Swans_song

Thanks for all the great advice here! We drove 3 hours to check it out, took one step inside and realized that unfortunately the seller misrepresented the rig. This poor escaper had been the victim of some SERIOUS water damage... my bf referred to it as a "flood victim". From the moment we stepped inside (onto the plywood base) we were disappointed to find a VERY soft, rotted floor and a strong mold smell. Although we are prepared to make our toy our own with customizations and upgrades, a total rehab is not in the books for us. I did take it for a quick test drive since I've never driven one and we did drive all the way there, and that went well. BF did point out some mechanical things that would need to be replaced soon, and the overdrive switch was stuck off. That also wont work for us since we live at 10,000 feet elevation and we have to go over a mountain pass in every direction to leave the valley. Although the original onan generator did start right up, there was the faint smell of something funky... what Ryan says is probably carbon monoxide... in the cab once it was on. So what did we learn today? We may need a V6 for where we live. We also aren't interested in gutting the coach or a total rehab project, so something that is slightly turn-key with of course on-going customizations and upgrades. AVOID MOLD and rotted anything. I don't see many of these pop up for sale where we live, but we're watching craigslist diligently! Any suggestions on which models to focus on for the V6? I believe it's the early 90's dolphins but can't seem to find anywhere to confirm that.

IF we end up buying this one - or the one we finally do purchase - we'll be driving it to Maine this summer/ fall. Boyfriend is from just north of Portland. I like the dome idea but not sure if we'd be able to pull that off where we currently live. I guess i could look into storing it down near Denver where the weather is much more mild. A Yes. I'm a little concerned at why there is no mattress in the upper level. I'm guessing that is where the leak originated, which is probably pretty common. Is it difficult to find the mattress for the upper bed? We're thinking about offering something closer to $3.5k depending on what it looks like when we get there. It obviously needs work and we would rather spend the money improving. So easy to get excited about these vehicles! I hope we can find one and start making it our own soon. Thanks for your advice!

Thanks for your comment. I really like the layout of the rig and what I've been reading about the motors. I'm concerned about the leak, and storing in the winter. We live in the mountains of Colorado and though this winter was pretty mild, we usually get some wet storms in early spring. Am I right to be concerned? Are there known issues to look for when we go see it this evening? They have the rig listed at $4500 with a known leak and tires that will likely need to be replaced soon. Thoughts on negotiating and value?

Hello! I am looking at a 1987 Toyota Escaper with 77k on the engine. We're supposed to drive over to it today... 3 hours away.. and boy I wish I had found this site earlier! Anyways, I guess I am just looking for any advice I can get. I have never owned a camper or RV but have recently become obsessed with the Toyota mini motorhomes late 80's early 90's. My boyfriend grew up working on engines. American motors mostly, but we both currently drive Toyotas and drank the koolaid. He has a 99 Tacoma and very familiar with the motor at this point. Here's what I know. CRAIGSLIST AD "1987 Toyota Escaper22 RE engineRuns and DrivesRe-roofed with urethane in early 2016Tinted windows for UV shielding and heat controlShe has overdrive and cruise " Communications with owner "Former leak has been re-sealed NOT re-roofed with urethane based roofing sealer. , tires in fair condition, minor rust, timing chain, water pump replaced at 66k, original onan generator works fine." We pulled the carfax report and found all major repairs were made, and that it has had mANy owners... about 10 I believe. There was a mileage discrepancy but I spoke with the dealer it was reported through and they admitted to human error. Otherwise, no red flags. Any advice out there for a total RV newbie? Thanks! Lauren