newbie from the Netherlands wants to buy an Airstream in the USA

[olav]

Hello,
I have joined the forum because by the end of april I will arrive in the USA for a six month stay. I plan to buy a motorhome and what better choice than the Airstream. But being new to moho's I would like to ask some advice. I have read through quite a few threads already but still...
If I see a nice one on E-bay or the other RV sites online would it be wise to buy while still at home.
This one for instance looks beautiful but is it any good and what is it worth (approx.) http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2467348427
How do I arrange an inspection before completion while I am still in Amsterdam.
And further more, I will be travelling alone but I am not a mechanic. I am willing to go to a good Airstream dealer and get things fixed, after all most of these are already a little bit older, but I would like one that can take me all around the USA without to many problems. Twelve years ago I made a trip in a converted Dodge Tradesman 100 and apart from a new gearbox it took me an my grilfriend fro an amazing 16000 mile trip in six months.
Another thing, is fuel, how much gas does an Aistream moho consume like the one in the link above? I would like to take the airstream back to europe, if at all possible, but fuel prices here are somewhat higher ;-)
Hope to hear from you and would like to thank everyone for putting such a great site and forum together.

[87MH]

Olav - do a search on "motorhome mileage", several threads lately, but 5 to 10 mpg would be a reasonable spread.

On repairs:

A GM "Mr Goodwrench", or GM Truck Service would be your best consistant (though not necessarily the cheapest) repair facility.

Airstream sales sites are generally not set up for motor chassis repair, while most of the GM facilities have dealt with hundreds of the P-3X series chassis' over the years.

On purchasing from abroad - an inspection is generally worth about what you pay for it. Most on the Forum will be willing to look at a close-by unit for you, but remember, no liability is associated with an opinion, especially a free one.

Be aware that most of the Classic MoHo's are now approaching 20 years of age, and, as we say in the US, "Things Happen".

[RivetED]

There is/was a thread of A/S owners located around the U.S. who were willing to look at a unit geographically close to them and offer an opinion on it's condition. I'd be willing to offer my very humble assistance and/or opinion on anything near to Dallas TX.