too clean or only clean in certain areas, concern. I don't want to see a clean engine unless it is still like that from new. I want to see the seepage or leaks if there are any. On this note, I ask where it is usually parked so I can see if leaking in any one spot. For me the two most important things are engine and roof. Does the roof leak and if so where and what has been done? I will climb up to inspect if it looks like I could be making an offer. The person selling has something to do with it too. Good people have nothing to hide and come across that way typically. Lastly, I look at my surroundings. Yard meticulous or overgrown. Condition of other vehicles/house are considered.

One piece of advice from my experience...don't be in a hurry. I try to look at only newer listings that way I am not wasting my time or the sellers. Each time I have sold mine it has sold in first few days and I think each of the things I listed above are why I haven't had trouble buying or selling. Best of luck!