One quick note on NADA... something I see and hear a lot are people who take the base NADA price (whether wholesale or retail) and start adding for every single option their coach has, whether or not it was optional equipment at the time or not. In many cases, this adds several thousand dollars to the price, effectively doubling the value of these options.
Having said that, with a used coach I would be more than willing to pay much higher than NADA *for the right coach*. In the end, value is determined by you, the buyer, and how much $$ you are willing to part with for the coach you want. I sold my 1999 Sunline this spring for well over NADA because it was immaculate, and the buyer was happy to pay it because he was getting an excellent value relative to his other options in that price range. Did I take advantage of him? Not according to the other guy who showed up an hour later, distraught that I had already sold the coach!
Well, I checked out the dealer's website today. That fiver I was looking at has sold. Now I'm really confused. How does one determine a fair price for a used fiver?
Sometimes these issues strike me as self-imposed problems that you don't need.....I'd suggest that you look on this board, look at Craigs lists, look at used on dealer lots, then decide what you are willing to pay and what unit/condition you have to have.
Once you've decided what you're willing to pay, then go find a unit at that price in the condition you want and buy it.
Of course, try to make a good deal that is based on the value of the unit, but if you've done your homework and decided what your price threshold is and can get a unit within that price threshold, why bash about being concerned if the other guy is getting a good deal?
Key thing is to determine your price threshold and have it set in stone before you begin making or accepting offers.
CRL
Temporarily (6! years & counting)displaced Alaskan
My Other RV is a 1946 PA-12
rvrev2 wrote: Well, I checked out the dealer's website today. That fiver I was looking at has sold. Now I'm really confused. How does one determine a fair price for a used fiver?
Well, that still doesn't mean, he wasn't overpriced! IMO, you need to know what the market price is before you buy, takes much shopping to discover this. NADA and others don't necessarily reflect the market in your area. He apparently knew he could find a buyer for it. Maybe in your best interest to have passed on this one, always be others in this climate.
On occasion I have gone to other competitors and strike up a conservation with a salesman, many will give you an honest opinion about a purchase.
Did a search for a vehicle on line (michigan), was given a quote. Did some shopping (Arizona), was ready to buy, called the salesperson (michigan), gave me the Dealers bottom line. Also found out there was a $2500 rebate for the dealer, he could pass on to me!!! Long story short, later I made a purchase from this salesperson.
Don't know why people are calling the Dealer greedy, he's in business to make money. If you don't like it, you have options, make an offer or LEAVE.
* This post was
edited 10/24/09 01:17pm by Comshaw *
rvrev2 wrote: Well, I checked out the dealer's website today. That fiver I was looking at has sold. Now I'm really confused. How does one determine a fair price for a used fiver?
Well you don't know what it sold for in reality. And, if the dealer got anywhere near to double NADA, the buyer could be in for a rude awakening.
I've only bought two fifth wheels, but I've been buying and selling rec vehicles for 30 years. My research brought me to the conclusion you can buy decent RVs for just under low NADA, with no add on up charges. In my search I tracked many units and my just under low NADA usually proved to be the actual selling price. I'm sure some sell for more, but there are always exceptions. If you want a decent deal you have to be a bit flexible, both in location, and in Rv variables. If you are not flexible, then you'll have to pay a bit more to get what you want, where you want it, unless you get very lucky.
Thanks for all your input guys. I retract any accusations of "greediness" on the dealer I may have made or implied. I simply claim ignorance on fair market pricing. There is only one other dealer (that I know of) within 90 miles of me, and that one just started up not too long ago, so he doesn't have many used units on hand (no used fivers at all). I'll keep looking.
When we bought our consignment fiver in Florida last spring,
we went to see if we could get insurance on it.
The insurance co told us what they would insure the rig for, we offered exactly that, the seller came back five hundred higher, which we had anticipated, we accepted his price and that was that.
Might be something to consider if you are unsure of a fair price.
rvrev2 wrote: How does one determine a fair price for a used fiver?
NADA to start. Then you have to consider if there are options. For that model, for that year. It's really difficult if there were options. Just because it has thermopane windows for instance doesn't mean they weren't standard on that model...that year.
It's confusing enough that some dealers won't give credit for any options. They go only by NADA's basic price for that model. That's why if you want options you're better choosing a higher end model with what would have been an option already included.
I've kind of set myself up for future problems at trade in time by getting a mid range model with a lot of options.
You could also be more specific about what you're looking for (or looking at) People on here can be very resourceful and helpful.
I've read that campers are most often sold as an impulse purchase. If you can turn that into a planned purchase you'll get a better deal.
'03 GMC 4500 Topkick with Duramax/Allison
'04 36' McKenzie Medallion triple slide
Honda Magna motorcycle mounted on the front of the truck
Snowbird W/Ohio camper dock
I just purchased 2005 fifthwheel from dealer. They were asking 20k, we negotiated price of $14800 and they offered us 3k for our 1995 trade in, zero cash down. We accepted deal and had a couple of extras added. Nada value for our new 2005 fw is approx $22800 high and $19800 low value. Our bank would only loan 80% of low value. Our loan needed was below 80% of low nada value. I knew what the value of the FW was before I made purchase, I educated myself on current values and was prepared to negotiate before I went to dealer. You are also better off having your own financing approved before negotiating deal.
If seller is not willing to negotiate you may need to walk away.
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years & counting)displaced Alaskan
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