Wanna be Class C owner

[71choptop]

Like classics and stuff I can work on. At the age were I would like to have a motorhome but income is limited. Found a old local guy that has a '79 Dodge Honey, 25', rear side door, back bathroom, 360ci,61,000 miles. Has had it since the early '80's, bought it from the original owner w/10,000 miles on it. Body is about 95% nice Interior is very nice w/the exception that you can tell their was roof leakage in the cabinets along the side and under some windows. I could live w/it and am handy. Has new, 4 year old, 100 miles on them, tires, 16". Refer/freezer work, water pump works, water heater destroyed w/ tire blowout,furnace works, and not sure about AC. He is asking $3,500.00, I have been visiting and have looked at it a few times, won't pay 3,500.00. Would be nice to get for 2,500. but 3,000. is more realistic. I know that if I go a few thousand more I can jump up to'85 or so but the knowledge of the history and who owned it means a lot in my book. Says he has had it stored inside, since he owned it, in the winter and says it is a 360A engine ?
Your thoughts would be appreciated.

[Bordercollie]

In general, the truck part of an old Class C may be in fair condition and may only need tires, brakes, transmission, dash AC and cooling system service/repairs. The house box, if over ten years old may have dry rotted roof and side panel damage, as well as needing repairs and replacements of the water heater, fridge, furnace, fresh water pump, converter/charger, and house batteries an RV generator as well a problems in wiring. You can easily sink well over $10,000 in an old beater and not be able to use it as an RV for many months. Old RV's have trouble selling for over $5000 regardless of dollars and TLC invested in them.
An

[71choptop]

I have decided against this particular MH, I will save my pennies and get something newer. Thanks for your input.

[Cobra21]

You should go up on the roof and take a look. If the roof is bad, I would look elsewhere. His asking price is also high with water heater out. My guess would be around $1500 to $2000. This one may start out cheap, but may end up real spendy once fixed.

[Hank85713]

There is one out here that fits your bill, It looks like an old bread truck but it is an rv. has a chebby in it dont know what, but would guess a 454 or something along those lines. he wants $2500 or best offer. Dont know where you are located, but look at the craigslist ads around your area for something a little newer. real familiar with the old dodges, but know my BIL had one and changed the engine out. Too many issues and it had all the upgrades like water injection etc. He installed a 4BT in its place.Besides $3500 for something that old and condition is way too much.

[w3ozwizard]

Many old MH had wood framing. As you go down the road they twist and torque. I had one and after a few trips on less than great roads, things like the main door would not shut correctly. And those stresses cause things like cracks in the roof to open up and water gets into the rig. If you are handy and can put up with continual fixing things you may get some enjoyment out of it, but at my age I don't at any price on that old of a MH.

[PghBob]

Agree with gbopp. I think most members of the forum would avoid a rig with obvious water damage. There is likely hidden rot. However, only you know what you can afford, how handy you are, what kind of time you have to work on the unit, and other things. Keep in mind for RVs, most often age of tires is much more important than mileage. You noted that the tires are four years old. Most RV tires should be replaced at 5 or 6 years, no matter the miles on them. I think you might be looking at a pretty extensive repair/replace budget. Good Luck.

[gbopp]

The leak would be a concern to me. A small leak can cause a lot of damage if not repaired quickly.
You say there is evidence of roof leakage in the cabinets along the side and under some windows.
Is there any damage to the floor? Soft spots, etc.
There could be a lot of rot inside the walls. JMO