Buying a used Lazy Daze with Roof leak

[kevinlyndsy]

Hello I went and looked and test drove a 1998 Lazy Daze 26.5 RB that I found on Craigslist. Asking price is $9500 it has new tires brakes and batteries. Overall I think it looks to be in real good shape. The big negative though is the roof leaked a couple years ago from the center vent and made the ceiling and roof soft in a 3 ft area. The owner sealed over the entire roof and it no longer has let any water in for the past year. I read alot about avoiding roof dry rot. But if leak is stopped and coach looks good I think at the low price it could be a great deal. I will just use it as is and don't plan on doing a major repair. The owner has had it for 16 years and seems to be a real nice guy. Any advice out there before I buy it this weekend. I really have always loved laze daze but their price has always been out of reach.

Thanks

kevin

[pbitschura]

Purchased an '88 C ten years ago with similar issues. I did the repairs on the interior, resealed the exterior, and it's still our girl. I never understand folks who don't give credit to ambitious, capable individuals, who can save thousands by doing their own repairs. Good luck.

[Hondavalk]

Besides the roofs soft spot I would guess water also saturated the side walls.

[kevinlyndsy]

Why would something need fixed if the leak is stopped?? I don't under stand everybody's don't buy it recommendation? It does not leak now and every thing works I could get several years use as is? I don't need a perfect rv. The floor is solid as a rock. Can someone give me example of why not to buy even if the price is right.

Thanks,

Kevin

[cgmartine]

Just to clarify what "old guy" said....Don't buy it!!!

[old_guy]

don't buy it. have seen many of small leak damage when I worked at rv dealers. don't buy it. you might get it for cheap but it will cost you in the long run don't buy it

[Golden_HVAC]

If he does not have a line of buyers knocking at his door, try asking if he will take a lot less for it, considering the damage. The seller might be willing to accept say $8,000 (offer $7,500 and be willing to go up a little) and see what happens. If not willing to at least go down to say $9,000, then give him your phone number, say something about looking at other rigs, and see if he calls in a week or so. If not, you might just need to pay the asking price. But most seller are willing to go down a bit on asking price, if you will be showing up cash in hand, or with a pre-approved loan ready to go.

You did not mention the engine and other things about the RV, like overall mileage. Does it shift well?

Once when I was looking to buy a new 1999 Honda CRV, after my wife and I discussed the color, options, and we wanted 4WD, I bought it by going in and asking if they have a blue one, and I wanted a purchase order number. I gave them a pre-approval of only $20,500 from my credit union, on a Saturday when it was closed, and asked for a purchase order number, and I would finance with them on Monday and pick up the car later in the week.

The Honda dealer wanted to close the deal on Saturday, came down to my price, offered a extended warranty for some ridiculous price, but I countered with a lower mileage coverage for 6 years, they met the price in the middle, and I was able to finance the car for a low rate, 6 years, included the tax and license in the finance (my credit union required 20% down for 7% rate and would not finance the tax or license).

I figured I would be using the extended warranty because I was towing the car, and might have a higher than average chance of transmission damage, but it actually ran perfect until a drunk hit it in 2007.

So go in asking for a little off, and you might make a deal. It can't hurt, unless he has other buyers lined up already.

Good luck,

Fred.

[tonymull]

If the roof is soft it leaked for a long time and will need that repaired no matter if the roof no longer leaks. You up for that? If it's soft you have some rotten wood up there.