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Topic: Used LD's (Read 3 times) previous topic - next topic
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Used LD's
Yahoo Message Number: 19023
My husband and I are looking at RV's.  It is obvious from this group that Lazy Daze seems to be the best of the Class C MH's.  It certainly has us intrigued.

What has been your experience of purchasing used LD's?  Have there been any serious problems with the used models?

Thanks for all help and suggestions.  This is totally new to us.

Roz Jirge Concord, California
Re: Used LD's
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19025
Quote
What has been your experience of purchasing used LD's?  Have there been any serious problems with the used models?
Roz:

First, you are fortunate in living in California.  Most of the used ones show up in Southern California.
 Your worst problem will be in seeing one for sale and then finding out it is already sold - they go like hotcakes.  Many people are just waiting for one to show up.  If you can't get to it immediately, offer to place a down payment, contingent on the unit having no major problems.
 Many for sale are 15 years or older; they really last.  For these, you either need to know what problems to look for or take a knowledgeable person with you.  Figure a budget of two or three thousand dollars more than the asking price, because people tend to live with engine problems that will bother you, especially if the coach is older.
After 1997, with the new Ford V-10 engines, you'll find fewer engine problems.
 Get on the roof and check the sealant.  The sealant cracks naturally as it dries, but look for anyplace where it has cracked through or pieces are missing.  If you find any, watch the inside celing carefully for any soft spots, because water leakage into the wooden frame can do a lot of expensive damage.

Expect some problems with the appliances in older units.  Make sure the tires are less than five years old - if older than this, figure on immediate replacement - rubber deteriorates and five year old tires will fail soon, regardless of tread wear, and a blowout causes a lot of damage to the coach.
 The good news is that many people are still enjoying their 1970's and 80's Lazy Dazes, which is a testament to their ruggedness.  We had a neighbor with a 1960's unit which he regularle still used - small by today's standards but he was happy.

Good luck

Gus Weber
Re: Used LD's
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19028
Quote
My husband and I are looking at RV's.  It is obvious from this group that Lazy Daze seems to be the best of the Class C MH's.  It certainly has us intrigued.

What has been your experience of purchasing used LD's?  Have there been any serious problems with the used models?
Relative to other brands of similar vintage, I would say no. However, these vehicles go through lots of stress in their lifetime, inducing problems much more quickly than you would expect to find in a home of similar vintage. Also, LD is responsible only for the quality of the coach - the chassis is just a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge, like everyone else.
 Moral, buy recent vintage unless you are a hanyman at heart, and able to put the time and effort into revitalizing and maintaining an old classic. Also budget repairs into the purchase price, $3000 or more is not unreasonable in a 10 year old model in decent appearance.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Used LD's
Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19033
Quote from: rivermama39"

What has been your experience of purchasing used LD's?  Have there been any serious problems with the used models?
Gus, thanks for the advice.  My personal preference is to always purchase new vehicles so that the factory can take care of problems while it is still under warranty.

RV's are so expensive, however, that we have to consider going the used route, if an LD becomes available.  It sure sounds as if the owners of this marvelous machine buy them for a lifetime.  From the looks of the other manufacturers' vehicles, I wouldn't waste the money on them.  My heart is now firmly set on a Lazy Daze.

Roz

Quote
Roz:

First, you are fortunate in living in California.  Most of the used ones show up in Southern California.

Your worst problem will be in seeing one for sale and then finding out it is already sold - they go like hotcakes.  Many people are just waiting for one to show up.  If you can't get to it immediately, offer to place a down payment, contingent on the unit having no major problems.
Re: Used LD's
Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19036
"What has been your experience of purchasing used LD's? Have there been any serious problems with the used models?"
 You've had good advice from others in this group, so I will just add this: two yars ago I bought a 1985 Lazy Daze, "Gertie," with over 100,000 miles on it.
Other than a nonworking A/C that I knew about (and budgeted for) when I bought it, there've been no major problems, and it's been an absolute delight.
 You can see photos and descriptions of the rig, as well as read in detail about my experiences buying and owning it, at http://www.andybaird.com/travels/>.
And if you go to http://www.andybaird.com/travels/gertie/improv.htm>, you'll find a large, illustrated collection of tips for enhancing an older LD.

Happy hunting, and I hope you find the LD of your dreams!

Andy Baird :-)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Used LD's
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19049
For Chuck Herbert:

Thanks for offering your 1996 LD for sale.  We are not purchasing right now.  I am still in the process of researching the entire RV life style.  I am sure my husband and I will purchase an LD - they seem to be a lot better than any of the other RV's out there.  I am looking forward to owning one.  But that day is still in the future.
There is SO much we need to learn.  It all sounds like a lot of fun.

Roz Jirge Concord, CA
Re: Used LD's - rv lifestyle...
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19053
Quote
For Chuck Herbert:

Thanks for offering your 1996 LD for sale.  We are not purchasing right now.  I am still in the process of researching the entire RV life style.  I am sure my husband and I will purchase an LD - they seem to be a lot better than any of the other RV's out there.  I am looking forward to owning one.  But that day is still in the
future.
 Roz, unless you are contemplating full-timing, bear in mind that few of us RV owners actually live an 'RV' lifestyle. We life the same lifestyle we always have - with the option of using our LD for vacation trips and getaways. We still work, play, travel and continue our daily suburban lives as we did before we had that option. An RV doesn't have to be the focal point of your lifestyle any more than any other accessory you own to enjoy it.

On the other hand, if you are contemplating selling your worldly goods and becoming a road gypsy, then that is even more reason to get the RV now. You can make a much better decision about such a move with a taste of it under your belt.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Used LD's
Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19029
Quote
From:

What has been your experience of purchasing used LD's?  Have there been any serious problems with the used models?
 I bought a 1998 23.5 Twin/King in December of 2001.  When I found it, I called the sellor, and after discussing the condition of the RV, I wired him $1000 in earnest money to hold it until I could get there (there was in Arizona; I live in Dallas, TX).  The agreement was that, if the RV was as he described it, I would buy it upon examination.  It was as he described it, and we bought it the day we saw it.  We have been extremely happy with it.
 That said, it was a used vehicle.  We anticipated the need for some repairs to bring it up to "goood as new" condition.  We did have to spend quite a bit of money on it before we had it the way we wanted it, but MUCH less than the price of a new unit.  If you don't anticipate making some repairs, don't buy used.  That applies to a car, a truck, and certainly an RV.  There are lots of things that can go wrong.  Some of them probably will.  If you can find a unit that is still under warrenty, you might be better off.
 When you buy a used RV - LD or otherwise - if it doesn't have a warenty, I suggest that you buy an extended warenty from the most reliable source you can find.  After the first year you probably won't need it.  You should have a much better idea of its condidion by then.

Good luck, I believe LD's are the best.

Allen Scott
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Used LD's
Reply #9 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19045
I offer a 96 rear bath, kept in like new condition inside and out.  Must be seen to appreciate.

Chuck Herbert, 760 365 9170
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Used LD's
Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19047
There is little you can do to harm a Lazy Daze.  They are exceptionally built inside and out.  I've owned 4.  The Ford engines are good for over 200,000 miles.  Trans is iffy as in all vehicles.  You can pretty well tell by looking at a used one how it has been treated.  I know a couple of hundred Lazy Daze owners and I know for a fact they take very exceptional care of the units.

Chuck Herbert
 
Used LD's
Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19046
It is important to realize Lazy Daze uses the best in materials in their construction and there is little you can do to harm them if you just take a little care.

Chuck Herbert