Smarter people less bargains

[Goshawk]

Am finding that those incredible deals are getting harder and harder to find. Don't know how people continue to make outrageous claims of finding a livable RV or van or equipment or getting a repair done for such cheap prices.

1) you can look up a price on Amazon or eBay or Craig's list in seconds. And price your stuff just like everyone else does in the local market. --- result is everyone wants the same price nearly. People like to not waste time on cheap results. Seller or buyer.

2) vehicles all have NAPA and Edmunds and KBB and CARFAX prices on them. You are not finding a bargain without some hidden issue.

3). Desperate selling price means desperate problems 90% of the time. You better bring in the professionals to inspect what you are buying. Do you have time to do that? Better make time.

4) do it yourself requires some serious practiced experienced skills. Love all this custom work to make your living space great looking. But to save money am not going to see your level of results. Mostly when you have ten years of experience building this hand crafted result that cost you nothing, because you have all the parts laying around, you tend too look great.


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[cyndi]

There's no such thing as perfect. You're going to have to compromise and make a priority list.

You either just stumble onto a great deal, driving down the road or you hear it through a friend of a friend.

It took 4 years of hard looking to find my Class C. When I decided to downsize it took me 2 years to find the right van. Neither were REALLY great deals or perfect. Both were good deals. They were both livable and driveable at the time of purchase. As older vehicles (89 and 97, respectively) there were a few kinks to work out the first year. Replacing things in an older vehicle is maintenance. Expect it's going to happen.

I've been in my van for over a year and the only things I've had the opportunityt/$$$ to replace, with planning, is the bed. But I'vespent lots of money and mechanical stuff.

 

[Vagabound]

Goshawk,

I think I basically agree with everything you said, except #4, which I'm not sure I understand, but what's the point of your points? ;-)

In other words, what prompted your post?

Vagabound

 

[highdesertranger]

the deals are out there but you need to know what is what. actually the blown engines and transmission are some of the best deals. highdesertranger

 

[Goshawk]

Goshawk,

I think I basically agree with everything you said, except #4, which I'm not sure I understand, but what's the point of your points? ;-)

In other words, what prompted your post?

Vagabound

Shopping for a vehicle. Just lots of overpriced stuff.


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[Goshawk]

the deals are out there but you need to know what is what. actually the blown engines and transmission are some of the best deals. highdesertranger

Jasper engine with installation is around $5000 in many circumstances. Maybe more. Do it yourself and you pay maybe half, but who has that skill.


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[highdesertranger]

removing and replacing an engine or transmission is pretty straight forward you really don't need technical skills. a brand new not rebuilt GM 5.7 liter is under 2k. highdesertranger

 

[ArtW]

my son James replaced a motor in a truck he bought, like a year after he started doing his own repairs
It's nuts n bolts, buddy, and a few specialized tools
there are some decent recyclers out there, too, where you can get a seasoned motor under 1K, depending

 

[Vagabound]

Shopping for a vehicle. Just lots of overpriced stuff.

In the exact same boat.

Vagabound

 

[Every Road Leads Home]

There are tons of good deals out there but they can take a lot of time to find. Lots of the time it's being in the right place at the right time. I buy and resell on craigslist a lot. In my area, if you find a great deal on Craigslist you basically have to be the first one to respond to the ad and have cash in hand ready to buy. This means looking multiple times a day so you catch the listings as soon as they appear and you usually have to buy it on the spot. There isn't usually time to schedule a mechanic to check it out because there will be someone in line right behind you ready to buy it.

Not all good deals have hidden issues either. Many reasons good deals exist.....someone inherited something and just wants the cash, moving out of state and need it gone, lots of people don't need every penny they can squeeze out of something they are selling and just rather see it go to another good home, need to free up space, looming divorce, they need quick cash to buy something else they're interested in, etc.

Once I've done my research and know what I want, I'll spend months looking for that perfect deal. Other times I'll see something that I know is a great deal and i'll buy it, recondition it a little and relist it for its actual value.

 

[jimindenver]

I had to stop looking at RV's on CL because at this time of year the prices just keep getting better and better. I am wary of the ads that say all is well, short on pictures, etc. I'd rather know what I am dealing with before looking.

 

[Vagabound]

... I buy and resell on craigslist a lot.   In my area, if you find a great deal on Craigslist you basically have to be the first one to respond to the ad and have cash in hand ready to buy.  This means looking multiple times  a day so you catch the listings as soon as they appear and you usually have to buy it on the spot.  There isn't usually time to schedule a mechanic to check it out because there will be someone in line right behind you ready to buy it.  
...

Good info.  Craigslist is one more think I'm trying to get up to speed on due to being overseas and unable to use it for so long.  Now I can, but I'm a babe in the woods.  You might have some good advice on how to make it work, so I'll ask.

Long story short, I see an ad, I reply by email to the cryptic email address Craigslist assigns, and 9 times out of 10, I get zero reply.  I've improved my technique a little bit, but replying only "Is it still available?  If so, I'll ask more" etc.  Those get few answers either.  I've started to wonder if everyone except me knows that no one replies by email (unless no choice) -- all calling on the phone instead.  My next method upgrade is to try always calling vs. emailing.  Anyway, mostly one-way inquires so far.  

Any tips greatly appreciated.

Vagabound

P.S. - Goshawk, no intent to hijack the thread, but thought that anything that would help get greater access to more vehicles might be of interest to you also.

 

[jimindenver]

I only respond to ads with phone numbers and even then some are scams to get your email.

 

[Canine]

I've been looking for a small pickup to use on the property for hauling fire wood and such.The best deals are for wrecked but drivable,lost title,high miles etc.Found a pretty good deal on a Nissan 4wd for $500 last week,but when I looked at it the oil was milky after I drove it.I think the secret to getting a good deal on a vehicle (or camper)is having patience.

 

[Goshawk]

There are tons of good deals out there but they can take a lot of time to find.  Lots of the time it's being in the right place at the right time.  I buy and resell on craigslist a lot.   In my area, if you find a great deal on Craigslist you basically have to be the first one to respond to the ad and have cash in hand ready to buy.  This means looking multiple times  a day so you catch the listings as soon as they appear and you usually have to buy it on the spot.  There isn't usually time to schedule a mechanic to check it out because there will be someone in line right behind you ready to buy it.  

Not all good deals have hidden issues either.  Many reasons good deals exist.....someone inherited something and just wants the cash, moving out of state and need it gone,  lots of people don't need every penny they can squeeze out of something they are selling and just rather see it go to another good home, need to free up space, looming divorce, they need quick cash to buy something else they're interested in, etc.  

Once I've done my research and know what I want, I'll spend months looking for that perfect deal.  Other times I'll see something that I know is a great deal and i'll buy it, recondition it a little and relist it for its actual value.

sounds like educated gambling.  Buy low sell high.  Hope you makes at least 10% on every deal.  maybe more, and never make a mistake.

 

[debit.servus]

Am finding that those incredible deals are getting harder and harder to find. Don't know how people continue to make outrageous claims of finding a livable RV or van or equipment or getting a repair done for such cheap prices.

And the claims that are true, there is little to no mention of the hours they spent finding a livable RV, van, or equipment or getting a repair done for such cheap prices.

I've been looking for a small pickup to use on the property for hauling fire wood and such.The best deals are for wrecked but drivable,lost title,high miles etc.Found a pretty good deal on a Nissan 4wd for $500 last week,but when I looked at it the oil was milky after I drove it.I think the secret to getting a good deal on a vehicle (or camper)is having patience.

And hours of time. Just remember not to spend too many hours hunting for that steal. Yes, the potential savings can amount to thousands but don't spend hundreds or even thousands of hours looking for those savings.

Once I've done my research and know what I want, I'll spend months looking for that perfect deal.  Other times I'll see something that I know is a great deal and i'll buy it, recondition it a little and relist it for its actual value.

sounds like educated gambling.  Buy low sell high.  Hope you makes at least 10% on every deal.  maybe more, and never make a mistake.

Agreed when it comes to vehicle flipping.

 

[Solitary Spell]

There are tons of good deals out there but they can take a lot of time to find.  Lots of the time it's being in the right place at the right time.  I buy and resell on craigslist a lot.   In my area, if you find a great deal on Craigslist you basically have to be the first one to respond to the ad and have cash in hand ready to buy.  This means looking multiple times  a day so you catch the listings as soon as they appear and you usually have to buy it on the spot.  There isn't usually time to schedule a mechanic to check it out because there will be someone in line right behind you ready to buy it.  

Not all good deals have hidden issues either.  Many reasons good deals exist.....someone inherited something and just wants the cash, moving out of state and need it gone,  lots of people don't need every penny they can squeeze out of something they are selling and just rather see it go to another good home, need to free up space, looming divorce, they need quick cash to buy something else they're interested in, etc.  

Once I've done my research and know what I want, I'll spend months looking for that perfect deal.  Other times I'll see something that I know is a great deal and i'll buy it, recondition it a little and relist it for its actual value.

Great points, I couldn't agree more, as a frequent CL'er myself. Usually selling but sometimes buying. 100% agree that you have to practically be standing in the person's driveway with a wad of money ready to buy the really great deals.

 

[Vagabound]

As might be obvious from my posts, I'm learning about this Craigslist thing on the fly. However, I want to echo what everyone is saying about speed. 

From what I can see here in Phoenix, trying to get this done, that is the most important thing of all. And by speed, I first mean speed in noticing that the vehicle is even available. I'll give an example:

Someone posted a 2006 or 2007 Chevy cargo van for about $2,800 during election night.  I noticed it the next morning. Photos and description looked really good. By the time I called the next morning, it was already gone.  Someone was apparently paying attention during that huge national distraction, and got a great deal. It wasn't me unfortunately.

I've seen mentions on the internet about creating Craigslist alerts. I haven't been able to find the obvious spot for doing so on that webpage. If anybody out there is experienced in doing that specific thing, please post and let me know how to do it. I think it would be a big help.

Vagabound

 

[jimindenver]

All I know is I have been watching the prices on RV's drop on Craigslist as the season closes. The stupid cheap do need repair but you can save a lot doing a little work. In the end I couldn't find a good floorplan, storage and space on the roof for the solar all in one rig.

 

[highdesertranger]

I understand that if you are pressed to find something it's hard. it seems like you are always to late. on the other hand if you have patience and casually shop the deals are out there. that's how I have gotten several trucks including the one I currently have. you don't need to spend a lot of time looking, unless you are in a hurry. highdesertranger