78 Argosy MH on ebay

Bill_in_Texas · 01-09-2004, 01:24 PM

Somebody take a look at this on ebay and let me know what you think.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=2453387871

Anybody on this board live near Cardif, CA?

Bill (Still looking hard) in Texas

TexasStars · 01-09-2004, 02:46 PM

If I was thinking about bidding on this M/H the 1st question I would have for the owner is, Are you the original owner and if so why would a new engine and all the other things you listed have to be installed at on 23k original miles... that would bring up a red flag within itself unless previous owner just ran it into the ground and did not check oil etc. Could be 123k ? I would try to base my opinion on what he had to say about this and what kind of records he has to back any of it up. As far as the price I think others on the forum that have a M/H like this could answer better. As far as when I bought mine I paid $ 17,500 with a fairly new engine ( but cannot prove it ) and rebuilt transmission and new oil cooler which I thought was a good price after looking for a long time and comparing prices. Good luck on your quest and I know you will get some good answers on this forum which should help you in your decision making process !

Bill_in_Texas · 01-09-2004, 02:53 PM

A new engine at 23k is pretty suspicious. I'm thinking 123k might be more like it. May have to let this one pass, too, unless I can get more information on it. Thanks for your help. This forum has already kept me out of trouble a couple of times. Still looking!

Bill (I got it bad) in Texas

TexasStars · 01-09-2004, 03:12 PM

But according to him it does have a new engine now and you have time before the auction is over to have him fax you copies about the engine install. Didn't want to scare you away from what could be a good deal, just look at all the factors and good luck which ever way you go.

swebster · 01-09-2004, 03:27 PM

Like TexasStars I looked for a long time for my 345. When the deal came up for me I grabbed it right away because I new it was a good one. I ended up paying less for my newer 345 than I was planning on for an older 310 that I first fell in love with in FL.

It looks like a nice unit but 15K seems a little pricey to me. Maybe I'm just used to seeing these a little more run out for around $5K - $10.

I would also be suspicious of the new engine but don't forget that many motorhome engines retire early because they are not used enough. I've always been cautious around unusually low mileage coaches. If the engine was only run 23K miles...what about the generator and the other systems. Seems to me that I'd rather buy a runner that’s in regular service and replace a $2000 engine then chase down all of those little $100 gremlins.

I also think you could by some years and coach condition if you could handle a higher mileage coach (Airstream 280, 310).

Obviously if you are looking for an Argosy than this could be your baby. There are a number of die hard Argosy owners on here who I’m sure will chime in with more qualified opinions. In any case....the chase is fun isn't it?

overlander63 · 01-09-2004, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill_in_Texas
A new engine at 23k is pretty suspicious. I'm thinking 123k might be more like it. May have to let this one pass, too, unless I can get more information on it. Thanks for your help. This forum has already kept me out of trouble a couple of times. Still looking!

Bill (I got it bad) in Texas

Bill, what if the original engine locked up from sitting?
I have seen it happen personally several times.
I have a Jeep that has 50K on it, I had to rebuild the transmission right after I got it for that very reason. It was never driven and everything went South in it.
Terry

zduke4x · 01-09-2004, 05:01 PM

i'd check the hours on the genset, unless an very weird coach, the hours should be very low....it could be a clue....

1985air345 · 01-09-2004, 05:19 PM

First, you'd never be able to re-sell it for anywhere near that.

Second, you will ALWAYS need to fix a bunch of things. Easily $2,000-$4,000.

This unit has the old green interior.
Original paint

Tires?
Looks like the original Coleman AC or maybe the Armstrong was replaced?

For $15,000 I would expect near mint condition including updated interior and a clean bill of health from an RV dealer AND mechanic. This does not appear to be there.

Doc Joe (winner) sold his 1984 270 that had a new fridge, new gen set, and was in great shape for about $17,500.

In my lousy opinion, $8,000-9.500 MAX. It's worth what you paid, nothing. Beat up ones and deals go for $5,000-$7,000 before the trip across country.

BTW: Where does that ladder go? Ummmmm.

74Argosy24MH · 01-09-2004, 05:22 PM

It is also very small. Mine is 17 1/2' from the driver's platform to the rear wall. For 1 or 2 people it's OK, but gets tight for many more. I have a side bath and the bath is small but you do have two separate areas if there are kids or another couple.

Along with the mechanicals, the refrigerator and generator would be very questionable if it really hasn't been used, $2000 easy for them.

John

pepepepe · 01-10-2004, 10:53 PM

Generator has 202 hours on it according to the description on Ebay

ALANSD · 01-11-2004, 08:09 AM

---The starting bid on that Argosy is just a little under the highest price I have ever seen advertised for that model.
---17,500 for a 345 is a steal anytime...unless it is awfully rough.
---I have been tracking pricing pretty closely and feel like that Argosy should end up at 12000-14000 if it is in super nice shape. I have seen many more as Steven said in the 5-9000 range.
If it was a similiar Airstream model, it would bring more, just as the market allows, not to slight the Argosy models, but the shiny silver units are always in higher demand.