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CGWizard · 05-02-2010, 07:23 AM

Please excuse my question as I know many in the same vein have been asked over and over HOWEVER, I really have no where to turn on this.

I am looking at RVs to enter retirement. I plan on a cross-country trip to visit family and relatives and then using it to live in while I make the transition from North to South and work to leisure.

My wife and I recently looked at a 2000 Fleetwood Flair. The inside is unusually well kept and almost looks as though it were not used at all except for the bathroom tub. The price was reasonable, very reasonable in regard to NADA value.

It has a Triton V10 with roughly 40K miles on a Ford chassis. Usual amenities, three burning stove, microwave, TV, etc. It has one slide out.

Two things concern me: while waiting for the salesman, I looked underneath the MH and there is a lot of rust. More rust than I would think but not being from the North, figured it to be "salted roads". The other thing was that upon doing a "Carfax", found the title to go from one owner having purchased it in 2001 and renewing registration each year about the same time until early in 2003 when it was last registered for renewal. From then until 2009, there was no record of registration and the MH was bought by a dealer from a bank.

Can anyone give me any information about whether or not I should be looking at this or running from this?

Thank you all. We hope to be Rv'ing soon but want get the best we can get for the money and not find secrets later. Aside from an inspection, does this sound good? The cost is about 24K.

Rich and Cork · 05-02-2010, 10:05 AM

With so many RVs on the market today, I think you have answered your own question and will move on to another rig. Good luck on your search.

GaryKD · 05-02-2010, 10:35 AM

Hi CGWizard,
Welcome to iRV2. For me, I'd move on to another coach. That being said, there are some things to consider.
1. The well kept interior is eye candy. It's nice, but you'll be making the coach your own and will alter the interior to suit you.
2. Rust is bad. Once it starts, it doesn't stop. There may be rust where you can not see it.
3. Lack of use not abuse is the largest threat to a coach.
4. How old are the tires? Check the date stamp, on the sidewall. Due to the age and lack of use, most likely they will need to be replaced.
5. All the batteries may need to be replaced.
6. Floor plan sells the coach. If you really want this coach (or any pre-owned coach) before purchasing, see if you can buy a service contract for 1 year. Good Sam might be a place to start to determine if the coach is eligible and the cost. Read the contract to make sure you understand what you are insured for.
7. For any pre-owned coach, have a certified automotive and coach technician check out the coach. They should make sure all the major components work and are not in need of major maintenance.
8. Drive a coach before you buy. At least 50 miles. Most of the drive should be at highway speeds. Get the feel of the steering and drive train. Listen for noises.
9. Make sure you personally run the generator. Turn on the A/C unit(s). Bol water in the microwave. Let it run for a good 15 minutes. Make sure it produces electricity to power the high draw appliances.
10. The coach will need all the fluids (oil, coolant, tranny fluid, etc.) replaced. With a coach, this is not cheap.
Good luck and post here with your questions.

CGWizard · 05-02-2010, 11:37 AM

Thank all of you for your quick replies, Cork and KD. I have bought a few houses in my time (58 years) and never had to be near as cautious as how RVs are portrayed and what you are actually getting. I put a small deposit on this one and will ask for a return or simply learn my less than cheap lesson. Bless you all.
the Wiz

RV Wizard · 05-03-2010, 02:17 AM

Hello CGWizard and welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us here and we look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. I am sure you will enjoy the website and forums. Gary has given you some good info. Take your time they are going for well below NADA guidelines. Good luck and keep us posted.