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rv:assessment [2017/08/17 18:55]
frater_secessus [Miles] 		rv:assessment [2021/08/18 15:44]
frater_secessus [Miles]
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 ===== title and registerability ===== ===== title and registerability =====
  
-The first +A **clear title in the seller's name** is mandatory.   Most people will want a normal title.  Some with mechanical skills and a sense of adventure will accept a SALVAGE or LEMON title.  Regardless, it has to be in the seller's name. 
 + 
 + 
 +==== learn the issuing state's title types ==== 
 + 
 +//Before you talk to the seller// learn what the vehicle's title should look like.  This will vary by state.  In Texas, for example, normal titles are blue.  [[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvage_title|Salvage titles]] may be red, green, or have a red SALVAGE stamp ("brand") on them. 
 + 
 + 
 +==== ask the seller the right questions ==== 
 + 
 +  - do you have a [normal], non-salvage title in hand? 
 +  - is it registered in your name (ie, the name on your driver's license) 
 +  - will I be able to see the title when I come to see the vehicle? 
 + 
 +If the answer to any of these questions is seems shady, complicated, or uninformed it may be wise to pass.  
 + 
 +Tales of woe like these are red flags: 
 +  * "I have the title somewhere, I'll look for it", or 
 +  * "I never registered it", or  
 +  * "I lost the title but you can get a replacement easily", or 
 +  * "it actually belongs to my mom/friend/dog/etc"  
 + 
 +==== run the VIN ==== 
 + 
 +VIN checks are not perfect but can often provide usable information about a potential vehicle.  Individual checks can be expensive, so if you are in heavy hunting mode it can be much cheaper to get a bulk allotment of VIN checks or an unlimited number in a certain period.   
 + 
 +The most popular VIN check service is Carfax.   
 + 
 +Next in line is [[https://www.autocheck.com/|Autocheck]]. 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +  * paid services 
 +    * carfax 
 +    * [[https://www.autocheck.com/|autocheck]] - [[https://www.autocheck.com/vehiclehistory/autocheck/en/AutoCheck-vehicle-history-reports/25-Reports-for-21-Days/p/10025|bulk checks available]] 
 +  * free checks 
 +    * [[https://www.nicb.org/how-we-help/vincheck|National Insurance Crime Bureau]] check for stolen or salvage (totaled) 
 +    * [[https://www.vehiclehistory.com/|vehiclehistory.com]] 
 +    * [[https://www.carfax.com/press/resources/flooded-cars|Carfax flood check (free)]] 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +===== construction ===== 
 + 
 +> "Interior cabinetry is a good indication of overall construction quality. Cabinets made of paper veneer over particle board or MDF are cheap, and are indicative of the overall cost target for the construction. Rvs that are targeted for weekend use can be made inexpensively because they don't get much wear and tear." -- Gary RV_Wizard((http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php/topic,67978.msg621288.html#msg621288)) 
 + 
  
  
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 The general advice on the CRVL forums is to buy on condition first.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-What-matters-most-Age-Or-Miles)) The general advice on the CRVL forums is to buy on condition first.((http://www.cheaprvliving.com/forums/Thread-What-matters-most-Age-Or-Miles))
  
 +A vehicle with lots of miles but in good condition with all maintenance records may be a better bet than a vehicle with fewer miles but in rougher condition or with unknown maintenance history.
  
 ==== rust ==== ==== rust ====
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 ===== Miles ===== ===== Miles =====
  
 +FIXME
 ===== Your assessment ===== ===== Your assessment =====
  
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 On new or nearly-new vehicles the mechanic may find nothing interesting.  On older vehicles there will generally be work needed immediately or at some future time ;  the mech will be able to ballpark the costs of the needed repairs.  On new or nearly-new vehicles the mechanic may find nothing interesting.  On older vehicles there will generally be work needed immediately or at some future time ;  the mech will be able to ballpark the costs of the needed repairs. 
 +
 +==== non-local vehicles ====
 +
 +If the vehicle is not local to you, consider asking a forum member who lives in that area to lay eyes on it for you.  It won't be an inspection but can give you an idea whether or not to buy a bus or train ticket to see it for yourself.
 +
 +There are also RV and Vehicle inspectors who will travel to the vehicle to inspect it.  The price is generally higher and they will not be able to lift the vehicle onto an overhead rack for thorough underside inspection.
 +
  
  
rv/assessment.txt · Last modified: 2024/02/12 18:43 by princess_fluffypants

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