Know anything about cars? - GoFuckYourself.com

Halcyon · 05-19-2007, 05:28 PM

I'm buying a beater RV to bring to Burning Man.

Which should I weigh heavier? Age or mileage?

I'm debating getting a '91 with 100K miles. Seems to run good.
For the same price I could get one about 5 years older, but half the mileage.

I am NOT a mechanic, so "easy to fix" is much less important than, "rarely breaks down." I'd rather have fewer, but more expensive, repairs.

age or mileage?

WarChild · 05-19-2007, 05:32 PM

I would count mileage as doing more damage over time than age.

If you can get someone to help you check out a few things out on your perspective purchase, it will be a big help.

Compression test is easy to do. I can probably even tell you how to do it on the internet, it's pretty simple. This will tell you a bit about what kind of shape the engine is in. Are the all cylinders running well or have one or more lost compression?

If it's an automatic, check the transmission fluid. It shouldn't be burnt.

Check the oil that's in the engine. Is it fairly clean or jet black? If it's jet black it's been in the engine too long and speaks to the kind of care the previous owner has given to the engine.

These are just a few simple things to check, the list could go on and on. Try and find a friend with a little knowledge to help.

Timbo · 05-19-2007, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarChild

I would count mileage as doing more damage over time than age.

If you can get someone to help you check out a few things out on your perspective purchase, it will be a big help.

Compression test is easy to do. I can probably even tell you how to do it on the internet, it's pretty simple. This will tell you a bit about what kind of shape the engine is in. Are the all cylinders running well or have one or more lost compression?

If it's an automatic, check the transmission fluid. It shouldn't be burnt.

Check the oil that's in the engine. Is it fairly clean or jet black? If it's jet black it's been in the engine too long and speaks to the kind of care the previous owner has given to the engine.

These are just a few simple things to check, the list could go on and on. Try and find a friend with a little knowledge to help.

100% dead on

aico · 05-19-2007, 05:40 PM

Rent one...

Halcyon · 05-19-2007, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aico

Rent one...

Renting will cost me 2000 for the trip. Buying used will cost Under 8K. (and then I can deck it out in pink fur)

WarChild · 05-19-2007, 05:45 PM

Are you a member of any auto clubs? Many of them will do inspections on site or at their locations for vehicle purchases. I know the big one in Vancouver does it for non members too, at a higher price. It's still less than a few hundred dollars and will find any major problems.

Screaming · 05-19-2007, 05:46 PM

A friend of mine wants to go to that and sell n2o balloons lol

aico · 05-19-2007, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Renting will cost me 2000 for the trip. Buying used will cost Under 8K. (and then I can deck it out in pink fur)

But renting will come with roadside assistance, towing, insurance, and an RV that is more likely not to break down.

Buy a bus and convert it. This one looks Pimp http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/rvs/332370771.html

Halcyon · 05-19-2007, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Screaming

A friend of mine wants to go to that and sell n2o balloons lol

If he tries to charge money, he will be chased off and ridiculed. He might want to read more about the event.

Halcyon · 05-19-2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarChild

Are you a member of any auto clubs? Many of them will do inspections on site or at their locations for vehicle purchases. I know the big one in Vancouver does it for non members too, at a higher price. It's still less than a few hundred dollars and will find any major problems.

Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Maybe I'll get inspections on 2 from the same person and have them give me a recommendation.

Huggles · 05-19-2007, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Renting will cost me 2000 for the trip. Buying used will cost Under 8K. (and then I can deck it out in pink fur)

Hey Hal,

Just make sure you test the cooling system before you go, maybe stock a replacement fuel pump if it's electrical.

Halcyon · 05-19-2007, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Huggles

Hey Hal,

Just make sure you test the cooling system before you go, maybe stock a replacement fuel pump if it's electrical.

good info!

WarChild · 05-19-2007, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Maybe I'll get inspections on 2 from the same person and have them give me a recommendation.

I'd say pick one you like, and have it inspected. You'll get a run down on any problems it has and you can probably bargain based on that. If it's too much trouble, pick another.

Halcyon · 05-19-2007, 06:43 PM

good feedback. Thank you!

stickyfingerz · 05-19-2007, 06:53 PM

Age is important with an RV too. Check that the roof doesnt leak. Prob not a big problem in the desert though

Damian_Maxcash · 05-19-2007, 06:59 PM

I heard they generally have wheels - but I could be wrong.

schneemann · 05-19-2007, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarChild

I would count mileage as doing more damage over time than age.

If you can get someone to help you check out a few things out on your perspective purchase, it will be a big help.

Compression test is easy to do. I can probably even tell you how to do it on the internet, it's pretty simple. This will tell you a bit about what kind of shape the engine is in. Are the all cylinders running well or have one or more lost compression?

If it's an automatic, check the transmission fluid. It shouldn't be burnt.

Check the oil that's in the engine. Is it fairly clean or jet black? If it's jet black it's been in the engine too long and speaks to the kind of care the previous owner has given to the engine.

These are just a few simple things to check, the list could go on and on. Try and find a friend with a little knowledge to help.

Excellent advice. Some clarifications

1 - Compression test: Make sure each cylinder is within 10% of the others.
2 - Transmission fluid should smell sweet and be a reddish color. Brown & burnt is bad
3 - Pull the dipstick and look at the oil on the dipstick. As Warchild said, black oil is bad. If it is black it hasn't been changed in a long time and as Warchild said it speaks volumes for what sort of care the vehicle had. Also, make sure you don't notice anything that resembles small globs of chocolate milkshake. That means coolant and oil are mixing. It could indicate a cracked head or blown head gasket.
4 - Another good indicator are the tires. If they have any sort of weird wear pattern, i.e. cupping or wear on the edges, it could also speak about the owners level of care because it means they aren't getting it aligned and stuff.
5 - If you can, try to take off a valve cover. The cylinder head should not have any sludge anywhere.

Generally speaking, RVs tend to only get highway miles. That's a good thing. Long highway trips mean the engine is running at very high temperatures which reduces the chance of sludge buildup.

I would ALWAYS go for low miles over age anyday. In fact, try to find something as old as you can with as few miles as you can and you'll probably get a good deal.

latinasojourn · 05-19-2007, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Halcyon

I'm buying a beater RV to bring to Burning Man.

Which should I weigh heavier? Age or mileage?

age or mileage?

neither.

IMO 7K for that unit is way too high. you are paying calif price for an RV.

now go to ebay or RVtrader.com and look for units in the cold states where they have lower mileage on average, people are sick and tired of them sitting in the back yard and there's a bunch of them for sale everywhere.

DBS.US · 05-19-2007, 10:51 PM

AsianDivaGirlsWebDude · 05-19-2007, 11:25 PM

A pink RV sounds so gauche - why not try something with more panache...

Or you could also choose a Pink Panzer:

ADG

AsianDivaGirlsWebDude · 05-19-2007, 11:26 PM

A pink RV sounds so gauche - why not try something with more panache...

Or you could also choose a Pink Panzer:

ADG

Shoehorn! · 05-19-2007, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBS.US

Fap · 05-19-2007, 11:46 PM

They both play big factors.. but 100k is a lot.. i dont know much about RV engines.. but with cars i usually dont get anything over 90k but i mean it's pretty cheap.. check for rust in the engine/headers if all checks out i say go for it

the Shemp · 05-19-2007, 11:59 PM

16 year old RV vs a 21 year old RV....
avoid both of them..

Halcyon · 05-20-2007, 01:48 AM

I have partied on this bus many times.

it is AMAZING. Sound system is INSANE.

WarChild · 05-20-2007, 02:06 AM

Just get a van like this

Then if badguys try to take over burning man you'll automatically have all the tools you need in the back to build a chi powered pink hug cannon and save the day.

Halcyon · 05-20-2007, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WarChild

Just get a van like this

Then if badguys try to take over burning man you'll automatically have all the tools you need in the back to build a chi powered pink hug cannon and save the day.

Unfortunately, that van is wanted for crimes it didn't commit.

miss_twisted · 05-20-2007, 04:53 AM

I just skimmed so if no one mentioned it Hal, get service records, they should tell you a lot.

We used to travel a lot with friends who had one that broke down about every trip, it didn't have a lot of mileage on it, but was a POS.

Take a look at the service record if it has been in for everything under the sun, get the other one!

05-19-2007, 05:28 PM	#1
Halcyon Spread The Pink! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: TrampStampStudios.com Posts: 8,609	Know anything about cars? I'm buying a beater RV to bring to Burning Man. Which should I weigh heavier? Age or mileage? I'm debating getting a '91 with 100K miles. Seems to run good. For the same price I could get one about 5 years older, but half the mileage. I am NOT a mechanic, so "easy to fix" is much less important than, "rarely breaks down." I'd rather have fewer, but more expensive, repairs. age or mileage? __________________ HAL on TEDx:

05-19-2007, 05:32 PM	#2
WarChild Let slip the dogs of war. Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bermuda Posts: 17,263	I would count mileage as doing more damage over time than age. If you can get someone to help you check out a few things out on your perspective purchase, it will be a big help. Compression test is easy to do. I can probably even tell you how to do it on the internet, it's pretty simple. This will tell you a bit about what kind of shape the engine is in. Are the all cylinders running well or have one or more lost compression? If it's an automatic, check the transmission fluid. It shouldn't be burnt. Check the oil that's in the engine. Is it fairly clean or jet black? If it's jet black it's been in the engine too long and speaks to the kind of care the previous owner has given to the engine. These are just a few simple things to check, the list could go on and on. Try and find a friend with a little knowledge to help. __________________ .

05-19-2007, 05:45 PM	#6
WarChild Let slip the dogs of war. Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bermuda Posts: 17,263	Are you a member of any auto clubs? Many of them will do inspections on site or at their locations for vehicle purchases. I know the big one in Vancouver does it for non members too, at a higher price. It's still less than a few hundred dollars and will find any major problems. __________________ .

05-19-2007, 05:46 PM	#7
Screaming I can change this!!!!! Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 18,972	A friend of mine wants to go to that and sell n2o balloons lol __________________

05-19-2007, 06:43 PM	#14
Halcyon Spread The Pink! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: TrampStampStudios.com Posts: 8,609	good feedback. Thank you! __________________ HAL on TEDx:

05-19-2007, 05:40 PM	#4
aico Moo Moo Cow Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Washington State Posts: 14,748	Rent one...

05-19-2007, 06:53 PM	#15
stickyfingerz Doin fine Industry Role: Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 24,983	Age is important with an RV too. Check that the roof doesnt leak. Prob not a big problem in the desert though

05-19-2007, 06:59 PM	#16
Damian_Maxcash So Fucking Banned Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: MaxCash.com Posts: 12,745	I heard they generally have wheels - but I could be wrong.

05-19-2007, 10:51 PM	#19
DBS.US Geo Cities Industry Role: Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: North Captiva Island, Florida USA Posts: 11,832	__________________ Make a Free Chaturbate White Label site in 34 minutes and be making money tonight

05-19-2007, 11:25 PM	#20
AsianDivaGirlsWebDude Purveyor, Fine Asian Porn Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 38,323	A pink RV sounds so gauche - why not try something with more panache... Or you could also choose a Pink Panzer: ADG __________________ Asian Diva Girls - Exclusive Photos and Videos Asian Diva Girls Affiliate Program (50% ccBill Revshare)

05-19-2007, 11:26 PM	#21
AsianDivaGirlsWebDude Purveyor, Fine Asian Porn Industry Role: Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 38,323	A pink RV sounds so gauche - why not try something with more panache... Or you could also choose a Pink Panzer: ADG __________________ Asian Diva Girls - Exclusive Photos and Videos Asian Diva Girls Affiliate Program (50% ccBill Revshare)

05-19-2007, 11:46 PM	#23
Fap Just Du It Industry Role: Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 12,094	They both play big factors.. but 100k is a lot.. i dont know much about RV engines.. but with cars i usually dont get anything over 90k but i mean it's pretty cheap.. check for rust in the engine/headers if all checks out i say go for it

05-19-2007, 11:59 PM	#24
the Shemp congrats to the winners Industry Role: Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Echo Beach Posts: 10,891	16 year old RV vs a 21 year old RV.... avoid both of them.. __________________ i use Vacares...so should you Submit your picture galleries to my site...Outlaw TGP

05-20-2007, 01:48 AM	#25
Halcyon Spread The Pink! Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: TrampStampStudios.com Posts: 8,609	I have partied on this bus many times. it is AMAZING. Sound system is INSANE. __________________ HAL on TEDx:

05-20-2007, 02:06 AM	#26
WarChild Let slip the dogs of war. Industry Role: Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Bermuda Posts: 17,263	Just get a van like this Then if badguys try to take over burning man you'll automatically have all the tools you need in the back to build a chi powered pink hug cannon and save the day. __________________ .

05-20-2007, 04:53 AM	#28
miss_twisted Confirmed User Join Date: Apr 2005 Posts: 425	I just skimmed so if no one mentioned it Hal, get service records, they should tell you a lot. We used to travel a lot with friends who had one that broke down about every trip, it didn't have a lot of mileage on it, but was a POS. Take a look at the service record if it has been in for everything under the sun, get the other one! __________________ I have no siggy and I want no siggy.. damn no I have one again!