Some help please! Approx. price of an '88 Excella in '99

[Gulf49]

Greetings,

This is sort of an off-beat question, but I'm a writer working on a project, and I was wondering if I could lean on the members of this forum for their expertise. Here's my question:

What might be a reasonable price for someone to pay for a 1988 Airstream Excella 25’ (in decent condition, but certainly not mint or highly restored/customized) in 1999? Also, per the NADA guide, the "suggested list price" in 1988 would have been $25,061.

In the fictional story I'm working on, I have a character paying $9500 for his (bought directly from the previous owner). Now, I realize that the price of Airstreams can vary widely, but does this pass the smell test? Too high? Too low? Again, my guy is buying his '88 Excella in 1999 -- not 2013.

Many, many thanks!

[Condoluminum]

May be too late for your story, but...

We were looking for clean Excella 25' trailers between 2001 and 2003.. We learned it was a national market (seller anywhere could find buyer anywhere in US) and prices were actually north of $12K.. We missed two that sold for $12K and $12.5 K, and bought one ( a 1988 Excella 25 - Rear Queen model) in spring of 2003 from private party in Ft. Worth for $13K...

[Gulf49]

That's very helpful -- many thanks!

[idroba]

In 1987 I bought a nice 1977 25' Airstream for $11,000. So, the same 10 year old unit, but 10 years difference in time frame. I bought it from a dealer.

At that time, the Airstream prices were not as inflated as they may be now and didn't change that much over time. So, I think you are in the right range for your story.