Your thoughts June 05, 2018, 11:33:14 pm I am about to buy my first RV, as the quality level of LD stunned me. It is a 1997 23.5 model. I am happy with the cost. That said, I would like input on buying a 21yr old unit. Good, so-so, or bad idea? It has been wonderfully maintained and I know when I can trust a man. Thanks in advance!
Re: Your thoughts Reply #1 – June 06, 2018, 11:10:37 am Perhaps you should read topic titled “1991 LD with 90k miles” 2 Likes
Re: Your thoughts Reply #2 – June 06, 2018, 11:13:59 am You might want to read all the recent (and not-so-recent) threads on this and closely-related topic(s); the "buying a used LD" advice and caveats remain pretty consistent! Here's a brief starter from The Companion (link on the home page of this board):The Lazy Daze Companion: UsedYou might also want to follow this comprehensive checklist for inspecting a used RV; if you're not experienced and knowledgeable about how to evaluate condition, you might want to hire an inspector to thoroughly go over the chassis and coach. RV Inspection ChecklistThe seller may well be honest and "trustworthy", but may also be unaware of the need to have done all the maintenance services that any RV, high initial quality or not, requires to keep in top shape. Take your time, learn all you can about how to assess quality, and follow the checklist. The steps to getting a good deal go well beyond the purchase price; spending on maintenance, repairs, and upgrades from the get go and throughout the life of the rig is a baseline expectation. 3 Likes
Re: Your thoughts Reply #3 – June 06, 2018, 11:28:48 am Quote from: Lazy Bones 2 - June 06, 2018, 11:10:37 amPerhaps you should read topic titled “1991 LD with 90k miles”Or this.mileageThe forum has seen dozens of old LDs pass though here, many having a multitude of issues of 'undiscovered' defects.IMO, twenty-year old RVs are for skilled hobbyists or for those with a padded wallet.You wouldn't expect a twenty-year old car or house to be in good shape, it takes a tremendous amount of work to keep an old LD in good shape and on the road . Most owners do not take care of all the small details than can lead to expensive repairs down the road.No one here can tell you if an LD, for sale, is a good buy. It's up to you to determine the condition of the rig, preferably before buying. Professional inspection of the coach and chassis is alway recommended, we hate the sob stories from those who have discover they have bought the 'pig in a poke'. It happens much too often.Larry 4 Likes
Re: Your thoughts Reply #4 – June 06, 2018, 12:45:08 pm Hi Yonexman. Welcome to the group. I'm sure that Larry meant that 'we feel your pain' when we hear about the painful discoveries people make about buying older motorhomes. I'd like to think that my motorhome at 19 years old is in good shape, but I know about the things lurking in the near future, and the things I'm fixing right now. I realize that there may be some very unanticipated defects waiting to show up. It was tough on Larry to see his beloved toy need a new transmission, and then soon after a new engine. It is a good reminder to all of us that deep pockets and patience are good preparation for the experiences good and bad to come. I wouldn't trade it for anything, and I plan to really wear out my motorhome, until I'm ready to trade up to a newer one. I took the plunge and bought used (another brand), learned what I needed to, then bought my (still seems new to me) LazyDaze. My prior MH is still on the road at 38 years, and the owner i sold it to doesn't hate me! It is great feedback on ones repair/modification techniques to see a MH 19 years later and see how things have held up. (just a few missteps) Good luck with your purchase, if you decide to take the plunge. Keep in touch. RonB. 5 Likes
Re: Your thoughts Reply #5 – June 06, 2018, 12:50:50 pm Quote from: yonexman - June 05, 2018, 11:33:14 pmI am about to buy my first RV, as the quality level of LD stunned me. Welcome to the Lazy Daze Owner's Forum and we'd like to wish you the best of luck in your search for your first RV. There's been quite a bit of discussion about your post in just the last week or so. If you have trouble navigating the Forum or finding those Topics, please feel free to mention that here.As you may have already noticed, this Forum has some members who know more about LD's than most anyone you or I will ever meet IMO. 3 Likes
Re: Your thoughts Reply #6 – June 11, 2018, 09:12:11 am Quote from: yonexman - June 05, 2018, 11:33:14 pmI am about to buy my first RV, as the quality level of LD stunned me. It is a 1997 23.5 model. I am happy with the cost. That said, I would like input on buying a 21yr old unit. Good, so-so, or bad idea? It has been wonderfully maintained and I know when I can trust a man. Thanks in advance!I very recently bought the same year same length. Mine is the front lounge model. I debated buying newer and theoretically more reliable but I figured I can take a lot of vacations for the extra 10K I'd spend on a newer model. Don't know how many miles yours has on it or what motor but both of those are important. Main thing is check for any signs of leaks which are the root of all evil in these things. Be prepared to put new brakes on and quite possibly a new front end which these old Ford's go through very fast without proper greasing. Don't know what motor yours has but mine has the old 460 which I liked because the earlier V10 is notorious for spitting plugs. I drove mine home 1500 miles after I bought it with no real surprises and all I've done after the trip is put in a new temperature sensor. How's the roof on yours? First thing I did was reseal mine which only cost two days work and two hundred bucks in material. No biggie. If you are looking for advice on purchasing a LD of this vintage that's in good shape my advice is go for it. 2 Likes
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