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Lemur · 01-29-2015, 11:06 PM

Hello,

I have never owned an airstream and my wife and i are thinking of purchasing a new 2014 Sterling 25 foot trailer. Does anyone know why this trailer was discontinued? Any feedback would be great! The price is down to around 75,000 since it is a discontinued item and is an older model. Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks

Ntex · 01-29-2015, 11:44 PM

It doesnt have ducted AC which began with the 2015s.

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Msmoto · 01-30-2015, 04:31 AM

First thing is the price. A 2014, new, should be about 30% off the sticker price at this time. A 2015 model can be purchased for about 18-20% off if one is diligent in their search.

So, if the Sterling was about $80,000 MSRP, I would expect to purchase this at more in the high 50's, certainly not anywhere near $75,000. A 2015 can be had for less than this and the ducted A/C is an enormous improvement, IMO.

Oh, yes, Airstream will simply discontinue models, as these are primarily the interior decor and not much of a major difference. Go to the website and look over the specs on the 2015 models and compare to the Sterling.

http://www.airstream.com/travel-trailers/

**moosetags** · 01-30-2015, 07:54 AM

First off, welcome to the Forums. We're glad to have you with us.

As to your question, the main consideration in purchasing a new 2014 Airstream 25 footer is that it does not have the new dusted air conditioning. The ceiling unit in a 2014 is quite loud. We had a 2012, and found the air conditioning noise offensive. Why this is so we are not sure as we had a 2005 25 footer with a ceiling unit that was not offensively loud.

This being said, you should assess your use of an Airstream. If you will be camping in areas where air conditioning is not essential, you may be able to take advantage of a great deal on a brand new 2014 Airstream.

Brian

SCOTTinNJ · 01-30-2015, 07:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Msmoto

First thing is the price. A 2014, new, should be about 30% off the sticker price at this time. A 2015 model can be purchased for about 18-20% off if one is diligent in their search.

So, if the Sterling was about $80,000 MSRP, I would expect to purchase this at more in the high 50's, certainly not anywhere near $75,000. A 2015 can be had for less than this and the ducted A/C is an enormous improvement, IMO.

Oh, yes, Airstream will simply discontinue models, as these are primarily the interior decor and not much of a major difference. Go to the website and look over the specs on the 2015 models and compare to the Sterling.

2015 Airstream Travel Trailers | Airstream

I would agree with your general thought process but having purchased one used 2014 trailer and currently in contract for a second, I would say that 30% off MSRP for a new 2014 is a bit high. Or I am not a good negotiator.

KJRitchie · 01-30-2015, 08:37 AM

While I like the cabinet finish of the Sterling the floor colors are "different" looking at photos of this model. I would consider the future resale value of this model. There must be a reason this trailer is still on the lot.

Kelvin

Violet2060 · 01-30-2015, 11:29 AM

We own a 2013 27' Violet Sterling and love it. The floor color is definitely different than "normal" Internationals but that's what we like about it. You can't beat the silver interior, it's extremely clean and bright inside.

Someone explained to me that the model isn't really discontinued per say, it's just a special edition and there was a limited number of them produced. When they ran out, they ran out. Not sure if that's 100% factual but it makes sense. Maybe someone else knows?

I would bet you can get them down to $65K on a 25'.

Good luck!

Al - K4GLU · 01-30-2015, 11:51 AM

Because the interior colors are flat out ugly and very few people could stand them. I've been at rallies where the Sterling's were laughed at. As for a 30% discount - very doubtful. Even if it is a 2014 the dealer isn't going to give it away.

Skater · 01-30-2015, 12:55 PM

I hadn't heard of these. Other than the floor colors they don't look too bad to me from this page.

I wouldn't worry about it being discontinued - all Airstream trailers are built the same way; it's not like cars that are built on different platforms and assembly lines - it's just one assembly line. They might start a 19' today and a 30' tomorrow and one for Europe the day after that, according to demand. If you ever do the factory tour you'll see all sizes. For the most part, the appliances that go in them are identical, the techniques to build them are identical, the materials are identical, the frame and tanks are identical (for a given size of trailer, obviously), etc. The variations are primarily in layout and some furnishings like drapes, cushions, and floor coverings, not in the bones.

dkottum · 01-30-2015, 01:04 PM

I've heard a younger generation call our FC's and Classic's "ugly", and some referring to them as "Grandma's Airstream". As the old saying goes, beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. I find the bright cabinets of the Sterling very modern looking, the floor colors a bit off to me but I'm an old guy.

That's not a recommendation to buy one though. Probably shouldn't buy anything you plan to keep a long time based on current style or trends.

Foiled Again · 01-30-2015, 01:27 PM

I just hated the Sterling color schemes when I first saw them - electric baby poop yellow and neon magenta - wow! Something that is too trendy today is often too dated tomorrow. BUT if you like that look you like it.

I did see one of the purple ones where the owner found some abstract patterned rugs that matched one of the tones, and boy, it made a huge difference. Colonial Airstream had one of the last ones made - and they special ordered it with the Eddie Bauer floor. What a revelation. Only one I ever saw that I actually liked.

So if you can get a screaming deal, and you like the interior color scheme OR can put in a couple of nice rugs and tone it down a bit, then go for it. One caution - any deal must come with brand new batteries. The 2014's have sat a long time, the batteries are probably cooked to the edge of failure.

Also consider the manufacture date on the tires. Most were only a couple of months old when the unit was manufactured, but if your sterling was made early in the production run, those tires could be almost THREE years old, and past 5 even if they've never been driven on except to deliver the Airstream to the dealer - are going to be pretty close to their "retire" date.

The roof needs to be gone over for leaks about once a year. On a 2 year old unit it may have a few small leaks already. The term "shopworn" applies to garments and to RV's - they age sitting on the dealer's lot.

Go for 30% off. Hell go for 40% off. Then start to walk out of the dealership. If you make it to the car and put it in gear and no one has followed you - you're offer wasn't reasonable. So go up $500 the next day. Then try the walk off again.