Value Of An '88 AS Motorhome

[montanaandy]

There is an 88 AS Motorhome available locally - supposedly in pristine condition. What should one expect to pay? Thanks, Montanaandy

[ViewRVs]

Is it a 345, 325, or 290? Rear bedroom configuration? My initial guess would be high 20's to low-30's if in 'pristine' condition. The value of these units really starts dropping at 15 years and then holds steady around 20k after that for a while.

[noiva]

I'm looking at a 1989 Airstream, Model 370LE with 15,000 original miles. Outside redone by Airstream 2 years ago. Inside like new, but never redone. Front/Rear curtains replaced, normal slight fading of upholstery, but essentially like new. Books say between $40,000 up to $60,000. Local dealer says $40,000. Are these amounts reasonable for a unit like this? Not questioning amounts as excessive, just trying to find out what a reasonable price should be.

[montanaandy]

I went to check the 88 motorhome out this afternoon. 60K on the mileage. Rear queen, shower & bath on either sides of hallway, interior in very good shape with the exception of the captains chairs in front (the seats and arm rests were really worn). Exterior is in good shape (no major dents - but showing its age). Tires would need to be replaced. Overall a decent unit. Don't know whether it was a 345, 325 or 290 - will have to ask the salespeople. They want $43,000 for it - the ad terms the model as "rare". Sounds like they are overly optimistic. Montanaandy

[thenewkid64]

If it had a dinette it was likely a 345, no dinette then either a 310 or 325. 325 will have an extra set of rear wheels a 310 is a single rear.

The 370 is rare, but unless it was perfect (any model) I would say it is overpriced.

[ViewRVs]

Funny how 'pristine' is a subjective word!

NADA doesn't list a 370 or 310 in 1988. NADA does list a 290. The 345 and 325 (both with the rear tag axle) would be the most common. The 290 really would be closer to 'rare'. Either way, I think the 30's is out. Maybe high 20's nearing 30k is all I'd go. My site has pictures of all three models. One thing to consider is that 88 was the last year of the wood grain side stripe. Did they upgrade the paint job to the 1989 and later look?

[swebster]

$43,000? I got one I'll sell you

[ALANSD]

yeah, thats quite a healthy figure. I recently saw an ad for a 345 at a similiar price, definitely too high. I would want to spend 30,000 or under for a 345.

[noiva]

The 370 I asked about is an '89. That's the only year it was made. Gillig chassis, Ford 460, Chevrolet dash (same as other AS motorhomes), Airstream living quaters and rear tag axle. Odd mixture, but fantastic coach. NADA is about $40,000. If I can get it for $15,000 it seems that would be a good buy. I'm having the major stuff evaluated now by an RV/truck place where I know the people. I can do most jobs short of engine overhauls, transmission replacements, etc. The RV part is straight out of my old Avion trailer (sorry about the brand, but it's a great trailer), so I think I can do all that work when it becomes necessary.

One question: What is the coating that was put on the motorhomes? It appears to be a satin clearcoat. Not nearly as reflective as the trailers. Coach exterior was redone 2 years ago by AS. The coating was applied then, but is beginning to peel in some places on the roof. I'd like to get to that before it gets out of control. Any help on this will be appreciated.

Noiva

Originally Posted by 1985air345

Funny how 'pristine' is a subjective word!

NADA doesn't list a 370 or 310 in 1988. NADA does list a 290. The 345 and 325 (both with the rear tag axle) would be the most common. The 290 really would be closer to 'rare'. Either way, I think the 30's is out. Maybe high 20's nearing 30k is all I'd go. My site has pictures of all three models. One thing to consider is that 88 was the last year of the wood grain side stripe. Did they upgrade the paint job to the 1989 and later look?

[swebster]

Noiva,
It's a clear coat. The "satin" finish is actually in the aluminum. AS switched to this "mill finish" aluminum in the early eighties. Cearcoat peeling is common on the roof line and nose. You can do one of three things: polish the entire coach, paint the entire coach, or re-clearcoat the entire coach....spendy in all cases.

Or just leave it alone. It's not hurting anything.