But Outlander faces a tough challenge. In a popular category that includes best-buy choices like Ford Escape, Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester, Outlander doesn't offer any outstanding qualities that could sway potential buyers.

My test drive for week was new all-wheel drive limited edition Outlander. It joins previous LX and XLS models and features an impressive list of upgrades from previous models.

All Outlanders offer a 4-cyclinder, 160-horsepower, 2.4-liter engine. With its standard automatic transmission, vehicle performs adequately in city driving. But it lacks acceleration for highway journeys, and it struggles on long inclines, even with only two adult front-seat passengers.

Steering and handling are adequate and automatic transmission shifts smoothly. Mitsubishi's all-wheel drive system is a plus and it's reminiscent of AWD feature Subaru first offered. The Outlander limited edition includes 17-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel independent suspension. But such features don't ease tough go over city street speed bumps, even at slow speeds.

Service Records - If you're buying from an RV dealer and they can't produce something - you've got problems - possibly serious ones. If not, he'd be proudly displaying records. There should at least be receipts for repairs, service work, and possibly old owners manuals.

See http://busforsaleguide.com/rv_types.htm for advantages and disadvantages of each major class of recreational vehicle on market.

Body Leaks -Other than structural rust, I know of no other exterior related problem that will cost you as much money and cause you as many headaches as exterior body leaks. Body leaks are among most difficult to fix if body design is less than first rate. Front facing windows on many Class C's are nearly impossible to stop leaking due to flexing and stress.

I have been incredibly pleased with purchase of my 1993 Class A. However, wood over skeleton frame roofs like type Georgie Boy used in this coach has begun to sag between support tubes or "skeleton". The weight of air-conditioners, vents, my roof mounted kayaks, and walking up there to fix seams, has permanently created "ponding" issues. Price quote from my very trusted and competent local RV service center was $4,200 to rebuild my entire roof.

Ponding is water sitting on roof when coach is level. When this happens you have increased chances of leaks, bugs, slime and algae growth, and dirty water run off when you drive somewhere. Rounded formed fiberglass roofs are very best but only appear on newer coaches that were out of my price range.

I have seen $30,000 to $60,000 coaches nearly ruined by leaks that went unchecked. Be especially cautious if you see ANY delamination of side wall. I have never seen permanent damage fixed for less than $4,000 and that is WITHOUT a guarantee that it won't happen again. This is usually caused by poor roof and seam design.

Nearly everyone underestimates how serious this is. I know I almost bought one. Couldn't figure out why a great looking Santara diesel pusher would only cost $24,000. Then I walked around to drivers side and saw fiberglass body delaminating. I didn't think it looked too expensive to repair. I figured caulk seam and just screw panel back tighter to frame. Of course salesman agreed.

WRONG! People do not realize especially in older coaches that WOOD (yes I said WOOD) that is under fiberglass skin does offer quite a bit of stability, and rigidity of exterior. Once it gets wet for a prolonged period of time it rots, breaks down, and becomes heavy enough to cause entire skeleton to sag. Windows no longer fit right, seams pop open worse, storage doors underneath stick, and on and on. Do NOT buy an RV with this problem. It can cost as much as $13,000 to fix (highest horror story I have read about on RV chat logs thus far).