Jhadley
You wrote: "Of course I've had problems with cars, but nothing like what's described in this web-page."
Please don't take this wrong, but, a RV is not a car. We expect our car/truck to haul us around, provide some heat and coolness and hopefully get us there in one piece and in some comfort.
We expect our RV to keep us warm, cool, feed us, provide us with a comfy bed, some entertainment (tv and/or stereo), and some of those other creature comforts (the bathroom stuff
.) We haul IT down the hard road, bumping along behind our tow vehicle.
I don't know the physics of it all, but I do know that hauling a RV down the hard road is different from driving my car/truck down the hard road. Lots of ups and downs and other stuff going on.
I can readily appreciate your concern if you are purchasing a used unit, with no warranty. That alone puts a total different light on your situation and your questions. It is scary putting that much cash out, especially with no warranty.
It has been said here on the forum before, that this is where a lot of the problems come forth, we tend to complain more than say the good stuff about our units. We met a number of couples at the 2004 Rally that have had ZERO problems with their unit. (Al and I suspect we got all theirs, plus our own share.
)
Do you have someone you know that is familiar with RV's that might inspect the unit you are considering purchasing??? Maybe you could find a RV inspector, like house inspectors that are so popular now??
Hey, take your time, don't rush your decision. It is hard to not rush or consider all the ins and outs, ups and downs. If you do a search (see top of page) you will find several references to PDI inspection sheets. Maybe you could use one of those to go over your prospective unit, to see if there are any real problems??? Just a thought.
In the meantime, good luck with your decision, and Happy Trails, with whatever unit you decide to purchase.