shoshinzen Posted July 23, 2016 Share Posted July 23, 2016 Hey guys, I've been lurking the Yahoo forums for years, and searching for an 18ft Sunrader for about as long.. Finally found a 1985 2 hours away from where I live in Canada, which is a bit of a white whale situation for me! It'll definitely need some interior work, and I am willing to put the time & money in. I've been looking for one anywhere in Canada for years and this is the first one I have found that's the length/model config I am interested in! It's got under 70 thou kms, (not miles!), and I know the rear axle has been upgraded. The outer shell is a bit dirty but doesn't leak.. They are asking $5k CDN. I'm wondering what I should be looking for as glaring "run the hell away" red flags? Some sort of Sunrader buyers checklist? I'm not mechanically savvy, but I've enlisted a local mechanic to have a look at it should it pass my initial inspection. I've ascertained that the engine revs a little high, which might end up needing some transmission work, but the owner believes it's a fluids issue, not mechanical. Also wondering how much extra height a roof mounted AC adds to the rig.. and how difficult it is to remove temporarily (the garage I am hoping to store it in has a 10ft rolling door.) (Note I tried to search the forums for a "Buyer's Guide" here and the Yahoo groups, and while I had zero luck there -they don't really have much in the way of advanced search tools or sticking posts- and the threads I found here were for other non-fiberglass models. One of the threads I found here mentioned a checklist on the Yahoo group with a broken link?) Anyway, you're welcome to point me in the right direction! if this question has been addressed elsewhere on here.. I can post some photos and the ad info if it'll help? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted July 23, 2016 Share Posted July 23, 2016 IF the 'high revving' is only a fluids issue, tell him to have the fluids changed and cure the problem before you'll entertain paying that price. Otherwise assume you'll be looking at at least the cost to swap in a good used transmission. My experience recently with transmission shops is that they're not interested in simply fixing what's broken (eg replace a sticky $50 solenoid) and will only do a full rebuild for thousands of dollars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred heath Posted July 23, 2016 Share Posted July 23, 2016 Welcome to our forum. Pictures and the ad copy might help. Many times members can spot "red flags" that normally might be missed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted July 23, 2016 Share Posted July 23, 2016 http://www.kijiji.ca/v-rv-motorhome/ottawa/1985-toyota-sunrader/1166955255?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true#MapLightbox Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred heath Posted July 23, 2016 Share Posted July 23, 2016 Whenever I see "runs" and "needs work" in the same paragraph, flags start flapping. I would definitely go in with my eyes wide open. The seller is not the titled owner. At the very least, I would run the VIN through whatever database they use in Canada to ensure the vehicle is not listed as missing or stolen. It would seem you have room for negotiation regarding price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoshinzen Posted July 23, 2016 Author Share Posted July 23, 2016 2 hours ago, Derek up North said: IF the 'high revving' is only a fluids issue, tell him to have the fluids changed and cure the problem before you'll entertain paying that price. Otherwise assume you'll be looking at at least the cost to swap in a good used transmission. My experience recently with transmission shops is that they're not interested in simply fixing what's broken (eg replace a sticky $50 solenoid) and will only do a full rebuild for thousands of dollars. True. I am extremely wary and would not buy without having an actual mechanic take a look, I assume I'll need to put down a small deposit with attached paperwork (protecting us both) that would allow me to drive the vehicle somewhere close-by for an inspection. I've avoided many vehicles this way!! 17 minutes ago, fred heath said: Whenever I see "runs" and "needs work" in the same paragraph, flags start flapping. I would definitely go in with my eyes wide open. The seller is not the titled owner. At the very least, I would run the VIN through whatever database they use in Canada to ensure the vehicle is not listed as missing or stolen. It would seem you have room for negotiation regarding price. I want to look at the bill of sale from the previous owner and try and contact him/her as well. I definitely also plan to run the VIN. From what I understand there's been a lot of interest in the vehicle too, I want to flex between showing interest and also being careful not to commit. I'd prefer to pay 3 or 3.5 max ------------------------------------ Thanks for the welcomes and all the helpful advice! I am really grateful for you all taking time on a weekend to give me pointers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fred heath Posted July 23, 2016 Share Posted July 23, 2016 Derek is a Canadian citizen and a great reference source. He can probably give you excellent suggestions what to look for as far as dealing with DMV issues. Feel free to ask any questions or concerns you may have. A common sales tactic with resellers is to make you think there's 10 people ready to buy at that price. Take your time, use due diligence, and good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoshinzen Posted July 23, 2016 Author Share Posted July 23, 2016 3 minutes ago, fred heath said: Derek is a Canadian citizen and a great reference source. He can probably give you excellent suggestions what to look for as far as dealing with DMV issues. Feel free to ask any questions or concerns you may have. A common sales tactic with resellers is to make you think there's 10 people ready to buy at that price. Take your time, use due diligence, and good luck. Awesome! I will deffo be very careful! I found this pretty comprehensive guide for buying a vehicle without ownership papers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted July 23, 2016 Share Posted July 23, 2016 I'm in Quebec. Each Province has different ways of doing things. ESPECIALLY Quebec. Can't offer any help with Ontario, I'm afraid. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shoshinzen Posted July 23, 2016 Author Share Posted July 23, 2016 3 minutes ago, Derek up North said: I'm in Quebec. Each Province has different ways of doing things. ESPECIALLY Quebec. Can't offer any help with Ontario, I'm afraid. Heh. Amen. I was always looking at old RHD Skylines, discos, and other 'rovers. Ontario is horrible for insurance on RHD vs QC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted July 23, 2016 Share Posted July 23, 2016 Not that horrible! You can't even legally import RHD here any more. EDIT: And by 'import' I mean from anywhere, even Ontario. "Vive le Quebec libre." Humbug!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linda s Posted July 24, 2016 Share Posted July 24, 2016 So it's only the equivalent of 3800 dollars US. Buy it before it sells to someone else. If it costs even 2 grand to get it in order you will still be less than most 18 footers sell for in the US. They all need work. At least this one shows so it won't be a surprise Linda S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan C Posted July 24, 2016 Share Posted July 24, 2016 I currently own a Sunrader 18 footer, the first one I had was a 21 foot Sunrader. If you have 10 ft garage doors even with the AC you will have plenty of clearance. I had 10 foot doors and had no trouble. Your heights clearance should be between 9-9 1/2 ft clearance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86rader Posted July 24, 2016 Share Posted July 24, 2016 What Linda said. It is a low miles shorty with a good axle. Hell, it's prolly worth 5K "real dollars". Good luck. I havent read through all this, but the only thing constructive that I can come up with is check the floors. Those of us with SR experience realize that some interior paneling damage is typical, but it is easily and cheaply addressed. The floor is different. I have heard of cases where enough water got in to affect the wood floor and it can be trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86rader Posted July 24, 2016 Share Posted July 24, 2016 (edited) After going back and reading through the thread, maybe it ain't worth 5K of either type of currency. Tranny issues could get expensive. Being an 85, I think it could be EFI or carb. Do you know which it is? EFI is kinda nice. Worth a couple HP and it is as bulletproof as they come. Might be a good candidate for a 5 speed swap. Edited July 24, 2016 by 86rader Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5Toyota Posted July 24, 2016 Share Posted July 24, 2016 sounds like a good chance the trane will need a rebuild. but if price is low enough one can except somethings . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.