Buying an already remodeled RV

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C

carini

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What are your thoughts on buying an RV that someone has already restored?  We found an '86 Class C Minnie Winnie on CL going for $8,500.  The guy has out in a new 3 way fridge, solar system with new battery bank, new carb, plugs, belts, fuel pump, tires and many more cosmetic and mechanical upgrades.  This rig only has 61k miles on it.  He also emailed us a very long list of all of the work he has done, and states that he still has all of the receipts and manuals.

He's asking twice the blue book value.  Are restored RVs worth more?  Is it like a restored car or house?  I can post a link to the add if that's helpful.

Thanks everyone :)
 
They are probably worth somewhat more, but 2x would be a stretch. However, "book value" is not very meaningful on a 30 year old RV and condition is the only thing that really matters after 15+ years. Any motorhome in working condition reaches a "floor price" where depreciation no longer matters, typically around $5000. Whether the replacement equipment on this one justifies an extra $3500 is highly subjective, but nothing you described is actually an "upgrade". Other than the solar system, all that appears to have been done is to replace old worn out items with newer ones that work. That makes the condition better, but doesn't actually improve features or function. So, it's an old RV that is probably in excellent condition.

I personally would be skeptical about paying that much for a 1986 vintage engine and chassis. The carbureted engine is mediocre on performance & fuel economy and will require ongoing maintenance to keep it in good running condition. For around the same money you should be able to get a similar but 10 year newer coach. I've been spoiled with more recent fuel injected engines and much-improved automatic transmissions and have no desire to go back to the old days of automotive tech.
 
Posting the ad would probably help. Just from a quick look, $8500 puts you right about a 2000 year model. (I was looking at 27'-29') A 2000 year model with nothing replaced means you have a 16 year old RV with 16 year old appliances etc. and questionable batteries and tires. The one you are looking at is 30 years old, but with a lot of new stuff. If the owner has all the receipts and maintenance records, that is a great plus. With that said, and without actually seeing it, it looks like you may have an RV that's in good shape and well taken care of by an owner that cared about his stuff. As folks here have said, on older RV's, the book really doesn't mean anything as far as values are concerned. If the RV is in as good of shape as it appears, and the floorplan works for you, try offering a good bit lower than asking price, and haggle from there. Considering you are new to RV's, it wouldn't hurt to have it inspected by a mobile RV tech, or at least take along someone that is familiar with RV's for another opinion.
 
kdbgoat said:
Posting the ad would probably help. Just from a quick look, $8500 puts you right about a 2000 year model. (I was looking at 27'-29') A 2000 year model with nothing replaced means you have a 16 year old RV with 16 year old appliances etc. and questionable batteries and tires. The one you are looking at is 30 years old, but with a lot of new stuff. If the owner has all the receipts and maintenance records, that is a great plus. With that said, and without actually seeing it, it looks like you may have an RV that's in good shape and well taken care of by an owner that cared about his stuff. As folks here have said, on older RV's, the book really doesn't mean anything as far as values are concerned. If the RV is in as good of shape as it appears, and the floorplan works for you, try offering a good bit lower than asking price, and haggle from there. Considering you are new to RV's, it wouldn't hurt to have it inspected by a mobile RV tech, or at least take along someone that is familiar with RV's for another opinion.
Click to expand...

Here's the link: https://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/rvs/5720206819.html
 
Gary RV Roamer said:
They are probably worth somewhat more, but 2x would be a stretch. However, "book value" is not very meaningful on a 30 year old RV and condition is the only thing that really matters after 15+ years. Any motorhome in working condition reaches a "floor price" where depreciation no longer matters, typically around $5000. Whether the replacement equipment on this one justifies an extra $3500 is highly subjective, but nothing you described is actually an "upgrade". Other than the solar system, all that appears to have been done is to replace old worn out items with newer ones that work. That makes the condition better, but doesn't actually improve features or function. So, it's an old RV that is probably in excellent condition.

I personally would be skeptical about paying that much for a 1986 vintage engine and chassis. The carbureted engine is mediocre on performance & fuel economy and will require ongoing maintenance to keep it in good running condition. For around the same money you should be able to get a similar but 10 year newer coach. I've been spoiled with more recent fuel injected engines and much-improved automatic transmissions and have no desire to go back to the old days of automotive tech.
Click to expand...

Thanks Gary!  We are thinking this rig might help mitigate some of the start-up costs, which is why we are considering it. (Edit: No longer considering it)
Thank you both for your quick responses.
 
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