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rv:assessment [2017/08/17 18:58]
frater_secessus [Mechanic's inspection] 		rv:assessment [2021/08/18 15:53]
frater_secessus [rust]
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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 ====
  
-Phybere, discussing Ford vans, says this about rust: +Rust-free is better than rusted, but body panel rust is less serious than frame rust (for example).  Your mechanic will be able to advise what is cosmetic and what is problematic. 
-> "The spot to check on these is on the rear suspension, where the leaf springs attach to the body (the shackles). If something rusts off, that's gonna be first. There will be rust, but in general it's fine if the rusted thing isn't rotten/flaking apart."((https://www.reddit.com/r/vandwellers/comments/5gpib3/looking_at_a_2003_ford_e250_is_this_amount_of/dauxlhb/)) +
-===== Miles =====+
  
 +==== known issues ====
 +
 +All vehicle platforms have known issues;  these are weak points or problems that may happen more frequently on that platform compared to others.   There are no perfect vans, no perfect campers. 
 +
 +Knowing what the common issues are can help you look for (or ask about) common problems.  [[rv:van_issues|Here]] is an attempt to collect known issues on various platforms.
 +
 +
 +===== Miles =====
  
 +FIXME
 ===== Your assessment ===== ===== Your assessment =====
  
 +FIXME
  
  
rv/assessment.txt · Last modified: 2024/02/12 18:43 by princess_fluffypants

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