17 February 2007

This quotation of value is for a : 2000 Airstream 30′ Class A Motorhome with 18,000 miles on it. Average mileage for this model year is between 40-45,000 miles. The lower miles on this coach may mean as much as a 10% increase in value. This adjustment can be applied to any used value figure on this report.

                       Model    New Value     Used Whls.   Used Retail

NADA

Orange

Book :            30′      $89,403.00     $25,540.00     $35,000.00

KELLEY

Blue

Book :           30′       $90,825.00     $36,900.00     $49,220.00

Average Values :                             $31,220.00       $42,110.00

Average Unit Value : $36,665.00 ( + 10% = $40,332.00 )
NADA Only : $30,270.00 ( + 10% = $33,297.00 )

Please Note: Always check local resources to see what the market is like in your area. All RV Value Reports use national information. Regional factors like supply and demand can affect local potential values. Always deduct for necessary repairs.

RV Resale Market Dominated By Amateurs

Dave S wrote to me yesterday:

“A year ago, my local dealer had a 2002 year model Winnebago Vista 21B that he was going to sell us for $23,000 (39,000 miles). Now all I can find is 5 private party units, all 2003 year models: $40,000-3700 miles (owes $46,800); $37,000-7500 miles (paid off);  $38,000-16,000 miles (owes $38,000); $36,000-24,000 miles (owes $40,000).

My calculations (before getting your report) show that a fair price for these private party units should be in the mid $20s, but they are all expecting to get $10-15k higher (I have spoken with all of them)! What gives?”

My Reply:

What you are seeing is a combination of circumstances. These people did not do their homework and bought in the heat of passion and probably opted for the fatal combination of low/no down payment, low interest, long term financing. They paid too much and are repaying too little.

They are hoping you will make the same mistake(s) they made and bail them out. Wish them good luck and move on.

The RV resale market is dominated by amateur sellers. Dealers control less than 30% of the market. You are seeing some brutal examples of the reason why. Not too many RVers are willing to go back for a second thrashing after they realize what happened to them.

These people have a real problem. Their coachs are worth thousands less than they owe.

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