Not sure I can *totally* agree although I somewhat agree.
See, where I have problems is that we bought an SOB in 1982 for about $8k. That same box or similar purchased today, 21 years later is only about $14k (granted they are both not as well built as the Airstream). That is about 4% inflation per year. In order for statements made to be correct, then Airstreams in 1982 would have to have been an average of **about** $16,000.00 (not including high mid-range or high end Airstreams). I have no idea if they were or not. Anyone know for sure? Adding 4% inflation then puts the Airstream at about $29k and some change. 4% is pretty high too, maybe not in the early to mid 80s, but there after through today, 4% would be very, very high. To me the numbers don't add up to fully support the full inflation only stance.
Also, how much more do you think it costs to build and Airstream vs. an SOB? That same point about producing Coke holds true for every manufac. Keep in mind the only difference (and it is a very big difference) is the body. The rest are the same components (fridge, heat, hot water, LP tanks, pumps, faucets, windows, etc) as found in most SOBs.
I agree that the bulk might be inflation, but I am not sure most of the price increase between the years is all inflation. As I said in a previous post, nowhere have I been able negotiate 17% off a vehicle sticker, diluted currency or not. That is another indication that all might not be as clear cut an issue as we all (including myself) make it out to be.
In the end, I love my Bambi. I would buy another Airstream when the time comes. I think the price was good as well. My original statements in a prev post were simply to say, I think they could have paid a liitle bit more attention in the assembly process. I would happily forego the extras Thor threw our way to get some, not all of the little things addresses (like the doors and the bathroom floors). None of these I consider very serious. Can you imagine buying a $30k car and the door not closing right or the floorboard sinking due to lack of support? Everything has it's issues, but at the priceline a certain expectation is assumed and maybe wrongly so, but I don't see many Cadillac buyers (or other premium vehicles) walking in and expecting that for the price.
This are not meant to be arguementitive, just sharing my perception.
Still love the twinkie and wouldn't consider anything else.
Eric