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McDonald256 · 07-15-2019, 03:58 PM

I am looking at both new and used FC 25 twins and am almost tempted to buy new. The one on the lot we saw was more than 20% off list and included goodies like solar and all the awnings. That makes it really close to what people are asking for a 5 year old unit. If I have to add the options.... am I nuts? It’s still a ton of money though.....

drairstream · 07-15-2019, 04:16 PM

The others are wishing.
Make an offer for 1/3 less. Or walk away and buy the new one. Just don’t let them jack it up with dealer add ons and make sure you’re talking same model and finish/ cabinets.

McDonald256 · 07-15-2019, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drairstream

The others are wishing.
Make an offer for 1/3 less. Or walk away and buy the new one. Just don’t let them jack it up with dealer add ons and make sure you’re talking same model and finish/ cabinets.

The new one has more stuff than the used. And the difference is like 15k for a 5 year old unit.

JonDNC · 07-15-2019, 05:12 PM

We had a hard time finding the same model used and the few we did were close enough in price we went new. Extras and warranty made the difference for us n

jaybauman · 07-15-2019, 05:20 PM

Earlier this year, I was in the same boat as you. I could not believe what sellers were asking for used trailers, so I bought new. The model I bought had “all the options”, and the used one was base model. The 3-year warranty was worth the very slight “upcharge” I had to pay for buying new.

With such a small delta, go for new.

daleyocum · 07-15-2019, 05:43 PM

20% off MSRP is considered a good deal. It unusual to find one on the lot for that much of a discount, usually you need to do a lot of comparison shopping, playing one dealer off another, and often special order to do that well. I’d go with the new one, that’s what we did and haven’t regretted it. That gets you the factory warranty, etc.

uraljohn · 07-15-2019, 06:12 PM

Looked for 2 years at both new and used before we bought a new 2017 23D. Price was 20% off with 2 year warranty. Sold that unit recently for just $3k less than we paid for it. Fantastic deal!

Just bought a new 2019 FC25 RBT with 3 year warranty. Price was 22% off. Another fantastic deal.

We vote for new. Both purchases were pure purchases. No extra junk at the closing desk. No extended warranty, no fancy wax job, etc. That is where you will get in trouble. Both dealers were fair and no pressure in the closing room. That would be Colonial Airstream and Out of Doors Mart. I recommend them both.

Have fun looking for your NEW or maybe used Airstream. Happy travels

P.S. We had only minor warranty work done to the 2017 23D, at JC of course, and so far the 2019 FC 25 is flawless after 2 substantial outings.

Piggy Bank · 07-15-2019, 06:16 PM

5 year old unit may not have the ducted AC, which makes a very big difference in how quiet and nice the rigs are.

I would get new, but that's just me.

PKI · 07-15-2019, 06:53 PM

New is three year warranty. Big!

The reason you buy used is that it's a good deal and the right coach for you. Five years old and 15K less. That's about what we would ask for ours if we sold it. If you have 15K to throw away, go for it. Some folks don't. But the ducted air (5 years old won't have it) is worth 5K+, the factory solar is nice to have/worth 3K, a three year warranty is worth 3K and having a brand new no one ever used rig is priceless. So, no, you are not crazy. Get a coach and get moving. That's worth another 5K on either trailer. Oh, make sure you don't need the 27. Trading coaches is a mistake you don't want to make. Pat

PS, a used coach should be in great physical condition have new tires, battery, brakes and AC service or it's not worth what they are asking.

PS, the right solar system upgrade is worth quite a bit more than the factory solar. Takes some research to understand the difference.

mefly2 · 07-15-2019, 06:56 PM

Airstreams have fewer nuts ...more rivets!
Buy new if budget permits ...likely you will not regret - we are on the third new and don't look back.

McDonald256 · 07-16-2019, 05:44 AM

Thanks for all the feedback. You have all confirmed what I though, now it’s just convincing myself to buy it..... they are really mice but it’s a tough purchase just due to the overall price.

smithcreek · 07-16-2019, 06:28 AM

If you haven't found a reasonable discount from new you haven't looked enough, made a reasonable offer or found a realistic seller. In the end, an AS trailer does not depreciate at the same rate the average automobile or truck does, but at the same time the average lifespan of an AS trailer is much longer than an auto or truck.

As a ballpark example, something like a FC25 might depreciate 10k-12k over 5 years, and the same trailer probably went up in price at least 12k over that time. So you should be looking at prices more than 20K off brand new.

MAJORJDB · 07-16-2019, 07:39 AM

While new is great, you sound like a new RV buyer (due to $$ comments), so buying used for your first unit might be more practical. You will learn many things with your first unit to apply to follow on units (size, layout, TV capabilities, etc.). Most importantly, whether RV lifestyle works for you. Might be easier to recoup monies on a used unit if need be... Good luck and safe travels!! Jim

lsbrodsky · 07-16-2019, 07:49 AM

I second the idea of used based on my own experience. I think it has been said for a long time that a lightly-used unit can save you a lot of money and usually has all or most of the new-build bugs resolved. That was our experience. After the initial depreciation, these trailers seem to hold their value better than some others and certainly better than what you see with cars.
If you think the previous owner is asking too much, just make an offer and move on. While new has a lot of sex appeal, I cannot see any monetary advantage to buying new.
There always seem to be used Airstreams out there, but if you don't find one you like and are willing to buy, you can always just buy new. They seem to be pumping a lot of them out the factory doors.
Larry

McDonald256 · 07-16-2019, 07:01 PM

Well I could not bring myself to pull the trigger but the boss left them a deposit to hold it. Out the door with a wd hitch it’s $73,750 which seems like a deal to me. We looked at a regular camper too with slides and bunks.... We need another few days to think about it.

This is not our first camper. We have had a big toy hauler and a 30’ class C so we kinda know the drill. We lived in Alaska and camped every weekend, but have not camped in 10+ years. Now that’s it’s just the Mrs and me we think a smaller simpler experience would be fun. When and if the grand kids come we could easily accommodate them.

AlbertF · 07-17-2019, 07:20 AM

It’s an FC25 twin? If it was a queen a 27 might be the better layout. It’s there, the price is great, and your wife obviously really likes it.
I think your decision is made. I don’t think you will regret it.

ROBERT CROSS · 07-17-2019, 07:45 AM

IMHO....the 'first' AS should be a gently used, bug free unit.
It's not a 100% certainty that the experience will work for you.
Why not let someone else take the depreciation hit?...After-all there is a very good chance that you'll 'up-grade' a few years down the road, you'd be surprised how many do just that.

Bob
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