proctermma
Atlanta
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Joined: 01/17/2012
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Hello all, I am looking to make my first RV purchase. My wife and I have 4 children all under 4 and are looking for something to make trips home about 12 hours away easier, and also allow us to take more vacations, etc. I realize that I will want to upgrade soon, so I want to buy something cheaper first.
I am looking at this add:
1988 27' Coachman Leprechaun. Ford E-350 chassis and drivetrain. 55k miles 460 (7.5L) v8, auto transmission. Runs and drives great! Almost new tires. Interior is in great shape...very clean! Just had floors, beds, seats and blinds/ curtains steam cleaned. Has bed over cab, table that folds out into bed, and two twim beds in back. Has two swivel chairs and pull out table inbetween. Has full kitchen with fridge and freezer, stove, oven, microwave and sink. Has seperate toilet and shower areas. Tons of storage inside! Fully self-contained. Generator runs fine. Asking $5500 OBO.
How does that sound? What major questions should I ask and check out! Thanks again! Looking forward to moving into the RV community!
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Mandalay Parr
Phoenix, AZ
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Joined: 07/09/2004
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If you like it, go for it.
Jerry Parr
Full-time
2005 Mandalay 40B
Cat C7 350, 4 Slides
Blue Ox, Brake Buddy
2004 CR-V Toad
602-321-8141
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Mike& Rose
Lake & Horse country,Blackstone Valley MA
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Joined: 02/12/2007
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I would check out the seat belt arrangement and if a child's car seat will fit in the different locations.
For sleeping, we let the grandkids take the rear bedroom queen and we sleep in the cab over. Even with a safety net or rail, we feel safer with them closer to the ground.
See you on the road!
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Tiger4x4RV
San Diego County, California
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Joined: 03/14/2007
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proctermma wrote:4 children all under 4
Where will you attach the required car seats / booster seats?
Perhaps a van plus travel trailer would be a safer choice for your family for a few more years.
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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Welcome to the Forum first of all! And we can all see you're excited about this first RV!
But slow down a bit!
Is this being sold by a dealer or private party?
The NADA Blue Book of RV Values (Dealers, Banks and Sellers use this to establish preices) shows when it was new in 1988 it sold for an average of $37,195, now the low retail sale price runs between $2,040 and a high of $2,460. Even with the lower mileage, you are paying twice what it should be selling for, especially in the market today.
Negotiate a better deal, or if you are totally in love with it, take it to a RV mechanic BEFORE buying to get a inexpensive "physical" on it. Leaks and engine issues of a poorly maintained unit can become a nightmare and a "money pit"!
If it's what you want and need...go fer it!
I searched the Atlanta area on RVTrader.com and found in the close price range you are looking at several Class C's with the same miles around your price range. And even some Class A's.
Good luck and keep us posted. I'm just saying there may be better values out there!
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen. 
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kcgaz
Scottsdale, Arizona
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As other posters have said, check the seatbelt situation, my Class C MH has seatbelts in the two swivel chairs and on one side of the dinette for a total of 4 seatbelts in the coach. I would also check the tires (date code on side of tire) as well as have the unit checked out by a mechanic prior to purchasing. With a 24 year old unit you are bound to have to put some money into it no matter how well it has been maintained. Have fun, my daughters are now grown and out of the house now, but still talk about our camping adventures.
God Bless,
Kevin & Tracy
1993 Fleetwood Tioga Arrow, 30', Ford 460...Still on the road!
My Blog
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Stennis
Starkville, Mississippi
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We had a 31' Class A with the 460. It was fairly basic with few frills. Though we have had bigger and smaller, that RV may still be our favorite.
The unit sounds good but, given the age, I would have a professional check the motor, transmission, etc. Also get someone to check all of the RV type equipment.
Good luck.
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pompomgirl
Edmonds, WA
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Joined: 10/02/2011
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To us, when a vehicle is depreciated down into that price range, the difference between excellent condition and fair or even good condition is well worth $2K, even if that differential is half of the price. If you love the layout and interior, then on an '88 unit, it boils down to whether it's likely to get you stranded somewhere. If you have the mechanical systems checked out and they are in good shape, I'd go for it.
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proctermma
Atlanta
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Joined: 01/17/2012
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Wow thanks for all the great and fast responses. I am re-evaluating the possible purchase.
I might just go ahead and spend around 15K-20K and buy one about 10+ years newer. This might be better in the long run.
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gbopp
The Keystone State
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Joined: 08/03/2008
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Welcome to the forum.
Whatever you buy, check for leaks and the age of the tires.
Consider having a qualified RV tech do an inspection.
Ask lots of questions before you make a decision.
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