HELP/Need Advice: Do these rigs look like good investments?

[AdventurousAdriana]

Hi!  Newbie/aspiring nomad here!  I need help/advice with these rigs that I am considering seeing this weekend 12/2-3:

RIG A- 1979 Ford Class C 18ft $8750 – Looks to be in good shape, check out the craigslist ad HERE: https://austin.craigslist.org/rvs/d/classic-79-rv-class/6403244489.html

RIG B- 1992 Chevy Class C 21ft $13500 – craigslist ad is HERE: https://houston.craigslist.org/rvs/d/1992-chevy-four-winds-rv/6403267103.html

Are these good prices for these rigs?  Which one would be a better choice in yall’s opinion?  I’m looking for something that is easy to work on/find parts for, something I can take into the Colorado mountains and something between 18-21ft.  If I do go see either of these rigs this weekend, what questions should I ask when buying a used RV?  What should I inspect?  Where can I find places to get it inspected?  Should I try and talk them down from their prices? Sorry if these are all newbie questions, I’m just excited and trying to be as informed as possible!  Thank you so much in advance for your advice!

 

[cyndi]

Without even looking at the ads the prices are too high

NADA will give you a ballpark figure to work with.

http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs

Some will say they’re useless. But the web site has served me well in the beginning of a search

 

[tx2sturgis]

They both look nice.

Here is a thread from earlier this year, different motorhome, but a lot of generic information that applies in your situation also:

https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=24277

 

[John61CT]

Those were manufactured - to a price - 25 and 29 years ago.

Maybe if you were willing to spend double on "restoring" one.

I dunno, but seems impractical to me.

 

[highdesertranger]

check for leaks real good especially in the top bunk. one thing I find suspicious is the mileage on the older Ford. they say 42k but someone has wore the paint right off the dog house where your foot rests when it's on the pedal. IMO price is high on both. highdesertranger

 

[Ballenxj]

Agree on the prices being way too high. How can they prove the Ford has only 42,xxx miles with a five digit odometer? The mileage does not start over once you roll the odometer over, and suddenly everything is new again?   
They both look very nice, but if you're serious, offer way less than their asking prices. 
PS, I always get a kick out of reading things like "it's roomy for it's size."

 

[Minivanmotoman]

Take your time and look around for a deal. Newer the better. Increase your search area for better deals.
Would you, could you travel to nearby states to save thousands? Phoenix for example should be cheaper than those prices and if original AZ vehicle, no worries about wood rot from leaks.
Further from big cities usually better, cheaper pricing. But first, sure that you need a class C? Costs and maintenance issues. Consider a van and build out?

 

[user 13531]

Any chance you can make it out to Quartzite, Arizona in January? There's a gazillion RV's for sale out there...

 

[CautionToTheWind]

1992 is the better of the two. Short RVs are harder to find and in some cases add to the price. My estimate of the 1992 price should range $7500-8500. They are going back to the Netherlands so my guess is they either paid too much or upgraded some items. All it takes is one buyer. The other 99% may say the price is too high. For me, I'm willing to pay for a quality vehicle/rv/van up to a certain discernment in price. There is junk out there going for $3000-4000.

I continually have my finger on the price pulse throughout the states. Prices have gone up in the last year, in some cases, ridiculous. Every once in a while a deal pops up and I think "man, I wish I was ready."

Be emotionally detached while looking. If a buyer senses you're "into the vehicle" they likely won't budge on price. Cash is king with negotiating. Make sure the title is legit and you have a witness/friend with you. Take a picture of their ID. Walk away from negotiations if there isn't a budge on price (if the price is high). Ideally, have your ducks in a row what is required in your state to transfer the title into your name; do it person before paying.

Good luck!

 

[gallica]

Of the two, I would say the 1992 chevy van but, unless you are handy at fixing mechanical things yourself, don't buy such an old rig. newer and smaller would be better.  Have you thought of car camping?

 

[AdventurousAdriana]

https://vanlivingforum.com/showthread.php?tid=24277

 Thanks!  This thread looks like it has a LOT of helpful info.  Based on this, I'm making a list of questions to ask when calling about the vehicle as well as a checklist on what to inspect and what questions to ask when in person with the owner/vehicle.

 

[AdventurousAdriana]

 Increase your search area for better deals.
Consider a van and build out?

Thanks for the tip!  I am willing to travel to other states for the right rig so I'll expand my search.  As far as the class C goes.... no, I'm not married to that idea.  However, it is very important to me to have 1) "space" to entertain.  By that I mean having a sleeper sofa area or dinette (separate from my main bed) that converts to a bed to be able to have one friend travel with me or just room for us to sit on the couch with a cup of tea or glass of wine. 2) enough space to eventually put in a cubic mini wood stove.  I plan on doing a reasonable about of parking lot ski bumming and spending time in cold weather or at high altitudes.   I've been considering 18-21ft class Cs, short bus conversions, or small box truck conversions as well. It's just that the class c would probably get me on the road the quickest out of those options (and pretty much the ONLY option that would get me to the RTR this year)

 

[AdventurousAdriana]

Any chance you can make it out to Quartzite, Arizona in January? There's a gazillion RV's for sale out there...

Pretty much the only way I could make it would be IF I had a rig to travel/stay in!  Haha, I know... it's kinda a catch 22 situation ^_^

 

[AdventurousAdriana]

Be emotionally detached while looking. If a buyer senses you're "into the vehicle" they likely won't budge on price. Cash is king with negotiating. Make sure the title is legit and you have a witness/friend with you. Take a picture of their ID. Walk away from negotiations if there isn't a budge on price (if the price is high). Ideally, have your ducks in a row what is required in your state to transfer the title into your name; do it person before paying.

Thank you!  I will factor in this advice!

 

[AdventurousAdriana]

  Have you thought of car camping?

I do love to car camp!  However, I don't think it's the right option for me for full-timing.  I am hoping to do a good chunk of ski bumming in parking lots during the winter    Also, I want to be able to get out of dodge FAST (with little to no camp breakdown needed) if I feel unsafe.

 

[tx2sturgis]

Here are several possibilities in or around your price range:

https://www.rvtrader.com/search-res...e=5000:20000&condition=U&length=14:22&page=1&

 

[Ms Daisy]

it is very important to me to have 1) "space" to entertain.  By that I mean having a sleeper sofa area or dinette (separate from my main bed) that converts to a bed to be able to have one friend travel with me or just room for us to sit on the couch with a cup of tea or glass of wine. 2) enough space to eventually put in a cubic mini wood stove.  

For the Class C, are you talking about a separate bed in back? or the separate "over the cab" bed?

If you're talking about a separate bed in back, you'll have to be 24+ ft in length.

Unless you pull out part of the dinette or the separate chair that is seen in many Class C's, you won't have room for a mini wood stove.  Ck out this video on those wood stoves being used in an RV.

I like your idea of a Class C as it's all done and you can hit the road and you don't have to leave your house in order to leave.  I like this for safety reasons being a solo female traveler.  

This Class C is in my area and looks really nice, aside from the teal fabric   Looks very well maintained and cute layout.  No sign of water damage in the over the cab bed area but closer up pix can show more.  https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/1996-Fleetwood-TIOGA-Walkabout-21C-5000497879   I'd offer $9,000 even though they say "firm" and I'd make sure the RV can pass vehicle emissions.   Since the RV is in AZ, you could pick up and be at the RTR in a few hours

 

[Ms Daisy]

The RV I referred to shows as "sale pending" on the dealer website.  I would have bought this one if that were my price range.

FYI ... I purchased my RV from a dealer in Lake Havasu, AZ.  I had only seen pictures online before I made the 200 mile journey but knew it was in very good condition and I knew that the RV dealer looked over all the systems and assured me they were all working.  3 years later and I still feel I made the right choice and love my Class C.

https://fhrv47.wixsite.com/mysite

 

[tx2sturgis]

I like that little Tioga myself, and a few well placed seat covers and couch covers, maybe a couple of throw pillows, and poof!! the teal could completely go away...well....at least on the inside. 

 

[SoulRaven]

Both are older, with the frig, it may cool but not get cold enough, same with the AC. Both are expensive to replace. One can test them and instructions would be on the internet. It is ESSENTIAL that you read up on winter camping in an RV. We have done it, and it is not a pleasant thing and requires being ready. Tanks and fresh water tanks can freeze as can the doors on your RVs, especially if they have older seals (never be without a hairdryer): https://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/full_time_winter_rv/ Currently facing winter again where it freezes, I am working diligently to get out!!! Soft spots in the floor means a no-go, same with the ceiling and walls. As far as the engine on the RV, it is important that you understand that things can go wrong that will require an adequate emergency fund and planning for how you will handle this if parts take more than a day or two to come in. With older units, lower mileage isn't a plus because sitting is harder than moving around on the engine, and also, seals can dry out if the unit has been sitting means toilet and other plumbing may leak. I think you can do better for the money as if you are very alert and ready to move "deals" do come along especially this time of year, even on the dealer lots, as inventory the end of January nears, they get ready to be serious about making a deal. Be careful of smells, and if you don't like the way it smells, don't take it for granted that you can change it!