need help with new purchase

[TigerWho]

looking at buying a 97 sunline solaris 29' travel trailer. asking price is 6500. is this a fair price? if not... what is?

 

[pwb01]

Kelley Blue Book has camper values. Also, you could ask a lending institution. They wouldn't loan more than it's value so they have the information. If it's in A-1 tip top condition because it was rarely used, it could be worth more to you than it's blue book value. The price doesn't sound like a steal but you must see it.

 

[TigerWho]

kbb

kbb doesn't offer RV values. went there.

 

[clueless campers]

What model & condition? Someone with more knowledge on values is sure to be along shortly. Sunline fan may even to be able to tell you the history of the TT you are interested in. I think it sounds kind of high (but I'm no expert). I can say that I purchased a 1997 T2363 from a large dealer in November, 2007 that was listed at $6000. It had the options kit, 2 full lp tanks, power jack and brand new tires. I needed to replace the miniblinds by the table because the cord was broken. The decals on the side were starting to peel, but that is normal for the year. Price out the door was $4400. In the end, it comes to "what is it worth to YOU"?

 

[clueless campers]

Try here
http://www.nadaguides.com/SectionHome.aspx?l=1&w=25&p=0&f=5602

 

[Sunline Fan]

Here's some values. If coach you're looking at is the one I think, it is priced a bit high. Also, I suspect it's a T-2970. If this isn't the case, look at the 2990 values, which is the other 29' model assuming it is a Solaris.

Well, is it listed on eBay right now or Craigslist? They are both the T-2970.
http://longisland.craigslist.org/rvs/1546186741.html
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1997...ZViewItemQQptZRVs_Campers?hash=item2eaab9f4bf

T-2970 NADA Values:
Low Retail: $1,890
Average Retail: $2,280

T-2990 NADA Values:
Low Retail: $2,030
Average Retail: $2,440

NADA reconfigured their value system to account for the recession maybe six months ago. I think they over depreciated these coaches. For a trailer of this age, I think the values should be about 1000-1,500 more. Unfortunately, as a seller, pricing it at this really isn't possible if people do their homework. However, since this coach is so overvalued, that extra 1500 will be in your benefit. Present them with the printout of the NADA value and bargain back and forth. $6,500 would be about what it was worth in about 2006.

I do know a little bit about the one on eBay, but I don't know anything beyond the ad with the Craigslist one.

Paul is right, if you are getting a bank involved, they won't loan anywhere near $6500 for that. They follow the NADA, if your lucky. I'm told they actually follow the trade in values from NADA, which are only found in the real NADA book.

Jon

 

[pwb01]

Kelley Blue book for RV's is not on line but you can find it in libraries. NADAguide is on line and as stated above, without knowing the details, start with about 2500 plus options. It's worth what it's worth to you.

I read in the past that camper values are based mostly on a percentage of it's original cost since milage isn't a factor as in car values. Therefore condition is a big factor as to what it's worth to you.

 

[Sunline Fan]

Kelley Blue book for RV's is not on line but you can find it in libraries. NADAguide is on line and as stated above, without knowing the details, start with about 2500 plus options. It's worth what it's worth to you.

You have to be careful with the options. If it has something significant, like a fiberglass exterior (which was like a $2500 option new), then that could be a factor. But something like a spare tire kit does not get factored in with most cases. If you were to take a comparable trailer to a dealer, they would only wholesale it from you and then sell it outright themselves for this value, because the printed book doesn't allow for added options like this. This is my one major complaint about NADA is they have so many frivolous options to rack up the price to double or more of what it's really worth. For example, the refrigerators. If a complete (Extra) refrigerator of that size is included with the trailer, then yes, that is a valid thing to choose.

I suspect that's how these trailers were priced, but I'm not sure.

Jon