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Old 05-11-2019, 08:41 AM   #1
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2004 30' Classic
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Late Model AS - Can't Figure Why To Buy Used?

Hi Team,

We are looking for a new or late model 25RB Twin. I am surprised at the used prices. When buying new one can get 20% off MSRP, the late model used ones are within a few $K of a new one.

Given, the minimal price difference, new seems the way to go.

Thoughts on why one would buy a late model used vice new?

Thanks
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Old 05-11-2019, 08:49 AM   #2
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Couple of reasons come to mind. This time of year availability. New have a three year warranty.


I would think you need to shop more, I had to go out of state to get my 20% on new.


Dave
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Old 05-11-2019, 09:08 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NoResults View Post
Couple of reasons come to mind. This time of year availability. New have a three year warranty.


I would think you need to shop more, I had to go out of state to get my 20% on new.


Dave
Hi Dave,

Thanks for the input. I am finding getting 20% off new pretty easy. The small price gap between 20% off MSRP and used surprised me. Would expect used to be a bit cheaper.

Like you said, given the 3 year warranty on new, why buy a late model used for only a few $k less?
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Old 05-11-2019, 09:16 AM   #4
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What is the warranty worth to you ... even if it is not at 20% discount?
Try to buy from a local dealer and you will find much less hassle when you need warranty coverage ...
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Old 05-11-2019, 09:23 AM   #5
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Here is what I have observed. New gets you some new features and/or upgraded components, some of which you may want and some which you may not. Almost all features, other than ducted air which started in 2015 for many models, can be added to an older unit (others please correct me if I’m forgetting upgrades that can’t be easily done after the initial build from Airstream). But also new gets you a trailer that you won’t know the true quality of for a number of months. Most seem fine but some coming out of the factory never should have left due to not being finished as well as they should have been. 20% off of msrp is what folks shoot for. Buy from only a quality dealer.

Buying a used model 2-5 years old can save a bunch of money. Often these trailers have extras included that you have to look closely for that would add thousands to a new unit. If you purchase from someone who has cared for their Airstream they have worked out the problems and dealt with the headaches. For example, our unit had some minor issues but all have been dealt with. But it took time. We have added upgrades that many people would appreciate. When we sell it come this Fall someone will get a beautiful trailer that will be hard to differentiate from new with $15,000+ of upgrades and will sell for $10,000 (estimated) less than new. So in my unit’s case, $70,000 current model price +$15,000 for upgrades equals the equivalent of $85,000 for new or $60,000 (estimated) for a 4 1/2 year old unit.

If no upgrades have been done to a trailer than it comes down to what that dollar amount difference between new and used makes it worth it to you to purchase used. If it’s $10,000 that is still $10,000. That can go to a nicer tow vehicle or years worth of campground fees and gas! All how one frames it in their mind I find.

Keep us posted on your decision and include photos of your new baby if you decide to buy one!

Chris
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Old 05-11-2019, 09:25 AM   #6
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That's exactly what we found in 2014 when we bought our new one. It's just not worth a couple of thousand not to have the warranty.
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Old 05-11-2019, 10:13 AM   #7
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We started out wanting to buy used. Used FC 30 Bunkhouse models are somewhat rare, and Colonial offered me a price that was competitive with 2-3 year old used ones. The 3-year warranty was the kicker for us, so we went with new.
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Old 05-11-2019, 10:25 AM   #8
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When I sold my 27 international, the gentleman from South Carolina gave me close to what I originally paid. Of course, I had upgraded many many items and added interior decorations. New golf cart batteries, converter, tires, centramatic balancers, tire sensors, Fan covers and on and on to the tune of about $3000. All the labor was me!

We completely cleaned the trailer inside and out. Waxed it. Sealed items on the roof. We added many items to upgrade the galley and even replaced the coil in the water heater.

We hadn't planned on selling her for quite some time, but when we made the decision to move up to the 30' Classic, it went on the market.

You can find deals like this! And those trailer with a loving owner makes a great used trailer to buy.
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Old 05-11-2019, 11:28 AM   #9
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From personal experience, we agree with those who have had a successful experience buying well-loved used. All three of ours have been previously owned by careful dedicated Airstreamers: 1999 Excella 30; 2006 Classic 30; 2011 Classic Ltd 30. They had worked out the kinks, added things we love to live with, and proved the technology. Just one couple's opinion, of course.
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Old 05-11-2019, 12:43 PM   #10
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Thumbs up Buy Used!

If you want vintage - you "have to" buy used!

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P.S. My trailer is older than I am...and I still get asked "Are you the original owner?"
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Old 05-12-2019, 05:02 AM   #11
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So far we have contacted two dealers. One is offering 22% off on a new order. The other 20 % off on one on the lot. Should have the quote from our closest dealer later today.. They are saying they will beat the 22%off...
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Old 05-12-2019, 06:37 AM   #12
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Hi

There is a term in the car business "full delivered price". More or less, it's what you are going to write the check for. That is the number you care about.

You want a deal with 45% off list price on your $100,000 trailer, sure we can do that. Come on down and put up a non-refundable deposit and we'll get the paperwork going. Come back in a two weeks (after your deposit check has cleared) and we'll have it all ready for you to take home.

...... (later) ....

hmmmm .... whaot's that $10,000 prep fee ... how about this $10,000 delivery charge .... $10,000 wax and seal .... $10,000 dealer only warranty ... hmmm ....Seems like I'm paying list price ....

Just as with "list price" on a new one, "asking price" on a used one is the starting point to the conversation. A lot of places will not bother tossing out real prices until they are reasonably sure you are interested.

Indeed, the discount on a one or two year old trailer isn't going to be a whole lot. The comparison point (obviously) is a factor off the list price when it was new. If prices went up 4% a year, then 28% off current list would be the "zero dollars" point for that trailer in that situation.

Before you flip this around and *assume* you can re-sell your AS in two years for what you paid for it ....not so much. Somebody sold that trailer to the dealer and now he's going to make money reselling it. He's got costs and they *will* be covered. Is that 10% or 20%? Probably depends a bit on which dealer you are at.

Bob
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Old 05-12-2019, 07:21 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cru-in View Post
Given, the minimal price difference, new seems the way to go.

Thoughts on why one would buy a late model used vs. new?
The only reason is that a used one's price is very negotiable. So If I can buy a new one for $80K, and a two yr. old one for $60K, I'd go for the used one. Both had "List" price of $100K.
When I bought, all the close used one's were junk. I wasn't willing to drive a thousand miles to look at a used one.
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Old 05-12-2019, 08:57 AM   #14
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Usually when you go to a used seller and say I can get new X for Y, they will come down on the price.

You must also remember most used sellers advertise the used "MSRP" price for a lack of a better term. They know RV buyers expect quite a discount on the price, even used. The used advertised price is usually 10-20% above what most people will actually accept.
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Old 05-12-2019, 09:30 AM   #15
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Personally I never buy any vehicle or trailer "NEW". Over my 70 or so year of experience has saved big bucks. The key is do your research, do more than "kick the tires". We purchased both "Blue Streak" and "Red Dragon" as "Second Owners". So I figure I saved about $90,000.00 over "new". It's funny about human beings. You by a new vehicle and 6 months of scratches later it's old and you start thinking about the next new one . IMO save the Wanderlust for better and feel good about finding "that gem".
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Old 05-12-2019, 09:38 AM   #16
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We bought our 2012 in 2016, so I consider it a late model. At the time, the price difference was likely north of $15,000, not insignificant and in overall great condition. If you are seeing only "several thousand dollars difference", consistently over a period of time, maybe new is the way to go. Me, I'd keep looking.
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Old 05-12-2019, 09:45 AM   #17
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New or Used

If I were in the market I would be looking for features. The new models have features that I do not like: 1: All of the new electronics is great until you are boondocking and nothing works many hours from anyone that can help you (no cell service either). 2: I like the Hickory cabinets in the Older classics. I do not like the newer dark cabinets. 3: I like the performance of the hydraulic breaks on the older classics. That's just me. If I want a new trailer I would spend the money and refurbish my old trailer. My trailer took me several years to fix the 70+ issues that I found coming off the lot. Why would I want to suffer fixing those issues again? Older is better.

Happy streaming....
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Old 05-12-2019, 10:08 AM   #18
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One good reason to buy used is to assure everything works. That is not typically the case with new trailers as Airstream is not known for it's quality control.
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Old 05-12-2019, 10:10 AM   #19
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Years ago, we had some friends who told us a story about how the lady's father purchased cars. He found that by purchasing a new Cadillac every three to five months, he could own a new car for not much cash flow. What happened was that he debugged the cars. There was a waiting list for his trade-ins. The dealer won, the fellow won and the new owners won. We can't vouch for the validity of the story, but it made for a great conversation one evening.

Now, that could work for an AS. However, it is unlikely. But if you find one of those well loved and maintained coaches, it's quite likely to be a winner. For most of those late model flips, however, consider the reality that there is "asking" and there is "getting" when it comes to buying and selling.

Lots of compromises out there. Make the ones that work for you. A good deal is one that works for all. Pat
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Old 05-12-2019, 10:17 AM   #20
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The average useful life expectancy of an AS trailer is probably at least double the average auto, so the rate of depreciation is going to be different. There also doesn't seem to be the big hit when you "drive it off the lot". Like a used car that is 2-3 years old is often a good buy, used Airstreams about 4-6 years old seem to be the sweet spot.
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