Used RV Price Checking

[SweetMarie1965]

This might be a stupid question. I haven't checked the regular "blue books" yet, but thinking ahead of time that they wouldn't list the value of an RV. Is there a "book" that is especially for RV"s? I've seen several Class B vans that I'd like to know more about, but the sellers don't list the price. Normally I don't follow up on ads that don't list prices, dealers or otherwise. This van is a beauty, but I'd like to know ahead of time what price I could expect to pay, at least a ball park figure. I'm just beginning to learn what is reasonable and what is not. Some sellers are asking for the stars for a vehicle that doesn't even come close in value to what they want.

Hoping this link will work: http://www.usedrvsforsale.us/detail/Used-1996-Coach-House-192-TB/BhWWgBHggrzIgWCgBB.html

Thanks!

 

[cyndi]

http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs

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Marie, before I even contact the seller I google several things.
1. the title of the add (which brings up this ebay post that says the vehicle is sold) http://www.ebay.com/itm/1996-Coach-...em3ce9a6c292&item=261618057874&pt=RVs_Campers

2. Next I google he image. In Google chrome, right click the image and left click "search google for this image" In this case it brings up five different posts on various boards.That doesn't necessarily mean the ad is a scam. You then have to look at each individual ad and match up price, mileage, and other information. You'll get a feel for it. It could be the owner is advertising it in several places. A bunch of craigslist ads in different places is probably a scam.

3. Next I google the contact information (Phone #, email, etc.)If it shows up all over google, again, proceed with cautions.

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Very good advice Cyndi, thank you. I wouldn't have thought of any of those things. Craigslist is beginning to give me the creeps, but I'll keep looking. I'm starting to think about dealerships, long standing ones with good reputations. I know there can be hazards there as well, Car Max has good information on what to be aware of with dealers. Van shopping is a jungle! lol... oh lord, so much to learn...

 

[offroad]

All engines are used junk. Think of them that way. Try to get a mechanic to prove you wrong. If you get 30 days warranty make sure you send the oil out for testing. See if you have other potential issues. Blackstone Labs does testing of oil.

http://www.blackstone-labs.com

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Maybe even something radical. Find ten RVs at the same dealership you would want. Get sample oil from all. Send them out. Whatever comes back as good, take a chance with that one.

 

[SweetMarie1965]

Thanks offroad, That's how I've been thinking of used engines. I'm used to buying new and keeping for a long time. This is the first used vehicle I've needed to buy. Scares me a bit... I read somewhere on a used van conversion site about buying from a dealership; the 30 day warranty was mentioned and sounds good to me.

Think I'll do the test on my own car too, because I'm planning to sell it soon to help finance whatever van I choose.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

http://www.nadaguides.com/rvs

Regards
John

 

[blars]

NADA is designed for insurance companies, not shopping. In general, it's prices are high on newer RVs and way low on older ones. (Assuming the older one does not have major problems.)