These guys haven't even gotten to the furnace, plumbing, door seals, vents, charger, propane tanks etc.
I got something similar to what you were looking at
axles & brakes, over 2000
awning
1500?
furnace 2-300?
replaced plumbing w pex & new pump, easy250
black-water tank 200
upholstery for gauchos 500
air conditioner , 700
wfco charger 100??
water heater 300
toilet 100
fireplace 700
generator (2800 w inverter) 900
front window cover, 300?
curtains , 300
still to come ---solar +
12v management system, 1000+
maybe a new fridge (mine works but it is almost 40) 700
cork floor--maybe
There is the labor parts with miscellaneous materials
rebuilding all of the tambour doors
new fantastic fans (2)
high gain tv batwing
rewiring the hitch & breakaway
2 pink flamingos
nickle plated toledo torch
hitch lock
generator chains and alarms
other bells and whistles
--still have not figured out a periscope!, but I am considering adding it to the list!
Actually with that expense and some labor (this is after all a hobby), I have one solid RV that shouldn't give me too many unanticipated problems.
installing a
12v stereo (just a GM).
forgot, I'll need new tiresin a couple years and I still need to get the baby moons.
Just know what you are up against. Have a place to keep it while you work on it. The forums can get you through anything. I knew nothing about renovating (I am not restoring) a travel trailer. Example: I am disabled and when I inquired about getting some axles and hiring a shop to install them, Andy (Inland RV) - over the phone asked me questions about things like my general mechanical ability, work surface etc. He provided a couple of instructions and the forum filled in details--done--& I did it. There is something about doing the whole enchilada yourself.! The AS becomes your own little kingdom. palace spaceship--whatever.
If you budget over several years, apply Murphy's law and have a good place to work on it, you should consider an AS. As to the price, mine had bad axles, a recalled furnace, crap for an awning and a belly pan that needed re-riveting. Those were the obvious things. It did come from a freind and he gave me a deal at $1500, I also gave him 3 days to change his mind as I figure it to be worth something around $3000.
Value is a product of demand and condition. There are plenty of these around. Don't be afraid t make an offer for what you think an AS is worth. Though for the older ones it would be hard to beat an old Globetrotter or an older bambi for a project.
Well--tomorrow I have to get with it and get the fireplace finished (it is that or paint the house), whatever you do, good luck. Cheap hobby when you break it down over a decade or so