Wanting to buy first motorhome - advice needed

I bought a 1998 Motorhome a couple of years ago and collect classic vehicles. One thing you can be sure is that there will be costs for repairing something bigger than you thought from the outset so factor that in. There is always something needing fixed or replaced on older motorhomes and at times have questioned why I bought an older one! The thing is you could have a lot of trouble with ones half that age. Others will contribute and if you search the forum you will find others who have asked a similar question, even quite recently.

The key thing to look for is damp and to bring someone mechanically minded to check over that side of things. Even with all the checks you can still expect a surprise with any older vehicle whether it is a car or anything else.

The advantage of buying an older one is that you can see if the hobby/ layout of the Motorhome etc is for you. If you want to change the Motorhome for what ever reason after a few years it should cost you less in depreciation hopefully. I’m sure as others will say, layout is key so look at plenty of models whether online or at dealerships. You don’t tend to see ones as old as mine at dealerships but you can see similar layouts perhaps.

Don’t buy one. It’ll consume your life. You’ll be at work looking at the forecast and thinking how can I get out of work. It’s much better to book a B&B and then find your neighbours either snore really loudly or play their music til stupid o clock really loud where as in your MH if your neighbours are annoying you’ll be able to move. Weather bad, handbrake off move, pay expensive site fees no need park on the edge of a lake, river or beach, water not your thing then forests, mountains or rolling hills.

But if you insist, get a habitation check done before handing over any money and walk away if there is excessive damp. Check every appliance works, the taps & shower works, heating works, fridge works. Well just check everything.

You’ll end up “improving” your van and it will cost but if you have a good base you can do it over time and to suit your budget.

Just to add to the lads above, rust is a problem on older models.
Slide in underneath and have a look.
I wouldn't be familiar with the model listed in the original question.
Another thing to check would the quality of the mattress and seating cushions and sit or lie on each one. On older models the foam may not support you sufficient due to decay.
Happy hunting

Be careful where you buy, some dodgy dealers and individuals out there. Don't part with any money until you are 100% satisfied, BUYER BEWARE. If you put in your county there may be a craicer close to you who'd be happy to talk you through a few things. Welcome to the craic and happy hunting.

The best advice i can give you is, take all the advice given. Most of the members here know what they are talking about when it comes to buying.
Check everything.

Our rule now is if you smell air fresheners, walk away. We were caught out with our first motorhome, it was bought from a dealer who fixed it under warranty, I asked how it passed their checks , hab check etc. He tried to tell me it could have happened after we had bought it , 3 months before!!! Check everything, look in every corner round windows and doors, , and bring a damp meter.

Aside from the habitation, check, check and check again under the bonnet. Pay a mechanic to come with you to give it the once over, including a test drive.
Otherwise you may pay the price very soon after, as I have learned. That aside, this is our first camper and we love it. If there's just two of you, I'd still consider looking at 4 berth models for layout and space. Research this well before buying. We hired caravans a couple of times first (cheaper than hiring a camper) and found we didn't like fixed bed at the back, due to my husband's height. Also found that bunks suited us with kids etc... and with that in mind, we wanted a tall boot for all their outdoor gear. So think about the type of trips you might make and how you would accommodate both yourselves and your stuff.

As someone pointed out to me, this is not a cheap holiday thing, this is a lifestyle thing. We love the freedom of deciding just to hit the road, even for a night. No, it won't get used every weekend but it will get used when we can and same for the summer. Enjoy

Good luck with your new purchase - enjoy.