Hi,
I am a newbe here. I have been thinking of buying my first RV at 66 years old. Saw the 89 Regal on ebay.
Do any of you have an opinion on it for a propably first and only RV? Not planning to do a lot of traveling, maybe a few state parks and some bluegrass festivals.

Dick & Bev WV

Welcome to the asylum, er, "forums"!

The price is getting high, but much depends on condition. My rule-of-thumb is that any used motorhome will need at least $5,000 in deferred maintenance, repair, and upgrades.

The charm of a Barth is that while the drivetrain, accessories, and appliances may need some work, the basic structure will be sound, and worth investing sweat and money.

You might want to see if Ed Chevalier's coach (28' Regal) is still for sale, here.

I can only second Rusty's comments. At age 62 we bought our first motorized RV and we bought a 93 Regency knowing we were going to have to put more in it. But it's a BARTH.
Nick

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
My rule-of-thumb is that any used motorhome will need at least $5,000 in deferred maintenance, repair, and upgrades.

Yep, that's about right.

quote:

Originally posted by Rusty:
You might want to see if Ed Chevalier's coach (28' Regal) is still for sale...

Excellent idea Rusty

Bought first Barth Motorhome at age 61 three years ago and we have had a great time with it. Six States in it so far and 43 (can't see a boat trip with it)to see. All who wander are not lost. PS; Any Barths in the 50th State?

Dick & Bev: Don't let age be factor. I'm 80 and still enjoying my Barth. The old cliche "I'm spending the children's inheritance money" makes any repairs a little more palatable. I agree you will spend money getting started,but it's money well spent.......Enjoy

Wlcome aboard! Betcha lots of us Barth nembies are over 60.
Hey, it's the new 40!
Although crawling around under the Barth woulda been easier when I actually was 40!

Guess I am no longer a wantabe. Hope that I didn't overbid. I am a carpenter, plumber, electrician,mechanic and have an 89 Ford F250 with the same 460 engine and C6 trans that I bought new in 89,so I hope to save some of the $5000 in repairs.

I was 75 when I bought my Barth, the 3d Class A among 9 RVs total that we have owned, beginning in 1969. I sold it at age 79, for health reasons (both myself & my wife).

Been a pretty good shade tree mechanic since age 14. Still I spent about $5G, even though I did most of the work myself. There were some upgrades as well as a lot of deferred maintenance to catch up, in addition to routine maintenance.

quote:

Originally posted by Dick & Bev WV:
Guess I am no longer a wantabe. Hope that I didn't overbid. I am a carpenter, plumber, electrician,mechanic and have an 89 Ford F250 with the same 460 engine and C6 trans that I bought new in 89,so I hope to save some of the $5000 in repairs.

I take it you're the WINNAH! on eBay?

Now that is one fine looking Barth. Sounds like you are the perfect guy to assume stewardship of this beautiful fun machine.
Great Barth times ahead and looking forward to hearing about your unfolding adventure.

All this talk by over age-60 owners is doing this age 68er some good. Just sitting here on a cold and rainy winter's night thinking of the day our home sells (could the market be worse?)and we move into town and get our Barth.

Just wanted to check in and say Hello for now....

Lou from Michigan

We are headed to Myrtle Beach tomorrow morning to pick up the 89 Barth Regal.
Will let you know how it is.

I read in your original post that you are plannning on taking your Barth to bluegrass festivals. It will be right at home there.
This picture was taken at Blistered Fingers in Sidney Maine.