Critique my valuation

[kondoit]

Hey guys

I am looking at a 2004 CCD 28

Comps on airstreamclassified run from 25K - 40K (though that was listed price)

There are a few dealer listings around 39K

My assumption is the dealer listings have 20% or more put on top of a private sale cost to account for overhead and margin.

Then I had it checked out, uncovered a few things that need to be fixed, and some of those things show that certain routing maintenance (roof seals for example) wasn't done.

On top of that the AC is original, and me being from Florida, AC is a must have. So I am figuring the cost of having to replace that immediately.

So I am at 25K.

Figuring 39K x .8 = $31,200 would be a solid private sale price with no issues and with recently replaced items like batteries, tires, etc.

So considering the items I know, and the concerns that come with the unknowns I think 25K is reasonable. Particularly in a private sale where I have no recourse of any kind once we shake hands.

Full disclosure, this is currently listed on the classifieds.

This is my first time trying to purchase an AS, so I want input to calibrate my thinking if I am off base in my approach.

[vintageracer]

One way to find out if yur "Thinkin" is right.

Go make the offer and see if you buy it!

[GMFL]

If you got that unit for 25K it would be the deal of the century. 30 is going to be the low number and 32 would be my high. AC replacement will cost 1500.00 but if the current unit is working there is no need to replace it as it could last another 10 years and or a new one could die the first week.
Good Luck

[CBWELL]

Make an offer, and they will either take it or tell you to take a walk. If I was asking $39K and was offered $25K, I would feel insulted, and that would end dealing with the offering person. JMHO.

[smithcreek]

Originally Posted by kondoit

This is my first time trying to purchase an AS, so I want input to calibrate my thinking if I am off base in my approach.

If I understand correctly you are deducting the cost of a brand new AC unit, brand new tires, batteries, etc. from the sellers asking price. Problem is you are not buying a brand new trailer you are buying a used one, with used appliances and parts. I'm sure the seller believes he has already "calibrated" that into his asking price. On the other hand, offer what you want and see what happens.

[Gsmblue]

Originally Posted by CBWELL

If I was asking $39K and was offered $25K, I would feel insulted, and that would end dealing with the offering person. JMHO.

I agree with this opinion.

But to answer your original question, I think your assumptions on margins and maintenance are flawed. You can’t apply an assumed dealer mark up to a private sale in this instance.

We all make our own assumptions. Set your budget, be patient, I am sure you will get there.

Good luck and keep us posted!

[OTRA15]

Good advice so far . . .

One factor to add is that we are entering "high season" for RV sales, in which it is a "seller's market" price-wise. After a very careful inspection of all systems, you may have to make the seller "an offer he or she can't refuse" to grab this unit.

It will be helpful to agree on the condition of all systems, body defects, tires, appliances, rug condition, etc. etc., as part of the negotiation . . . but don't haggle over price based on this IMO. Just get on the same page about the functionality of things.

Bottom line has already been stated -- make an offer and see what happens!

Patience is key.



Good luck,

Peter

[Freedom21]

Hi!! You may be overly optimistic with your pricing rationale, been down that road, lol. We are sorta in the same place you are, we currently have a decent AS (1989 32' Excella), paid $13k for it 4yrs ago. It was fully operational when we bought it and invested $$ into it as we used it and ID'd shortcomings. We have put $8-10k into it (A.C. w/ez start, axles w/3" lift, 16" tires/rims, new floor, porcillion toilet, electric jack, LED taillights, awning mainspring and all new vent fans, etc.) but it has been a great AS. We converted the hall closet into a crib for our toddler and are looking for a 2015-newer 30' Flying Cloud FB Bunk model. While we have a few years before we "need" to upgrade we are looking now. Since the FC 30' FBB is a bit rare, most go fast and at a premium ($70k +/-). That being said, we are prepared to pay the asking price if need be for the "right" trailer. I think you would be lucky at getting 5-10% off the asking price, if it is as advertised. If you find some issues upon inspection, you can negotiate from there, but you may still pay close to asking price, depends on how bad you want it. We got lucky with our first AS, but if we find the right one this time, we will pay an inspector to check it out, it's money well spent. We have 25yrs RVing with TTs, Slide-on Campers and a Class A DP or two before we got an AS and still missed some things on our pre -purchase self inspection. We hope you get the right AS for you, but be prepared to pay for it... Good luck and safe travels!!

[kondoit]

Struck a deal.

In order to not violate the sellers confidentiality I wont post it publicly.

[GMFL]

Originally Posted by kondoit

Struck a deal.

In order to not violate the sellers confidentiality I wont post it publicly.

That’s great news!

[Countryboy59]

Dealers can’t get more for something than it’s worth. They just buy it for less in the first place.

[kondoit]

Originally Posted by Countryboy59

Dealers can’t get more for something than it’s worth. They just buy it for less in the first place.

You and I have a slightly different approach to how markets work.

I agree, the dealer can only charge what the market will bear at full retail and that number is influenced based on supply and demand.

You can always factor out the dealers mark up to figure what the fair acquisition cost is from a private sellers as the dealer offers the private seller little advantage vs the private buyer.

So if the dealer can buy it at 31K, I should be able to as well.

The question in this case is that the product wasn't in retail ready condition and if I could further drive down the price to a level that matched my target price.

Ultimately, I ended up somewhere in the middle that worked for everyone.

[ROBERT CROSS]

I recently bought a gaggle of vintage gold wristwatches,
we haggled the gaggle until we both were satisfied. 👍
I don't see why the same would not work for an Airstream.

Bob
🇺🇸

[HeadWest]

Originally Posted by kondoit

You can always factor out the dealers mark up to figure what the fair acquisition cost is from a private sellers as the dealer offers the private seller little advantage vs the private buyer.

So if the dealer can buy it at 31K, I should be able to as well.

I’m glad you and the buyer got to an agreeable price for both parties and I love the earlier 28 CCD’s (prefer to our 2013 CCD signature).

Regarding the comment above, I respectfully disagree that a wholesale transaction with a dealer has little advantage to the seller over a private buyer. There is a time factor of advertising, responding to requests for information and showings, along with dealing with all the spam and so forth. There is also the time for finalizing the transaction, spending time with the buyers going over everything at time of delivery, follow up questions, etc. There is also more liability selling to an individual then a dealer if there is a problem down the road and more concern with getting legitimate funds from the buyer.

As far as I know, most auto valuation tools such Kelly Blue Book, Edmunds, etc. have different numbers for wholesale (selling to a dealer), retail from a dealer, and private party sale which is somewhere in between.

My time has value and there is definitely requires more time dealing with an individual buyer then from a sale to a dealer. Just a different opinion.