Help with Purchase-2006 Airstream Safari 23'

[hsp2099]

Hello,

We are interested in a local Airstream for sale and need help with a fair price. This would be our first Airstream. Details are:

2006 Airstream Safari 23'

Seller is asking $32,500
23' SE Front Lounge
LS Upgrade

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks for your responses.

Howard

[StanandLynn]

First of all, welcome to the forums. I have found that there is a wealth of information and enjoyment here.

The 23' SE LS is a great layout. I seriously considered it myself. I take it that you have inspected it for damage, wear and tear, etc. The asking price is not out of line but would be appropriate for one in mint condition IMO. That said, I have found that most sellers are negotiable and price their unit accordingly. My rule of thumb is to offer less than what you want to pay, such as $27,500. to get to $30,000. Some people may be more aggressive.

Good luck in your negotiations.

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question about the value of a 2006 Safari 23', it depends. $32,500 seems a little on the high side to me. At that price, it would need to be absolutely perfect.

What I would do in your situation is call several Airstream dealers who have 23's in stock, and see what kind price you can negotiate on a brand new one. Then compare that price to the used one you are looking at. At that point, you will be better equipped to make an informed decision.

Brian

[TinLoaf]

In January of 2008 I paid $32,500 for a 2006 Safari 25' SE LS including HDTV. It was only used for one summer and still under warranty.

I'd say you should shoot for about $26,000 and keep looking.

[bambi for me]

We've been looking for a 23' for about a year or so, they just don't pop up for sale that often. At first I thought we would get a 19' Bambi (hence my username) but have decided we might rather have the larger trailer with dual axles. 32 grand would be a go if it was real clean and barely used, the ones I've seen are even more but they are newer, usually a dealer consignment. I'm waiting to find the "deal" , hopefully this winter one will pop up.

I'm beginning to think that they just didn't make that many 23's , sure seems that way.

[RDM16CCD]

Another thing to factor in to the deal, is if they will include any 'extras' in whatever the final price is - things like hitch equipment, wheel locks, extension power cables, water filters, sewer hoses & fittings, interior things like bedding or kitchen items, etc - especially if the sellers are getting out of trailering all together. It's worth asking about - all those things can add up to a fair amount when you have to go out to buy them 'retail'.

The 23' is an ideal size in my opinion - small enough to fit into most places, yet large enough for longer stays. If the trailer 'speaks' to you - negotiate 'hard' but don't let it get away if you get to a fair price. If it doesn't speak to you - don't buy it just because you get a 'killer' deal. You'll soon forget about a few dollars more or less - but that trailer may be with you for a long time!