1986 Funchaser purchase advice please
 

Hello, My name is Georgie, I am looking to purchase an old, cosmetically in need of repair, 1986 Hi-Lo 872 FLD model Hi-Lo.
I am planning to pick it up tomorrow after my mechanic has checked the axel. Any advice would be so appreciated before I make this purchase. Any advise on value, or price you think I should pay. Problems I might have etc. It looks really fun, and we just want to use instead of a tent.
I plan to make it cute inside. But this is my first ever time finding one of these little things. So please let me know if you have this model? If you like this model?? What problems you have or might have with this model.

Appreciate it greatly.
Georgie:)

Welcome. You have a lot to learn between now and tomorrow! Hope your mechanic can check more than just the axle.

Start with this checklist (posted elsewhere on this forum):

Welcome to the forum.

This was taken from NDgent's post here on the forum. It is a great go-by list. You can do a search of "thinking about buying" and find his post to read it first hand.

Basically, start with the visual items –
1. Exterior
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
2. Interior cleanliness of the unit-
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
3. Test appliance functions –
• lights
• fans
• refrigerator
• air conditioner
• heater
• water pump
• range hood
• stovetop
• oven (if equipped)
• microwave (if equipped)
• stereo (if equipped)
4. Lift System-
• Does the unit raise and lower properly
• Check the lift system for hydraulic leaks (puddle under the trailer)
• Check the lift cables to see if they are in good shape and not frayed
• Check the seal between the upper and lower body halves for tears or damage
5. fill the tanks to the top and check for leaks
6. Battery
7. Solar Panel (if equipped)

Check out the YouTube videos on Hi-Lo operation, and you can start with this one:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4APWyR5kWkM&t=13s

Good luck!

Thanks Jim
I went to see it today, and it looks ok, very dirty, and needs new wall paper and I would change fabric etc, its been sat for a year as guy broke his hip. Taking my mechanic up tomorrow to see if and how it tows. I appreciate all your advice and will for sure check them all before handing over my money.
Thanks again
Georgie