NEED Advice Please

[Dave&Beth]

Hi All ~
Today we went to see a 1990 SP for sale. The coach has approx 100k miles, has been stored outside it's entire life and sitting for last 3 years. The owners said they have started it every couple of weeks to just run it. They are the original owners, had this coach custom built with a side aisle and several other options that we really liked.
I, as the wife really liked it but my husband (THE mechanic) is leery of the mechanics due to the outdoor exposure/sitting.
Can anyone give us any advice on a price to offer, possible problems or do we forget about it?
Thanks so much for your time!
Beth and David

[Randy Dupree]

questions!!
Stored outside?
In what area of the country?
under trees?
on top of ant hills?
near a corn silo?
In cold country?

Mice can be a problem.
Frozen pipes can be a problem.
Hows the paint?

[oldmansax]

I can't speak to personal preferences but as far as price is concerned here is a suggestion:

Start with the amount the coach is worth to YOU, with everything that YOU are concerned about working/fixed/painted/replaced.

Try EVERYTHING!!!!!!!

Deduct from the starting amount the cost of fixing/painting/replacing/whatever all the things YOU are concerned about.

Offer a couple or thousand less than that.

TOM

[Jeff]

Since they are the original owners

They should be able to tell u --service/generator/batteries/ brakes/ where's it been (mountains/out west/alaska/etc.

Deep survey of mechanical/electrical!!!!!/air systems!!!!
How long does it take to air up.

Fuel system/whats to fuel look like

EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ETC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Paint is a none mechanical item. Important, but often times much less critical than mechanical safety and pleareureability.

[Dave&Beth]

Thank you all for your replies!
The coach is in Gloucester VA, under trees in a gravel drive. The paint looks good, very minor rust. We would definitely need to do a more thorough inspection.... we really appreciate your feedback and your Wander-Wisdom. Your questions bring us back to reality. Although we would love to own this coach it appears to be too big a leap at the moment.
The owners are delightful people and are in need of a quick decision. Since this is new to us we will have to wait.... 😪
I have many pics on my phone if anyone would like to see.
Beth

[biobug]

Right up front you need to check the tire age ($4,000+-) and battery age($800+-). I would use a flashlight to check out the frame and undercarriage for rust and leaks since it is sitting in pretty much the same place. I would also pull the engine cover and look in the 3208 engine valley for standing diesel. The 2 recesses under the turbo on the back of the block can hold an Inch of oil or diesel. Check the cleanliness of the engine/valve covers for leaks and "Nests". Check cupboards for mice droppings. They love Wanderlodges too! They also love the insulation and wiring.
If it smokes on start up don't worry. They just do.. If it smokes after heading down the road under load after a minute or so , they shouldn't. Pump down the air brakes to under 20 lbs. On both needles and see how long it takes to build up pressure till it releases air. If you keep the engine at 1500 rpm the buzzer should go off in under 2 minutes.

[Rick]

Originally Posted by Dave&Beth

Thank you all for your replies!
The coach is in Gloucester VA, under trees in a gravel drive. The paint looks good, very minor rust. We would definitely need to do a more thorough inspection.... we really appreciate your feedback and your Wander-Wisdom. Your questions bring us back to reality. Although we would love to own this coach it appears to be too big a leap at the moment.
The owners are delightful people and are in need of a quick decision. Since this is new to us we will have to wait.... ������
I have many pics on my phone if anyone would like to see.
Beth

Beth, I would love to have the pictures. can you text to 870 715 nine six 39.

[Rick]

did the owners have a price in mind?

[Randy Dupree]

I have bought two coachs this year that have had stuck racks in the injector pump,from sitting.
I had to pull the pumps and have them rebuilt.

I bought an FC that had been sitting under trees for 10 years once,it was full of mice,ants and the AC units were full of leaves.
it took some work to clean it up.
Not saying this coach is that bad,but you need to pay attention,for sure.

[Dave&Beth]

The last price they had it listed for was 40k... I sent pics to your cell, Rick.