Used Aristream Evaluation

[S&L]

My wife and I are considering buying a used Airstream. When buying a car, you can go to Consumer Reports for an unbiased evaluation of the vehicle (plus and minus) for such things as frequency of repairs, durability, costs of repairs, market values, etc. Is there anything comparable for reference in buying new and used trailers, including Airtream?

[Pschoerrn]

There is something that is a good guideline for what you might get into... Try the price v. condition it helped us a lot! The second thing you should do, try to look at as many used Airstreams as you can before buying that will give you a feeling for the marketprices and the third and best source are the forums. You´ll find allmost too many threads about the different conditions a trailer can be in, but also a good guide for what to look for (systems, frame, shell etc.). If you are afraid of doing something wrong when you look at a trailer post it here before you go and I am pretty shure someone from the forums will come with you to look at a trailer and to give you a third mind...

Good luck for your 'hunting' and nice to have you on board!

WELCOME!!!!

Bjoern

[Janet H]

Hi and welcome to the forums. We have volunteer inspectors all over the country. This thread http://www.airforums.com/forum...way-21236.html has a list. If you don't see soem one who could help - ask.

Good luck with the hunt!

[85MH325]

There are a couple of threads here regarding the quality of the very late model production coaches and the problems they've experienced, but older than '04 there isn't much. It's truly caveat emptor. Educate yourselves on the expected condition for the age coach you're shopping for, what the various costs of repairs are, and what you're willing to accept... and happy hunting!

Roger

[dwightdi]

Decide on what kind of camping or traveling you are going to do and that will establish what kind of unit you are going to need. How old you go, will depend on how handy you are and how much work you are capable or willing to do. Older units will likely require signifigant modification, repair and expense. Buying a cheap old shell is not a good business decision. You can usually buy a later model that will require less of an overall outlay of money than buying an older unit and repairing it. Buy one that is a little bigger than you need because, after a few months of use, almost everyone ends up thinking they would be happier in a little bit bigger unit. You should also consider a newer tow vehcile and how much power it will need, depending on how much mountain travel you intend to do.

[Chaplain Kent]

Welcome to the forums. I can not speak to other brands and how you would judge their quality or lack of but as for Airstreams you have come to the right place. This forum will provide you with the information and advice you are looking for. We even have a list of volunteer inspectors who will go out and look at a trailer or motor home for you.
Maybe you can find a similar forum for another brand, if not I would stick with Airstream. Good luck with your search.

[JmesDean]

No, I'm not saying there isn't anything out there...

But check out www.nada.com for an approx retail price, as well.

T.