Newbeeeee here

[angustami]

Hi all,

my wife and I have been searching for an airstream for about 2 years now.
We have stumbled upon one that seams to be a good deal.

25' Safari SE LS
used only 3x (less than 400miles)
FB
no dings dents or scratches

I was wondering what a good initial offer would be without embarrassing myself or the seller.

We appreciate any info you can give us.

Thx
chas and tami

[moosetags]

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question, what model year is the Airstream that you are referring to? You're showing a '14 Flying Cloud in your data section and asking about a Safari of an unspecified year. We need to know more before we can advise.

Brian

[mefly2]

Good choice for length ...need more info ...

[angustami]

Originally Posted by moosetags

Welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question, what model year is the Airstream that you are referring to? You're showing a '14 Flying Cloud in your data section and asking about a Safari of an unspecified year. We need to know more before we can advise.

Brian

oops sorry Brian, that would help LOL

25' Safari SE LS, 2006

[angustami]

anybody have an opinion?

[SteveSueMac]

Originally Posted by angustami

anybody have an opinion?

Sure. Lots of opinions :-)

This advice is worth everything you paid for it...

A google search returned a history of Safari sales from the classifieds in this forum. Judging from that quick view alone, you might be in the $30k range.

That's an uninformed position based on one source of data.

Has the seller declared a price? Were I the seller, I would tell you what I wanted for it and would not be offended if you asked me the rock bottom price I would accept.

One person's view - everyone's mileage varies. Good luck and keep us posted!

[cwf]

Just cause it hasn't rolled a lot doesn't mean it's a deal.

The 'systems' inside the AS can age. .. sometimes more than the outside...

- where was it stored?
- how old are tires?
- why did they only use it 3 times?
- what warranty issues did they have?
- when was last time 'resealed'?
- do all 'systems' function properly? (and I do mean ALL SYSTEMS)
- are there signs of rodent infestation or visitation
- is there any water damage on walls?
- is there any moisture in floors, especially by walls and windows (need a moisture meter)
- how old are batteries? (visually inspect)
- has the AS been subjected to any freezing weather (stored outside, even if covered, must be winterized if freezing weather hits)
- What is condition of the holding tanks?
- do all doors/windows/vents/window shades function smoothly/properly

Sitting still, tires rot... drum brakes rust... sealants age... gaskets age... piping water/propane age...

Our 34' is a 1999. It had some of all the above when purchased. I expected that. Some were surprises... But it is a solid trailer now...

So.. ask yourself.. "will I be comfortable spending an additional 20-30% above purchase price over the next 2 years for 'age' issues?... if everything 'works' when purchased, then you have a good idea what to expect... new batteries, new tires... reseal the whole rig... for starters when you get home on day 1.....

[sophie18]

Hey welcome to the forum

[AWCHIEF]

My suggestion would be to try to find a knowledgable inspector and have them take a look at it. On the right hand side of of the Portal page there is a block where you can request a volunteer inspector. It would be nice to offer to pay expenses they might have. If you are unable to find an inspector you can down load and use a very comprehensive inspection check list. When I was shopping for mine generally the asking price was in the $28K range. Buying price was considerably less in my case. Good luck

[angustami]

tank you all
off to the inspection area

[angustami]

Originally Posted by AWCHIEF

My suggestion would be to try to find a knowledgable inspector and have them take a look at it. On the right hand side of of the Portal page there is a block where you can request a volunteer inspector. It would be nice to offer to pay expenses they might have. If you are unable to find an inspector you can down load and use a very comprehensive inspection check list. When I was shopping for mine generally the asking price was in the $28K range. Buying price was considerably less in my case. Good luck

Michael do you just type in the State and trailer and hit submit?

[Captain Hank]

Many of the 2006 -2008 Safari FB where not sealed properly around the rear trim band. Water leaked in, saturated the floor which resulted in floor rot. This is something that I would check prior to purchase.

There is lots of information about this on the forum

[angustami]

Thanks Captn Hank,
yes Im reading and reading........learning lots :-)

[GFA.arch]

I recently purchased a similar 2006 25' Safari SE. The items people have listed are all things to consider to determine the value. A couple additional items, the skylight, if original is most likely is on its last legs as well as the a.c. cover.Unless it's been stored inside it will most likely have some of the previously mentioned issues. Mine had no floor rot or major issues but I did lots of preventative work to have piece of mind. Someone had put a tarp on it and scratched the clearcoat. $4k later it is in operational, safe, and weather worthy condition with an awesome new buffing job by Vinnie's Northbay Airstream Repair in Santa Rosa, CA. The bottom line purchase price will be dependent on how motivated the seller is and how many other similar models are on the market. I wanted the FB twin so there weren't many around, but the seller was motivated so I think I paid a reasonable price.

Get the inspection it will give you needed information.

[AWCHIEF]

Originally Posted by angustami

Michael do you just type in the State and trailer and hit submit?

Yes, that will do it. Then narrow down the list to still active members and distance to trailer location and start sending out PMs. Good luck.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Captain Hank

Many of the 2006 -2008 Safari FB where not sealed properly around the rear trim band. Water leaked in, saturated the floor which resulted in floor rot. This is something that I would check prior to purchase.

There is lots of information about this on the forum

Captain Hank is correct; we had that (water) issue with our 06' 25 Safari. Also agree about checking out everything especially brakes and tires, prior to towing home. On the bright side, if you get a good deal, say <$30K, if it is in good shape, you take care of it, you likely can recoup most of your investment should you decide to upgrade later. We broke even after 2 years of use on the 06', and actually made $4K on our 08' 25'. The new one is working great for us now, but wish I had the ducted air...good luck!

[BoldAdventure]

Yup, I'm also a victim of the water issue. It's been around since the 70's but it's particularly bad in 05-08 models of Safari & Internationals when you read around here. It's also an issue that can go totally unnoticed for a LONG LONG time until the whole floor is rotted. The original owner of ours had no clue. And the second owner tried to hide the fact.

[Cyberous]

For comparison on the low end...

We bought a 2006 25 FB SE last year for $22,000.
She was in need of much love but about $4000 later and a lot of my hard work she can hold her own with the rest of the group! It had sat unused in a dirt lot for two years!

Ours had floor rot issues in the rear which required new flooring, the bed was missing, tires & rims were shot, hot water heater failed (from lack of use), body had more corrosion issues than anyone should have let get that far and most recently I put new stone guards on.

We still have a leaking skylight so a new Maxim skylight is in the near future. (We store ours indoors so it's not a rush)

In all of or searching last year we were prepared to pay in the $30,000 to $35,000 range for a nice 2006 - 2008 25' FB SE.

Good luck, you wont be disappointed with the 25' lay out.

[angustami]

thanks all for your input and advice. Looks like its been stored indoors so thats a plus.

[angustami]

Ok picking it up in Atlanta and heading right to the campground

I know this is ass backwards but is there anything I need to know about toolet fridge etc so the wife doesn't get peod

Been reading and watching videos
Hitch and away already set
Side mirrors good

Thx
Chas