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Topic: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase) (Read 670 times) previous topic - next topic
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Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Greetings! 

We are researching this purchase and wondering what seasoned folk here think.  Considering the included info below, would you do it...or not...or maybe, based upon xyz?  Here is the Facebook listing:

Redirecting...

For those that don't have Facecrack, here are the deets:
  • 1999 Lazy Daze 30’ rear queen.
    72,000 miles
    V-10 E450
    Solar set up.
    Onan Generater 4k 130 hours
    No leaks.
    Missing original awning on passenger side. Has widow awnings on driver side.
    Vinyl floor.
    Brand new radiator.
    New water pump.
    New alternator.
    Tires are 4 years old and still really good.
    New 50” Smart Roku Ultra 4K TV
    New hot water heater.
    New 2000 watt inverter
    New microwave
    Spare mounted underneath with new tire.
    Cold A/C, fridge is good with ice maker that needs hooked up.
    Just got back from a 1400 mile trip.
    Has rebuilt title due to a blow out on passenger rear that has been completely replaced.

Rebuilt Title
Images of the damage and repair are included in the listing.  State Farm says they will insure rebuilt titles as long as they have the pictures of damage and repair. 

Are blowouts common on the 31s? I've seen a few listed with rebuilt titles due to blow outs.  Would it be due to overloading capacity?  Not changing tires every 5 years?  All of the above? 

When we visited a local 31 IB owner, he said it only takes changing your tire on the side of the road once to get serious about tires.  He invested $3800 in steel walled tires at Les Schwaub.  Sounds good to me.  What do you think?

Spark Plug Issue
I asked if they ever had any issues with the blown plugs.  They appeared to have decreased that possibility when they bought it.

She said:
"My husband did a complete service on it when we got it including all new spark plugs, and replaced any bad injectors and coil packs. He did say some of the spark plugs were a little loose but someone had been working on it before we got it so he just assumed that they didn’t tighten them back down.

There is a new radiator because the old one was plugged. He put in a new fan clutch a new water pump as well.
Basically anything that might give us problems on the road we tried to replace with new."  She also said he has been over the entire unit basically 6 ways to Sunday.

They are selling because they want to go smaller and have already bought their next RV.

Third Party Inspection
I found 2 NRVIA inspectors near them so I plan to have one check it out if we are to proceed.   Has anyone had any experience with either of these folk?

Rick West
Member Information | RV Service Group

Jim Wolf
Member Information | RV Service Group

If we have a 3rd party inspect, do we also grab the Used LD checklist from this group and do the overage ourselves?  I would assume yes - just asking anyway :)

Older RV Loan
My CU won't do anything older than 10 years so I've been looking elsewhere.  I have good credit.  So far, I found Salal CU will do it for a higher interest rate.  I like that they have in person branches. I think Alliance CU will do it also...they just dont have IRL branches.

Auto & Recreational Loans - Salal

Do you know of anywhere that will loan for older RVs?

That's all I can think of for now.  Thank you for whatever info, feedback, etc you can offer!
In Boldness & Gratitude,
Amy, Sebastian & Merkat ,,,^..^,,,
Future Laze Daze owners:  27?, 31IB or 31TB
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #1 –

"My husband did a complete service on it when we got it including all new spark plugs, and replaced any bad injectors and coil packs. He did say some of the spark plugs were a little loose but someone had been working on it before we got it so he just assumed that they didn’t tighten them back down. "




The pre-2004 V10s only have 4 spark plugs threads and they are prone to blowout as the vehicle ages. Finding a loose plug isn't a good sign, the aluminum sparkplug threads may already be damaged. I found two loose plugs in our 2003 V10 when changing the plugs at 84,000 miles.
About 13,000 miles later, a plug blew out and ultimately damaged the engine, requiring a very expensive replacement.

The spark plug threads can be drilled out, tapped and a new threaded, steel insert installed to eliminate this potential problem.
In SoCal, there is a business called Blown Spark Plug that does this modification, several forum members have had this done to their 2003 and older LDs as a preventative. It isn't cheap but it does eliminate this problem.
Blownoutsparkplug.com Ford Spark Plug Thread Repair

A good mechanic in your area should be able to do this job with a commercially available kit.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000Z9D6KW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have repaired a couple of V10s using the kit with good, long-term results.

Larry

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #2 –
>>>  No leaks

Either it’s true and there aren’t any, or there was one and it’s not visible.

I am by no means an expert on what to look for in a 23 year old Lazy Daze, beyond what Larry already mentioned about the state of the plug threads.

I am concerned that you’re needing to finance the 13.5K price, as older rigs can be costly to keep running.
Dave

2017 TK
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #3 –
Check the rear axle seals. When I sold my '02 30' the buyer discovered one was leaking. I had both replaced.

Chris

Formerly: 2002 30' IB
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Dave Katleman  - 

I am concerned that you’re needing to finance the 13.5K price, as older rigs can be costly to keep running.

We have had several forum members who have bought older LDs only to find they needed $10,000+ worth of work to make it drivable and dependable.
A thorough inspection of both the coach and chassis, by experience techs, can still miss things, not all problems are easily detectable. A sizable slush fund is advisable for those purchasing antique LDs.

It's been said many times before, RVing is not a cheap lifestyle.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
We have had several forum members who have bought older LDs only to find they needed $10,000+ worth of work to make it drivable and dependable.

Not to mention initial outfitting, unless the seller is giving you much of their "stuff." It can add up quickly!
Greg & Victoria
2017 Mid-Bath  “Nocona” towing a manual 2015 Forester
Previously a 1985 TK
SKP #61264
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #6 –
The concerns expressed in the previous posts are definitely on point. In addition to the apparent need to finance the low asking price, the type, extent, and quality of the work and product selection done by the husband are unknowns, and “unknowns” can turn into large outlays of cash very quickly, particularly if the buyer can’t do the work him/herself. Do move cautiously; good luck.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #7 –
Thank you for all your care and input.  It seems as if we will have to wait a bit longer before we are ready in a number of ways.  Le sigh.  So ready in all other ways to be outta here and on the road. 

Thank you!!
In Boldness & Gratitude,
Amy, Sebastian & Merkat ,,,^..^,,,
Future Laze Daze owners:  27?, 31IB or 31TB
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #8 –
The rig would be a good fit for someone. 

The low price is what you get in exchange for the uncertainty of an older vehicle.  Nothing in that age range will be without issues. 

The key is to find a buyer who is financially and mechanically able to handle them. 

We would all prefer a newer rig without the issues of age and mechanical uncertainty.  There are reasons that a new one of those costs $100k more than this one! 

Rich
2003 MB
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #9 –
November 2019 we bought our 26.5 mb for $7300.
The tires were two load range levels lower than required, replaced them. We installed two new Trojan batteries, had a steering damper installed and lots of brake work.  Could have waited a little on the brakes. Add about $5000 to the $7300 and we have used the LD once a month since plus a few longer trips. 
In the last few years maybe another $500 and then about $2000 to get the HWH levelers working.
We are very happy with our purchase. Having the money saved for the purchase and the repairs plus doing a lot of it myself was probably a big plus.
Would I consider this rig? Yes, if they didn't paint over the original interior. One thing I can't stand is people changing the interior in too many ways.
Editing to add,,just took another look at the interior. It doesn't look like an LD, I would probably not for that reason, but to each his own.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #10 –
By the time we sell everything, combined with income from work, we will have a sizable downpayment or slush fund for our RV.  We are planning to live in it, so currently what is currently spent on home rent will transfer to paying on a loan, or if the RV is PIF, into the slush fund.  I also will continue working.  I come from a line of folx who work well into their elder years bc we love what we do.  We are currently in our 50s.

We are planning to learn repairs ourselves to an extent.  We are handy enough to do a lot of things, and also, there are things that we won't be able to so definitely having the slush or back up fund is Impt.  We weren't planning to hit the road without one.

At any rate, we can wait.  We aren't ready to move out from our apt just yet anyway.  It just looked perfect in several ways so I thought why dont I ask and see what folx say.... :D

I am confident that everything will work out in perfect timing and also,  I dont see us living here longer than the end of this year. Preferably, we jet out before the extreme cold weather hits next winter. :D

Thank you again everyone!  Have a lovely weekend!

In Boldness & Gratitude,
Amy, Sebastian & Merkat ,,,^..^,,,
Future Laze Daze owners:  27?, 31IB or 31TB
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #11 –
Quote from: rich  - 
The low price is what you get in exchange for the uncertainty of an older vehicle.  Nothing in that age range will be without issues.
Amen!   That observation ought to be pinned as one of the RV 10 commandments.  At the end of the day, some listen and some don’t.  Those “don’t listen” stories are painful to read. 
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #12 –
Quote from: StevenJill  - 

Would I consider this rig? Yes, if they didn't paint over the original interior. One thing I can't stand is people changing the interior in too many ways.
Editing to add, just took another look at the interior. It doesn't look like an LD, I would probably not for that reason, but to each his own.

Many older rigs have painted interiors because the plastic coating on the walls and the door panels are peeling and shrinking over time. 
It happens to all LDs eventually as they age.
The bright white interiors are not attractive to me, they look like an RV from IKEA, a mix of colors would be a better choice, IMO.
The cabinet doors have real wood that can be refinished, with the inner panels painted or another surface treatment used.

Larry

Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #13 –
One more observation……
Generator hours.   At this time in its life this gen should have many more hours on it then 130 or so….   LD factory suggests at least one hour a month to keep it in working order.

Glen
personal fine art photo stuff
TF Mack | Flickr
It's all good .......
2014 Twin King
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #14 –
Quote from: colddog  - 
One more observation……
Generator hours.   At this time in its life this gen should have many more hours on it then 130 or so….   LD factory suggests at least one hour a month to keep it in working order.

Glen

And run under load (with the things turned on) as well... I believe the equation is:
RV Years old x 12 = number of hours generator should have been run.

Yes? :)

I'm learning :D



In Boldness & Gratitude,
Amy, Sebastian & Merkat ,,,^..^,,,
Future Laze Daze owners:  27?, 31IB or 31TB
 
Re: Is She a Yay, Ney or Maybeh? (Considering this purchase)
Reply #15 –
Hi Amy, as with any generality involving things there are exceptions. My generator at 23 years old and at 125 hours is quite healthy. Almost all of it's hours are for maintenance and the condition of the speed governor, altitude settings, oil and level and general usage are carefully watched. San Diego is a relatively dry area. (not quite desert, but not generally very humid). So it is not a precise thing and certainly not a very meaningful criteria to reject a purchase. The Onan Emerald II is very durable, and noisy.
    I have more than a surface connection to a '99, since my own coach is also a '99.  I, like Larry, don't care so much for the white interior motif, but then that isn't very important or permanent. The flooring is nice, the gray walls is your choice.  The repair of the wheel well is more common than one might think, and appears to have been done well. (This is characteristic of what an automobile insurance policy will do. They don't coordinate different repair entities, such as Ford and LD, for repairs. They don't have adjusters, generally, with this experience. If it looks too complicated they just 'total' it and pay you a pittance as an escape clause)  That is another factor in full time living in an older RV, nearly valueless in the eyes of insurance companies. 
    73k miles is good, and the low generator hours indicate to me that there wasn't someone actually living in it on the road. Wear and tear inside will show if it was lived in in a park situation. For your situation it looks like a good choice. Roof and window condition is the primary concern.   It will be easy to overload this chassis, especially as a fulltimer.  But you need to start somewhere.  Your lifestyle and experiences may lead you in a different direction, but this seems to me a good step in the right direction. To paraphrase Joan,  YM (Will) V.       RonB
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB