Alright folks, I think we need to make a decision on the 2004 Fleetwood Redwood we are looking at. They have another interested party who are thinking to come look at it in the next 2 days. The details.... Kings on each end, lots of storage, high wall, very clean and always stored inside, non smokers, toilet, etc. They were asking $6500 earlier this spring and have lowered it to $6000 within the last few weeks. We are a family of 5, kids ages 8,5 and 1, plus a large dog. I am the one who has been asking questions of PUP's vs. TT's.....towing vehicle recommendations, etc. As of right now, we don't even have a vehicle that will tow the darn thing, but we are in the serious market for something as we need a new vehicle regardless of purchasing a camper or not. Husband does not want to get a V8 anything right now. I have ourselves on several dealerships watch lists for an 08-09 Tahoe Hybrid. What would be the ideal vehicle to tow this thing. We are looking for the best fuel efficiency as possible. While we would LOVE a TT of some kind, would you all recommend this rig for us as beginners to rv camping? Someone before had said "Only look 4 years into the future and what will be sufficient for now." Seemed like great advice. If we went this route, we could store it at home vs. paying to store a larger TT.
Last thing.... if anyone is familiar with this rig, the 2004 Fleetwood Redwood, would it be insulting to them if I offered $4800 or $5000 (remember, they are asking $6000). What is the norm for purchasing a used camper, do the sellers expect to do down in price much? After doing several searches on Craigslist, I have seem them as low as the $4700 range and go to $7000... :/ We've seen first hand that this one is in very nice condition.
Help! I think we need to tell them our decision today!
You have to keep in mind that these trailers are not being built anymore and that Fleetwood/Coleman specific parts are not being made either. The lift system would be the most affected by that. Many other parts are generic. The factory auctioned off all the contents to dealers, etc. NADA Guides show a range of about $4500 to $5500, assuming the unit has A/C.
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No, I think they actually do. I've been friendly communicating with the seller on Facebook and these other folks live about 3 hours away and have mid week off. The sellers have been communicating with them also, answering questions and whatnot. She's been keeping me in the loop and letting me know if they show more serious interest as they want to give us first priority. They were going to come, look and purchase it if they wanted to go that route. Obviously versus driving all that way, going home, thinking about it and having to drive all the way back up if they wanted it. Know what I mean?
So if something goes wrong in the "crank up" system, are we screwed? Maybe $4500 wouldn't be such an insulting offer? $1500 less than asking price, what do you all think?
Well, at is the case always, but more so the older a camper gets, condition is VERY important to pricing. As to whether or not $4,500 or $5k offer would be insulting, only the seller can answer that. If you were to offer $2k, THAT would be insulting, but you're getting close to a fuzzy area that's hard to predict what the seller would accept. Obviously, they've dropped the price recently, so that's a good thing, but the psychology of doing so could leave them feeling that they've already conceded some negotiation ground. Who knows what they're feeling. I would make an offer. If they reject it, you can always increase your offer. Determine your highest offer and stick with it. If you decide you can't do without this, then be prepared to offer asking price, if you're wanting to beat out the interested party. Have cash in hand. That's super appealing to a seller. I've taken checks from trusted parties, but cash from a stranger (after doing basic checks on the currency for funny money) works best.
With the looming process of upgrading your tow vehicle, I would say go for it. As mentioned on another thread, I recently picked up a Fleetwood Sequoia, similar in that it's a highwall. Love it after 4 years in a 10' box vs. this 14' box.
I think you're at the smallest size camper for a family of 5 plus dog. It's going to be a tough sell in anything that isn't quite sizable for days that rain keep you all pent up inside. I do like the floorplan of this Redwood, as the table is set up but it's not eating up the isle down the main floor. That's the one "wish it was otherwise" on my unit. With a pooch, you'll need actual, open floorspace. I am impressed with the cabinets and storage areas on this Redwood. Better than what I have. You'll need it!
About the only thing better you could do is to get one with a slideout that would give you just a bit more storage, dining area and floorspace.
We looked for a long time and saw many poorly maintained rigs, and some much nicer than we wanted to pay for. Ours is a MH, but they were asking $3,000 more than we offered, and we got it. You can always go up, but once you set a price, you most likely won't go down. Does this fit in your budget? Can you afford a TV to pull it? Will you get a lot of use out of it? If you know in your heart this is the one, go for it--offer less and then they can counter-offer. Good luck.
I am not familiar with the 04 Redwood. It seems you are interested very much in this unit. If you want it buy it...this has been said many times and is true. Having owned both a pop-up and trailers there is no question I would go for the trailer. Offer $5700. and if they take it fine, if not continue to look for another. Cannot comment on your potential tow vehicle, while it is understandable to want someting fuel efficient you want to have a vehicle with enough power.
The lift system is not so proprietary that it can not be fixed by a competent tech. Every part in the lift is an off the shelf item, so repairs would be very feasable and I would NOT let that be a determining factor. If it is in stellar condition as you say and will fit your needs, I would offer them a reasonable price, not an insult. If you really want it, $5K would be the starting point and I think a fair offer.
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