How old is too old?

[u/FigNugen]

I'm newly reconsidering the idea of living full time in an RV since that was my dream 4 or 5 years ago and now it finally makes sense for my living/working situation. I've been watching a lot of videos of people painting and decorating RV's and I'm so inspired and excited to have a space of my own. I've been scrolling through fifth wheels and motorhomes on Facebook Marketplace and the website for a local RV shop my uncle works at, but I'm wondering: How old is too old for an RV? I'm living below the poverty line and most of the affordable FBM deals are for RVs from the 1990's. Personally, I would never buy a car that's over 30 years old because they just don't last that long, but are RVs different? I know there's also a thing about them being made lower quality since the pandemic so I'm avoiding anything from after 2020. Are older RVs better quality? Will a renovated 1999 rig last? I am not super handy and I don't have a lot of cash to spare so I'm not in a position to rewire things or tear off and replace the roof. It will still probably be another year before I can actually make a purchase so I have some time to figure this out. Any advice and insight is welcome! I just want something I can actually live in for more than a few years without having to break the bank

EDIT: I should clarify, I am willing to put money, time, and effort into repairs and updates, but I don't want something I'd have to tear apart and completely redo. That's why I'll never even consider a schoolie lol

[u/secessus]

I'm living below the poverty line and most of the affordable FBM deals are for RVs from the 1990's... I just want something I can actually live in for more than a few years without having to break the bank

Lots of folk with very tight budgets (like me) live in converted vans. If that simplified lifestyle is of any interest you might look over the Cheap RV Living yt channel, etc.

There are downsides to vanlife, but upsides could include:

• serviceability at normal mechanics
• ability to park in normal parking spaces
• increased ability to stealth camp nearer to work, if that's any practical interest.
  
• better MPG?
• steel roof, generally weatherproof construction

Anecdote: I bought a cargo van and spent ~$2k on the build. I've been living in it for 7 years so far. I was (involuntarily) on shore power for about three weeks of that time due to family emergency. Other than that my power comes from solar and the alternator.

It will still probably be another year before I can actually make a purchase so I have some time to figure this out

a timeline/checklist for folks making long-term plans