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85MH325 · 06-02-2006, 07:34 AM

And, I guess Bill that my point is that you didn't plop your money down, you weren't taken, and that the trailer after your arrival, wasn't in the price-to-condition ratio you were expecting. Again, all you can get from photos and chat with the current owner, or even with a Forums member inspection is a general idea of the condition. As you have found, the specifics you have to determine yourself. And, you have to ask yourself before you leave... "will I be upset if I travel a distance to look at this trailer and it's not in the condition I believe it to be in?" If so, perhaps the trip shouldn't be undertaken. You really have to go on these trips anticipating that you won't be coming home with a trailer, and if you do, so much the better! After all, there will always be another trailer come up for sale that's closer to you. There are a lot of Airstreams out there, and they all come up for resale eventually.

Roger

wbrownrr · 06-02-2006, 08:06 AM

Interesting thread.... the moral is, be careful when buying used, and you can wind up with a great deal. We bought our 2002 22' CCD as a used AS when it was 2 years old. We found it advertised on the Airstream site, exchanged emails with the seller, he sent pictures, we talked with him on the phone, and only THEN decided to travel 275 miles each way to INSPECT the trailer. It checked out as advertised, but even then we researched the title (it was registered out of state), researched how to safely exchange the $$$$, and only then made an offer. In the end, we wound up buying a 2 year old AS in excellent condition for less than 1/2 the current price for a 2006 trailer. Was it worth two 550 mile round trips? You bet! There are good deals to be found out there if you are willing to put in the work. Would we have been disappointed if we had made the inspection trip and found the AS unsuitable? Yes, but still time well spent in the long run.

**Stefrobrts** · 06-02-2006, 09:52 AM

Bill, I see where you're coming from. I've had my AS for 4 years now, and it took 6mths to find it. In that time I've heard countless horror stories of people who travelled a long way to check out a trailer or MoHo they had located online, only to find out it was grossly misrepresented, and drove (or flew) home empty handed.

Like I said, I don't get why the sellers waste people's time like that. They know you're going to see the problems when you get there. It is dispicable of them to waste your time like that! But luckily I still think the good sellers outweigh the bad.

I had one of the best sellers I could, an older couple, in the AS club, who used the trailer regularly and hadn't even cleaned it out from the last trip when I went to look at it. They are the nicest folks in the world, and I still see them at club events, but that trailer still ended up needing quite a few repairs which he didn't know about, which I was able to stretch out over a couple years. Buying used can always have it's surprises.

ALANSD · 06-02-2006, 01:12 PM

the Florida guys are resellers who a strictly into making a buck where it can be made. They had a deal to buy my AS and I checked them out to see if they paid other sellers they had approached, and they had, at least the one I talked to was ok .them.
So, like many car dealers, seems they shine em up a bit, and try to turn them as fast as they can. They may sell a few dogs and a few fine pieces, but it remains up to the buyer to determine which they will be getting.
I looked at a locally advertised trailer that sounded decent from the ad, and it in reality was in horrible shape. It could have been a bath for me had I committed without actually "kicking the tires" in person. So as stated in some above posts...that the "buyer beware" is and should always be in effect.

**markdoane** · 06-02-2006, 01:35 PM

If I saw an ad in the classified, and the "member" had been a member for 18 months without posting anything, I would be suspicious.

If they are in the business, they should have something useful to contribute.

Killo1 · 06-02-2006, 02:15 PM

Bill,
Why don't you tell us all what your looking for, exactly, and maybe everyone could keep an eye out for you and help you find a good lead for a good price!

Rather than complaining about the percentage of misleading sales people, lets get you into a trailer you love that works for you.

lebolewis · 06-02-2006, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Killo1

Bill,
Why don't you tell us all what your looking for, exactly, and maybe everyone could keep an eye out for you and help you find a good lead for a good price!

Rather than complaining about the percentage of misleading sales people, lets get you into a trailer you love that works for you.

Okay, good idea.....here tis: a 29-32ft, 1970's - early 1980's, center bath, light wood, everything works, including Stove, AC, Fridge (on AC or Gas), Water Pump, Tongue Jack. Axles are good, no rear-end separation, no exterior damage (minor blimishes accepted), no water leaks, these are musts! Prefer good batteries, good DC Converter, good tires, recent new brakes, recent wheel bearings repack/replace, current propane tanks, regulator and valves. All this for $10,000 or less! Hard to find, still looking. Bill

Alumaholic · 06-02-2006, 05:21 PM

Bill,
I fear you will be disappointed more often than not. What you describe is a 30 year Airstream to which someone else has already:

Replaced the axles
Replaced the Air Conditioner
Replaced the refrigerator
Installed new tires
Installed new batteries
Replaced the propane tanks or installed OPDs on the old ones

Why would they sell it to you for $10,000? Hmmm?

lebolewis · 06-02-2006, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klevan

Bill,
I fear you will be disappointed more often than not. What you describe is a 30 year Airstream to which someone else has already:

Replaced the axles
Replaced the Air Conditioner
Replaced the refrigerator
Installed new tires
Installed new batteries
Replaced the propane tanks or installed OPDs on the old ones

Why would they sell it to you for $10,000? Hmmm?

Klevan, your example is a bit extream, especially for early 80's trailers, but I never said it would be easy! I'm persistant and still looking. Bill

Alumaholic · 06-02-2006, 05:44 PM

You are correct, of course,my example was a little extreme. We would all be delighted to find what you describe; however, in the ten years that I have been an Airstream junkie, I have never seen what you are looking for. I have no doubt there may be a few out there, but with all the recent publicity and the resurgence in their popularity, used Airstreams cost way more than they once did.

Good luck in your quest. We are all hoping you find the "Mother of All Good Deals."

Condoluminum · 06-02-2006, 06:32 PM

Bill;

Having bought ours 2300 miles from home, and having written and taught about negotiations and contract law and electronic contracting, let me add some more specific detailed advice..

1. It is unrealistic to expect any two people to see the same trailer in same light. Some sellers see "perfection" in a salvage or parts trailer, and some buyers see "junk" in a brand new trailer delivered from the factory. You can succeed by applying your standards to what you can find and look at...

2. Knowing some sellers will over-estimate their product (remember, used car salespersons are among least trusted and admired in all of US Society..), you need to lay your eyes on it, or some other trusted eyes BEFORE making buy or don't buy decision, including value judgments...

3. Sellers are not likely to be held accountable for costs incurred by buyer to get to their purchase, even if sale falls through, absent clear and intentional misrepresentation or fraud. You should approach any buy with plan and agreement that if it isn't what you want, you go home with your purchase funds back, but no "inconvenience" or travel costs.. The more you spend to travel a long way or pay a shipper to haul something home sight unseen, the larger financial risk YOU are taking...

4. Several people reference "Red Flags" or other clues to alert you to problems and stop the process before it gets too expensive. These are good, and should be honored. If you don't know a lot about sellers, and where they live and work, and have some effective Plan "B" or "C" if things don't work out as hoped for, slow down or stop altogether...

5. Finally, while admirable, your quest for the perfect 31' trailer with everything in great condition for less than $10K puts you in middle or rear of a pack of buyers, and you should ponder why a seller would pick you out to sell to, when others might pay more or accept less in condition. Point is to be realistic, and understand national and regional markets, and be prepared to move target or move fast if trailer close to goal comes along. Assuming you'll be able to stumble on "great deal" and take your time to acquire it carefully may be unrealistic in a small national market.

John McG

garry · 06-02-2006, 09:20 PM

I don't think Klevan was extreem he just left out replacing the awning.

Garry

Alumaholic · 06-02-2006, 09:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by garry

I don't think Klevan was extreem he just left out replacing the awning.

Garry

Damn it, Garry, you are so picky. I assumed something was still intact and functional. I know, I know, how do you spell ASS U ME?

campcollector · 06-02-2006, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markdoane

If I saw an ad in the classified, and the "member" had been a member for 18 months without posting anything, I would be suspicious.

If they are in the business, they should have something useful to contribute.

After reading all this, this one statement means more to me than any others.

Who is this person selling this trailer? I have looked at their member profiles to see if any posts were made, pictures or thread participation. Like he said 18 month member with no posts but a few classifieds.

These are not members of our community these are car salesmen who use this forum because when someone is looking for airstream it gets the web hits.

On one hand it makes the knowledgable ones (us active members) upset to see this and it takes advantage of the newbie.

Maybe for someone to post a classified ad they should have a minimum amount of posts say 20 or so and a complete profile as well as a recent post.

I had expectations that looking at classifieds on this forum would result in a little better feeling than trying my luck on Ebay or rv trader, there is a unwritten preconception that classified ads would be posted by forum members (active users of this forum, people who use airstream trailers, and talk about them.)

OK I'm off the soap Box.

**Stefrobrts** · 06-03-2006, 03:07 AM

I would agree with a change like that. At least then they would be active members of the community, and that in itself would say alot about them.

lebolewis · 06-04-2006, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campcollector

After reading all this, this one statement means more to me than any others.

Who is this person selling this trailer? I have looked at their member profiles to see if any posts were made, pictures or thread participation. Like he said 18 month member with no posts but a few classifieds.

These are not members of our community these are car salesmen who use this forum because when someone is looking for airstream it gets the web hits.

On one hand it makes the knowledgable ones (us active members) upset to see this and it takes advantage of the newbie.

Maybe for someone to post a classified ad they should have a minimum amount of posts say 20 or so and a complete profile as well as a recent post.

I had expectations that looking at classifieds on this forum would result in a little better feeling than trying my luck on Ebay or rv trader, there is a unwritten preconception that classified ads would be posted by forum members (active users of this forum, people who use airstream trailers, and talk about them.)

OK I'm off the soap Box.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stefrobrts

I would agree with a change like that. At least then they would be active members of the community, and that in itself would say alot about them.

That sounds like an excellent idea to me, too. Have a rule that restricts placing ads on this Forum to Forum Members, only..... who have made at least 20 posts, and some number of posts within the last month. What a great idea! That certainly would eliminate the "USED CAR SALESMEN" types who get a free ride advertising their offerings and free access to a large number of potential customers, many of which are "Newbies".

Campcollector, you deserve some KARMA!!

How do we get this implimented? Bill

**markdoane** · 06-04-2006, 08:09 AM

NOT a great idea. We don't need more rules.

What would help is a link from the sellers name that takes you to the member profile, so you can see and read their history and posts.

You can do it now, but the member list is so large it takes awhile to find the name.

Van · 06-04-2006, 09:15 AM

Good idea Camp Collector.

Maybe the powers that be will look into something like this. I think it would be at least a small step to help maintain the integrity of this community. Granted it wouldnt solve it but it would help, imo.

47WeeWind · 06-04-2006, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lebolewis

That sounds like an excellent idea to me, too. Have a rule that restricts placing ads on this Forum to Forum Members, only..... who have made at least 20 posts, and some number of posts within the last month. What a great idea! That certainly would eliminate the "USED CAR SALESMEN" types who get a free ride advertising their offerings and free access to a large number of potential customers, many of which are "Newbies". Campcollector, you deserve some KARMA!! How do we get this implimented? Bill

Not a good idea. The "Used Car Salesman" could in 20 minutes quickly welcome 20 newbies to the Forums, adding nothing of substance but appearing friendly and involved while also meeting the gateway requirement of 20 Forum posts to then post a classified ad. Some good deals from older folks or unsophisticated computer users getting out the hobby and selling their well cared for trailer would likely be prevented from being listed for sale here.

Sometimes in life you gotta kiss some frogs before discovering your prince or princess. Those seeking a Good Trailerkeeping Seal of Approval before buying a used trailer may perhaps be better off limiting their search to reputable, established new/used trailer dealers who might inspect and repair used trailers before offering them for sale. But first read some threads about the condition of brand new Airstream trailers upon delivery to, again, avoid having their expectations of a "better world" being shattered.

Are Karma comments available only to the person receiving them? Or can they be viewed by other Forum members, and if so, how? If not, perhaps they should be ... as a Forum of Gossip or something.

If Karma comments are not publicly viewable, then perhaps only as a matter of ineffective feel-good private retribution, members could leave negative Karma for the "Used Car Salesmen" who have disappointed them.

**Janet H** · 06-04-2006, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 47WeeWind

Not a good idea. The "Used Car Salesman" could in 20 minutes quickly welcome 20 newbies to the Forums, adding nothing of substance but appearing friendly ........

Are Karma comments available only to the person receiving them? Or can they be viewed by other Forum members, and if so, how? ......

You make a couple of interesting points. It's easy to rack up posts - just ask anyone aiming for rivet master status...

Karma comments are not publically viewable.

The Classifieds software is a plug in and hard to tweak. Many functions either don't work well (zipcode function) or are just not available. It's not perfect - far from it but for now it's what we have.

I too would be wary of a seller who is not an active forum member. I wish I'd found this forum before we bought... we drove to SO CAL to look at a "desirable" trailer, 2200 miles round trip. We spent 5 minutes looking at dented end caps, rotted floor, corroded by salt air bare aluminum parts and left..... what a bummer!