How do you answer when folks ask how much your AS cost?

[BigSxyWhtGuy]

Yup. MSRP

[Projet2907]

I tell; what I paid, Sold My house and bought this. I first had a cheap one that fell into pieces after 4 years of full of living in it, At least this one is will last, comfortable, high quality more secure and easy to pull, will keep its resale value compared to most. It was also my dream, so now or never. I had to jump in all the way!

[Bill M.]

I do not have a stock answer. It would depend upon who asked and why they asked. I have 2 very cheap Airstreams so it is not a big issue. I know I have never asked anybody how much they paid and probably won't.

[rmkrum]

“It’s paid for already. Why do you ask?”

[Steven62]

I tell the truth what I paid.

[Dawgstreamin]

I have no problem with folks asking...will share price if the push and then follow up by pointing out the cost of other RVs in the park. Airstreams are expensive but not even in the same ballpark as many diesel pushers.

[Raptor 1964]

I tell them, 'I traded one of my helicopters for my AS.'

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by Bill M.

I do not have a stock answer. It would depend upon who asked and why they asked.
. . .

Bingo . . . just like the rest of life . . . use your innate wisdom.

Next.

[MAJORJDB]

Originally Posted by Tincampers

Nunya.

Or give them the list price. If you have to ask you can’t afford it.

Really, lol aren't you the typical "AS snob" many S O B RV'rs think many AS owners are (have heard, seen and felt that personally) are!! Many people realize that RVs in general are poor investments, especially when bought new and can become "money pits" at some point in their lifespan. I agree that AS units hold their value somewhat better than other RVs, but your paying for it up front (original owner). Follow-on owners actually get a better value in most cases. It's much more interesting to find out what someone paid for their vintage/used unit(or $ put into restoring), to see what they saved over a new one. Not to offend new purchasers, as it's your money, but almost anyone can own an AS of some type if they really want to... Jim

[dznf0g]

I usually say, "more than my house!" That way they get the idea I know what they are thinking and I'm not a wealthy estate owner.

[Tomfeury]

twice the cost of a similar size other brand trailer and more than my first house. But so far, it has been worth every penny for all the smiles it gives me.

[rmkrum]

Originally Posted by Tomfeury

twice the cost of a similar size other brand trailer and more than my first house. But so far, it has been worth every penny for all the smiles it gives me.

I like that answer. I usually just reply, “It’s paid for,” and change the subject. If pressed, it’s “NYDB” and walk away.

[bweybright]

Or an easy one could be "Why are you asking? Does it really matter?" Then be done with it.
If they have a new one then even more, turns to why are you asking are your worried you paid a stupid price?
And if pushed I simply say it kept me married, so you determine the price for a stupid question.

[mythbuster88]

I usually say "New Airstreams start at around $40K."
And that always ends it.

[sheriff1]

New ones are about a buck and a quarter.

[drbrick]

I ask them if they want to know in US or Canadian dollars ?

[Spinonedad]

People use to stop us on the street and ask how much our dog cost
I usually responsed ,,$10.000
After theIr mouth dropped I added, we had to buy a larger car, a new camera, dog beds , dog toys ,,,etc,,,,

[Spartanguy]

Along those lines, I get, “is that a new one or an old one?” a lot, I just find that question odd and to me it’s obviously so clear, but I guess not everyone has studied (obsessed over) the brand so long they can tell you the way the bed looks inside by the placement of an external storage compartment going 70mph down the highway, lol. Also odd, I have had many many people seriously ask me what an Airstream is when I tell them I live in mine[emoji848]

[Spartanguy]

Originally Posted by Rgentum

"Does the cost question come up often with you?"

Occasionally.

"And are you comfortable just sharing it right off?"

I tell them: "I went to my local dealer, Airstream Adventures NW, who gave me a price of $79,500 and adamantly refused to bargain over it. I thought that price was excessive, so I shopped AS dealers throughout the US for an identical AS and got the lowest price from Toscano RV, in CA: $70,750, which is what I paid them for it. It cost me a drive from Seattle to central CA to save almost $9K. I'd do it again in a heartbeat."

People say one of the advantages of buying "local" is to obtain good service from the local dealer when needed. Airstream Adventures NW has repeatedly provided me with good service on my Toscano-bought AS. That hasn't been a problem for me. I just have had a problem getting Airstream Adventures NW to negotiate their sales price on a new AS.

Same thing happened to me when the AS 33 came out. My sweetie got real excited about getting one. We went to AANW and looked at their AS 33 for sale. I asked "How much?" And got the answer "$158K." I asked if they would negotiate that price? "No." I went home and shopped for a new AS 33 online, and the lowest price I obtained was $119,950.

OK, I admit it. I've lived all my life buying and selling assets, negotiating prices, and bargaining. It just galls me to think of paying $9K to "buy local" when I can obtain the identical item elsewhere for some $9K less --- or, in the case of the AS 33, for some $40K less.

I’m sure it’s happened more than once that there’s been one listed for 119,950 (I’m going to buy me a 33 when the perfect one I want and the perfect F350 I want and after I hit the lottery happens, ha) but I went to look at one (a 2019 with the nice aluminum switches inside which is now a must for me) priced at 119,950 at a random SOB dealership and the salesman said, “it just sold last week to some people who came in from Colorado then told me he’d been in the business a long while and they paid waaay too much, told me they paid $105,000. Denver Airstream told me they could “get down” to 145,000 on a 33, so yes I think I’d be driving to Indiana. With all that said, I would consider paying a higher price if purchased from Colonial as I’m convinced the buying experience and follow-up support there is bar none. Would also pay higher (like I did with my 25) for the exact interior color combinations I want.

And, I think it’s in all of our interests for Airstreams to continue to be considered a luxury brand, which they are. I think the product line of the Nest for example cheapens the brand and was improperly badged by Thor...even investors are saying it. I paid $60g for mine, not 25g for the “same” Grand Design, I’m fine people knowing that. When you’re talking the 33 though it is kinda over the top luxury so wouldn’t want to seem braggartish...just stream of thought writing here ✍️

[Lensman]

Why the big secret?? Unless it is something you are ashamed of just be straight up with them. You should be flattered they are interested.