Re: Another (hopefully) soon to be newbie :)
It is a great idea to get a mechanic to inspect it. I've read of other people doing the same from a distance.
A 1991 model is 20 years old now...... It will probably need something.
Rust is a warning. I took a chance and got on a plane to go and buy a 1997 GMC camper van but the seller assured me that there was no rust. None. I had a list of questions etc. written down and he answered them all. I did not arrange a mechanical inspection but the unit had just passed an annual safety inspection and it only had 64,000kms (40,000 miles). I'm happy with it.
In contrast, my 1998 Dodge, the body is good enough but even though it had been rust checked (oil coating) regularly by the seller the underneath has a lot of rust. I going to lose $$$ when I sell it after owning it less than 2 years. A mechanic probably would have spotted the problems I didn't.
You are at a disadvantage when you travel to buy an RV as you are most likely going to purchase it when you have already spent a few hundred just getting there.
'86 to '92 is older than what I'm familiar with. I don't know what your budget is. When I was looking this past spring a 1994 Coach House or Coachmen (can't remember exactly) sold for $12,000 and a 2003 Roadtrek sold for $25,000. The '94 needed work on the air conditioner and the generator but had just gotten new ball joints and brakes.
I had to replace the water heater on my 1997 - a $500 repair.
If you have someone who can look at it and send you lots of photos of the body and frame underneath that will help you decide if you are still interested and then get a mechanic to inspect.
Hopefully a few others here will have some advice for you.
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