Value of discontinued model

[Papa smurf]

I own a 2016 International signature 27fb, I just noticed that Airstream does not make that specific model anymore. I have no intention of selling it but I was curious to find out if the resale value of models that are discontinued have a tendancy to go up or down.

[Ray Eklund]

Sold our 2014 25 International Signature for $55,000 with 16 inch wheels and tires about seven months ago. We kept it pristine and maintained. Tossed in the Equalizer Hitch with 1000# bars. Sold in a week of deciding to sell.

We liked the color combinations. The wood plank linoleum. Do not like the plastic sliding doors with lights, but you cannot get a Signature with the nicer Flying Cloud overhead cabinets.

Some higher priced models did not have the eye appeal we liked. This is the last model of Signatures. Airstream just juggles names and floor plans so you cannot comparison shop very easily. The 2020's are out and the Signatures will be sold at a lower price as they are one year old models. That is why we went that direction. Otherwise, we were use to that configuration in the 25 foot and the 27 gave some easier storage area and the refrigerator that vents out of the roof.

[skyguyscott]

Ok, you know that all AS trailers basically share the same chassis, shell, etc., varying with length, and in some cases by width.

So then the differences are in layout and appointments.

Yesteryear's Safari line was renamed the Flying Cloud line. Last year's Sport line was renamed Bambi. The Signature series was renamed after the contract with Christopher Deem expired. Not a big change in materials, layout, construction, etc.

What causes prices to go up? Demand. So since AS no longer makes a 34', those can hold their value. The 19 PanAmerica trailers AS made can fetch a pretty penny whenever they go for sale. The rare vintage Wee Winds, Pacers and Bubbles can also hit above their weight, depending on their condition. Your Signature, not so much since there are plenty of others like yours out there and AS currently still sells essentially the same trailer just with different names and colors.

[sparkymark]

When I purchased my 2012 Eddie Bauer (used, of course), the dealer offered me cash to walk away from the deal we made over the phone. I refused, they held up there end. Worth their weight in gold! Go Airstream!

[Wstewart]

Mint condition 2007 Classic fb went for $52,000.

[white laker]

In most cases they do hold their value however I think that there are some situations that may 'buck' the trend. I am concerned about the pre-2019 33 Classic rigs. Airstream has abandoned the "firefly" system that controls the entire trailer. It has been replaced with a 'new' system. I am concerned what that will do to the resale value of these trailers'. I would be livid if I had stepped up for a new 33 and I was left holding the bag on a $150K trailer. I may be all wet, but there may be cause for concern here.

[vintageracer]

As slow as AS is to adopt new/newer technologies the older operating system in your now USED trailer will be replaced with newer, fancier and not necessarily better technology in new model AS trailers.

The real question you should be concerned about is how long AS will provide SUPPORT in the way of parts, repair and system repair technology for these replaced operating systems in late model USED trailers?

The time frame for that will factory support will continue to shrink just as the amount of time will shrink where AS will continue to use a trailer operating system in the future on new model AS trailers!

[guskmg]

Although not a specific trade or resale value changing item, is obsolescence. Manufactures are required to support the unit for 10 years. Airstream does as long as the parts are in their inventory. Case at point: on the Classic or any other model that uses a 3-way switch to control the water pump in two different locations (galley and bath), the switch is no longer available thru Airstream or their recommended parts dealer Out of Doors Mart. After much research on line the switch's original distributor was found. They have all the Airstream switches, bezels, and mounting plates. And for very reasonable prices compared to the Airstream pats sources. The only caveat is that you have to research to find the original manufacturer's part number. This took a lot of time for one little switch. Happy hunting.
guskmg

[uncle_bob]

Hi

If the trailer is in some way unique then it likely will go up in price a bit. Unique in this case includes slide outs or 3 axle configurations. Past that the stuff that is simply an internal sub-brand is unlikely to have much impact.

Bob

[InsideOut]

As Airstream is constantly changing the models finishes & features, they are all "discontinued" after a couple of years...your best bet is to watch Airstream Trailer Classifieds to keep an eye out for one like yours.

Shari

[Foiled Again]

And there are a few models like the "Sterling" that went just a bit too far and were dropped - like camel droppings. I saw one that had an area rug that hid most of the magenta floor yet complimented the electric purple theme. As for the baby poo mustard color one? Wonder how hard that was to unload.

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

And there are a few models like the "Sterling" that went just a bit too far and were dropped - like camel droppings. I saw one that had an area rug that hid most of the magenta floor yet complimented the electric purple theme. As for the baby poo mustard color one? Wonder how hard that was to unload.

Apparently not so hard for the baby....

[John&Vicki]

I read somewhere a few years ago that AS claimed depreciation would stop at 25-30% of the value of a comparable new model and stay there. If true, at some point they start to increase in value a bit. I find that to be pretty close with my ‘90 Excella.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

I read somewhere a few years ago that AS claimed depreciation would stop at 25-30% of the value of a comparable new model and stay there. If true, at some point they start to increase in value a bit. I find that to be pretty close with my ‘90 Excella.

Hi

Since a new trailer could be up around $100 to 150K, that would put the floor around $25 to $45K. Go back far enough and that is a pretty high number unless a bit of work has been done.

Bob

[ewor]

Originally Posted by Foiled Again

And there are a few models like the "Sterling" that went just a bit too far and were dropped - like camel droppings. I saw one that had an area rug that hid most of the magenta floor yet complimented the electric purple theme. As for the baby poo mustard color one? Wonder how hard that was to unload.

Some of us like the Sterling. We had one. Bought it from Patrick Dempsey. We used it for two years and then sold it for what we paid for it. I am now seeing them for higher than what we sold it for two years later. My father in law used to say that's why they make chocolate, vanilla and strawberry ice cream. Others clearly don't share your opinion.

[Foiled Again]

I apologize. I didn't realize how snarky that post sounded. I did not like that model at all though I do admit that someone with a keen sense of design could make it more appealing. You are right, they do make different flavors for a reason.

[Mike S.]

Ewor, sent you a message. Thanks

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by John&Vicki

I read somewhere a few years ago that AS claimed depreciation would stop at 25-30% of the value of a comparable new model and stay there. If true, at some point they start to increase in value a bit. I find that to be pretty close with my ‘90 Excella.

I could probably get almost asuch as I paid for my EB eight years ago, however general inflation plays into the mix, too. $60K TODAY will buy far less than it would 8 years ago. And the past does not guarantee the future. Look at all of the close cousins of Airstream which have gone out of business. A few fans with huge skills and deep pockets keep a limited number of vintage Traveluxes and Avions on the road... but most are fishing huts or chicken houses, slowly corroding in wooded lots.

The first time I went shopping for a diesel truck, and ended up paying almost $45K I had severe sticker shock. Were I to buy a brand new 2500 Chevy diesel comparably equipped today, it would be closer to $60K.

[Silvr_Bullet]

Don’t overlook the time you had to use it in when factoring in value, even in a home if you didn’t own it you would have to pay rent somewhere, with a recently purchased home you may or may not turn a profit. Trucks,cars, motorcycles etc. they don’t appreciate usually.