Is this a good deal?

[Innotu]

2011 34 ft. airstream classic limited. #18/25 made that year. Excellent condition. $89,500.

This seems a bit pricey to me but I haven't bought an airstream in 10 years. We have a 2003 30ft classic which we paid $28,000 for back in 2010. We'd be selling our classic either as a trade or on our own to buy a newer 34 ft.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. We're not in a hurry and are prepared to wait for the right deal.

Thanks

[Ol Bob]

You did not mention if this A/S is in Canada or the USA. That would make a difference.
Since that trailer sold new in the range of $97,000 US (discounted from retail-new).
One site currently suggests a low retail of $44,000 and average retail of $53,000.
$89,000 is high. Just one opinion.

[Innotu]

Thank you Bob. My mistake. The trailer is located in California. So $89,500 USD!

[CBWELL]

If the trailer is what you want, and you can afford it, then it's a good deal. That is the last of the triple axle 34's. Some think the smaller units are more in demand, some of us love the 34's. It's a good deal if you price the new 33's in CDN$. If you feel it's "right", go for it!!!

[n2916s]

Well, you are probably at half-life on the axles and all the appliances are closing in on 10 years old. On the other hand, a very spacious rig (I had a 31’ for 15 years) and one that, by all reports, tows beautifully.

Once you hook it up to your tow vehicle, you are looking at a ~55 foot long articulated vehicle which may be a challenge in many Federal and State parks.

I am having a hard time with $89,000.00. That is way close to what it cost new... Are there upgrades? Solar, Battery Bank, Smart TV?

Just seems a mite pricey.

[Innotu]

Hi Rivet Master,

Apparently it’s a classic limited with all the bells and whistles. From the ad “ A few of its goodies include...solar, inverter, 2 AC's, 50 Amp, the last of the triple axles, updated tires with air monitoring system, ultra leather, corian ciunters hickory cabinets cedar closets, 2 skylights, 3 fans, 3 vista windows, panoramic windows, double bay windows. Daytime/nitetime shades full size, stainless fridge. No question about it.. a great use of space. Pristine condition in/out. Oy 25 were ever built and this is lucky #18.”

Even with the bells and whistles it seems over-priced and close to the price of a much newer 33ft.

[kscherzi]

I'm in California and you're in Canada. I just had to cancel my summer vacation to BC because they anticipate maintaining border closure through end of June at least.

Do you plan to offer to purchase sight unseen? Also, I doubt the sellers expect to get their asking price. That said I am no judge of a fair price for this trailer.

[Innotu]

So sorry you had to cancel your trip. It’s a crazy time for sure. We would go down to look at the trailer when the border re-opens (June 21st). I’m risk averse so would need to kick the tires etc before making an offer. We’re just starting our search and we have a perfectly lovely 30ft Classic. We’re in no hurry. Having said this we just started spending our winters in Arizona and would like a bigger unit to spend the 4 months in each year.

[n2916s]

From what you have described, there are some valuable upgrades and , depending on condition, it might not be a bad deal.

But, I would find at least a volunteer inspector (there is a list here on the Forum) or, better yet, a recommended professional to do a thorough pre-purchase inspection before you even think about a tentative offer.

There are some faults that would escape the casual eye that can really ruin your day: rotten sub-floors, body separation, evidence of critter infestation.

Good luck

[Innotu]

Also wondering....what do you all think of the 34ft slideout?

[GCinSC2]

I own a 30' S/O.

It's like loosening you're belt after a fantastic meal that you we're over served at.

Feels real good to have the extra room.

Gary

[Rgentum]

While I was at the AS Internat'l Rally in Salem, OR, two years ago, I saw a number of 34 ft slide-outs, got excited about getting one, and began to follow their market throughout the US, for both private-owner and dealer sales. What I found then was that later model 34 ft slide-outs in reasonable condition were available in the range of approx. $40-55K. I don't recall ever seeing an ad for one over $55K, and that was for one that really looked like it was in remarkable condition, hardly used, bought new by its seller, and stored throughout its lifetime in a heated garage in TX. Consequently, I inferred that a late model 34 ft slide-out in great shape had a top-end value of approx. $55-60K --- most of them then were for sale for $40-50K. I decided not to get one and have not followed their market since then.

[guskmg]

The most knowledgable Airstream appraiser is Jim @ Polk Valuations. He could tell you exactly what it was worth. All the well known insurers accept his appraisals without questions. Here is his info:
Jim Polk, Polk Valuations
*(805) 646-7293‬
jamespolk@polkvalutions.com
guskmg

[Ultraclassic]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

I own a 30' S/O.

It's like loosening you're belt after a fantastic meal that you we're over served at.

Feels real good to have the extra room.

Gary

Perfect [emoji16]

[Ultraclassic]

Originally Posted by Innotu

2011 34 ft. airstream classic limited. #18/25 made that year. Excellent condition. $89,500.

This seems a bit pricey to me but I haven't bought an airstream in 10 years. We have a 2003 30ft classic which we paid $28,000 for back in 2010. We'd be selling our classic either as a trade or on our own to buy a newer 34 ft.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. We're not in a hurry and are prepared to wait for the right deal.

Thanks

I guess you could ask Andy at Can Am trailers here In. London Ontario, he may be able to give you some InSite, and may have a trailer for you

[Jaxon]

Originally Posted by Innotu

2011 34 ft. airstream classic limited. #18/25 made that year. Excellent condition. $89,500.
Thanks

.
I would say that's about $35K too much, even with the mods.

There's others out there, hold your horses until a more reasonably priced one comes around.

And use the $35K difference to do your own upgrades...
.

[jwgreen]

I have a 2007 Classic LTD 34 SO purchased in 2015. Was appraised by Jim @ Polk appraisals last fall (2019). It's worth about $10K more now that when I bought it. Now valued around $70K. I added a Progressive Industries EMS, new 16 in. LT tires, and replaced the OEM disc brake actuator with a new CTS actuator. Member of the Slide Out Society #13. Tows beautifully with my Ram 3500 w/Cummins power.

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by jwgreen

I have a 2007 Classic LTD 34 SO purchased in 2015. Was appraised by Jim @ Polk appraisals last fall (2019). It's worth about $10K more now that when I bought it. Now valued around $70K. I added a Progressive Industries EMS, new 16 in. LT tires, and replaced the OEM disc brake actuator with a new CTS actuator. Member of the Slide Out Society #13. Tows beautifully with my Ram 3500 w/Cummins power.

If it is rare enough, like a slide out or maybe a PanAmerica then there will be a few people who might bite... but they'd better have DEEP pockets.

[skyguyscott]

It's 89K because California.

Same would sell for 50K, maybe, in USA midwest where it was built.

[Condoluminum]

Vince doesn't usually negotiate much on price of his trailers for sale, as he has usual markup above what he pays for trailers and getting them to his location and going through them.. Often new tires, batteries and general fixup of any appliance issues are factored into his costs.. And yes, Calif is the most expensive place to buy a used Airstream...


Still might be worth making a lower offer, as 34' trailers sell much more slowly than 25's and 27's, or Bambi's...