Quote Originally Posted by glc View Post
Dave, I just got a call from Lifey. She's stranded in Flagstaff, AZ with no brakes, the master cylinder failed. There is not a master cylinder to be had in the whole city, one is being shipped in and will be there tomorrow. Just saying - her van is 15 years old and cost CONSIDERABLY more than $3k, and this shows that anything can (and will) happen. Failures like this just cannot be predicted, and the older/cheaper a vehicle is, the more likely things like this will happen. With a rental, this would not be your problem (except for delaying your trip).
Hi, I appreciate this is a big risk, but I've found a 12 yr old vehicle with 65k miles, its all kitted out for camping and sleeping and will be having a full mechanical check prior to purchase (as well as a service). When calculating cost of hiring a vehicle capable of sleeping in, the cost will be more than 3k anyway, so I think the risk is worth taking. I think in order to have the trip I've dreamt of, going the purchase route is the best way. I've foudn an insurer, I've contacted the DOL, who have given me all of the info I need to buy and sell the vehicle. It turns out without giving my cousin power of attorney he won't be able to sell my vehicle for me so I might have to go for something like maxcar* to sell at the end but will advertise on craigslist then go around a few dealers if I don't get a sale.

All I need to do now is research some good camping spots and make a trail. If when I get to Seattle, the vehicile doesn't pass the inspection, and I can't find another suitable vehicle, then I'll pop by some Hostels and look at chipping in with some other travelers for a rental.

Oh and Lifey, I hope everything works out and its not too costly.


Cheers

Dave