ownership costs - 1989 to 1991 vintage Bluebird Wanderlodge

[braemaroh]

could I get some feedback on the annual maintenance and repair costs
for a bluebird about 15 years old?

I looked at a 15 year old unit, very good condition, average miles.
The annual bills were a shock. They averaged 3,000 to handle routine
maintenance. Items needing repair ran four times what I would expect.
$200 oil changes, $1,800 tuneups were common. Replacing AC units or
inop refrigerator ran $1,500 to 2,000. Tires ran 1,800 for four, with
two more to go! troubleshooting a rough running engine socked the
owner for $2,000 and resulted in the replacement of two fuel filters.
This ritual repeated itself the following year. If the motorhome was a
gift, it looks like it would still cost $500 per month to keep it
running. Isn't this a little high? After paying for it, and the
additional $500 to keep it on the road, you still have not bought
insurance, or paid for the wear and tear or the campsite for the
night, or storage in the off season.

How about extended warranties? The owner plunked down almost $4,000
for two years of warranty, and did not have a single claim. Are these
warranties worth the price?

Any accountants out there owning a vintage bird?

I would love to hear from everyone!

Frank