I know absolutely nothing about buying a camper, so please help me. Is this a good deal? What kind of questions should I ask him? This was just posted today, and I want one so bad that I'm scared I'll buy the first one I go look at.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/626140745.html
Thanks,
Beth
Quote from: bethbrittI know absolutely nothing about buying a camper, so please help me. Is this a good deal? What kind of questions should I ask him? This was just posted today, and I want one so bad that I'm scared I'll buy the first one I go look at.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/626140745.html
Thanks,
Beth
We had one of these! Our first pop-up, in fact. This camper was in Coleman/Fleetwood's "Destiny" Series so it has the pull out step and the flip over galley. We really enjoyed ours...the floorplan worked well for four. One thing that was a bit of a pain was the pull out Gaucho bed. It's a sofa by day but can be a bed at night. Only problem is, when it's in the "bed" mode, it's almost impossible to get around. Nothing bad, just an inconvience.
The tenting is made of Coleman's "Sunbrella" and is very durable. Take a close look at the lid on the front trunk. It was originally equipped with a plastic "live" hinge that
will fail (the hinge was simply a flexible piece of plastic that ran the width of the lid). It can be replaced with an aluminum piano hinge fairly easily. Another potential problem area is the side access door to the front trunk. It can leak and that will cause the trunk flooring to swell. If it goes on too long, it's possible for the flooring in the trunk to rot under the linoleum. One other potential leak point that I'd ask about is the roof. This model has the two-piece aluminum roof and, if the seam isn't maintained, it can leak.
The tires are the smaller, fatter ones. I'd ask when the bearings were last serviced. Also, check on the condition of the stabilizers. They are the swing-down, lever type and they can be a bit of a pain if they're rusty. Ours didn't come with brakes so that's probably a non-issue.
Best of luck to you!
Quote from: bethbrittI know absolutely nothing about buying a camper, so please help me. Is this a good deal? What kind of questions should I ask him? This was just posted today, and I want one so bad that I'm scared I'll buy the first one I go look at.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/626140745.html
Thanks,
Beth
Beth - welcome to your new addiction. There's a GREAT resource on this webpage that provides a pretty good checklist on what to look for.
http://www.title-3.com/BuyUsed.htmThey go through a step-by-step inspection that should help a lot.
In addition to those steps listed on this website, I'd also take a good look at the frame to make sure there's no rust or cracked welds.
Hope this helps!!
NH
Hi and welcome ask him for more pic of the camper. colemen/fleetwood made good camper, set up a time to go and see it and when you go have him set it up that way you can see if the top goes up ok and the bed slid out ok and make sure all the elec works and don't be shy to ask him Q about the camper.
Check the Tenting material closely...it can be expensive to replace...all other suggestions are good ones also...."$100 Spare Tire" ???...I got a new one with a Rim from the dealer for $56....but that was just before I sold my 1995 Coleman/Fleetwood Chesepeake (in July '07) that was in mint condition for a price you really don't want to know...let's just say EXTREMELY cheap...new camper was on the way.
I called and emailed him the night he posted it, no one answered and I left a message. He just emailed this morning me to say that it sold already. It must have sold within a few hours of him posting it! Well that has taught me a good lesson. I'm going to go ahead and pull the money out of the bank so I can zoom on over and buy me one before someone else does. Do they normally sell that fast?
Quote from: bethbrittI called and emailed him the night he posted it, no one answered and I left a message. He just emailed this morning me to say that it sold already. It must have sold within a few hours of him posting it! Well that has taught me a good lesson. I'm going to go ahead and pull the money out of the bank so I can zoom on over and buy me one before someone else does. Do they normally sell that fast?
When they're a smokin' good deal, you bet they do. It must have been a nice camper.
Quote from: naganthunterWhen they're a smokin' good deal, you bet they do. It must have been a nice camper.
Or it may have been someone who just rolled the dice and bought it without without taking the time to do a little research and ask questions like Beth has.
This is the time of year to sell a camper for good reason. More buyers out there!
Quote from: bethbrittI know absolutely nothing about buying a camper, so please help me. Is this a good deal? What kind of questions should I ask him? This was just posted today, and I want one so bad that I'm scared I'll buy the first one I go look at.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/626140745.html
Thanks,
Beth
Keep trying Beth, I will continue sending you ones to look at if I find them, Robert
Quote from: spicyville1Keep trying Beth, I will continue sending you ones to look at if I find them, Robert
I wished DH would go for a little money money. This one would be great one and it is brand new. I know you could might get the price down a little more.
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/630063595.htmlNot bad for $800.00
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/629797541.html$4500 but do not be shy about bargaining with people. This is a nice camper
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/629464209.html
Out of nowhere, hubby says, "Well if we get a pop-up I'd rather get one with a warranty" Talk about throwing me through a loop...LOL..He says he won't spend more than $8000, so it'll be a basic one. The funny thing is that after talking with ya'll (I'm southern lol) and all my TONS of research, I now want a used one with more space and options. I'm still looking at craigslist about 30 x per day! This search has become an obsession for me.
Also, we found out that because we are military, if we buy a pop-up in KY than we don't have to pay sales tax. We live about 2 minutes from the state line, so that works out wonderful.
My hitch was installed today, so all I need now is my camper.
Quote from: bethbrittOut of nowhere, hubby says, "Well if we get a pop-up I'd rather get one with a warranty" Talk about throwing me through a loop...LOL..He says he won't spend more than $8000, so it'll be a basic one. The funny thing is that after talking with ya'll (I'm southern lol) and all my TONS of research, I now want a used one with more space and options. I'm still looking at craigslist about 30 x per day! This search has become an obsession for me.
Also, we found out that because we are military, if we buy a pop-up in KY than we don't have to pay sales tax. We live about 2 minutes from the state line, so that works out wonderful.
My hitch was installed today, so all I need now is my camper.
Have you had any luck over the weekend? :-() If not :( keep plugging away. Did you see the 2008 Palomino Pony? I know you cannot wait! You will get it home ond just to put things into perspective you will have a margarita after you set it up in your driveway :sombraro: One thing I was going to ask. What is your tow vehicle? Thx Robert
Quote from: bethbrittOut of nowhere, hubby says, "Well if we get a pop-up I'd rather get one with a warranty" Talk about throwing me through a loop...LOL..He says he won't spend more than $8000, so it'll be a basic one. The funny thing is that after talking with ya'll (I'm southern lol) and all my TONS of research, I now want a used one with more space and options. I'm still looking at craigslist about 30 x per day! This search has become an obsession for me.
Also, we found out that because we are military, if we buy a pop-up in KY than we don't have to pay sales tax. We live about 2 minutes from the state line, so that works out wonderful.
My hitch was installed today, so all I need now is my camper.
If that is the case you might want to check that if you register it in Tennessee, you still may have to pay TN sales tax even though it was purchased in KY.
Quote from: bethbrittOut of nowhere, hubby says, "Well if we get a pop-up I'd rather get one with a warranty" Talk about throwing me through a loop...LOL..He says he won't spend more than $8000, so it'll be a basic one. The funny thing is that after talking with ya'll (I'm southern lol) and all my TONS of research, I now want a used one with more space and options. I'm still looking at craigslist about 30 x per day! This search has become an obsession for me.
Also, we found out that because we are military, if we buy a pop-up in KY than we don't have to pay sales tax. We live about 2 minutes from the state line, so that works out wonderful.
My hitch was installed today, so all I need now is my camper.
Here's something to consider ... a brand new 10' box PU (really a Flagstaff), furnance, 3-way frig and all you got to do is add the A/C. Good price for a new unit. And should be an easy tow.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200209955835&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=010Fly
The past week has been full of ups and downs. Between eager anticipation and complete frustration, I'm a mess. I have found a 2007 Palomino Yearling 4124 with the shower/cassette potty and all the fixins (except has no AC). Dealer wants $6995 which is below the base value. It was used last summer, and the previous owner traded up a couple weeks ago. The dealer showed it to me and my hubby, and then spent time with me and had me take it down and put it back up! He was really nice, since every other dealer didn't want to bother with all that trouble. He made me do everything by myself, leading me through it all. It was definitely a confidence booster, because I was scared that I wouldn't be able to handle it on my own and now I know I can. As far as the sales tax thing goes, found out that since it is not a motorized vehicle than it doesn't apply. As far as my TV goes, it's a 2006 Nissan Quest. Yes, a minivan, so I'm limited to what I can pull. So after taxes, extended 4-yr bumper to bumper warranty, finance charges, and AC the total comes to right over $10,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As much as I want it, I would be mad at myself for spending that kind of money on something that is going to depreciate so quickly. We also have excellent credit, just about as good as you can get with our credit scores. The loan guy said he'd finance anything we wanted, and then went as far as to question why we wanted a pop-up! However, even with our credit scores, we can't get an interest rate lower than 11.7%. On the flip side, they will finance as far out as 7 years making our total payment $135 a month. I have a credit card with only 8.9% apr, but if I used it, the payment would be much higher than the $135.The $135 a month isn't bad; it's just more than i wanted to spend every month. Was hoping to keep it at no more than $100.
Do u see my dilemma? Hubby has begrudgingly said okay, lets get it, but I don't know what I should do. What do u think?
I understand the spot you're in. I am not good at waiting, and when I set my mind on something, I want it NOW.
I do think that if you can wait, you'll find a PUP from a private party that's just as good, for less.
If you can't wait, I would recommend NOT buying anything from the dealer until you check pricing elsewhere. If memory serves me correctly, you were in the Nashville area. If that's right, call Camping World and get prices for your extras from them:
Camping World - Nashville (http://www.campingworld.com/stores/stores.cfm?store=40)
I found that they were MUCH less expensive for my AC and extras. In fact, the AC unit I bought was better, more powerful, came with a better warranty, and was hundreds less than the dealer wanted - this was INSTALLED. After seeing the difference in price, I was pretty irritated with the dealer for trying to rip me off.
Camping World may also sell warranties. I'd check with them. At our local CW they have a desk for RV Insurance and other "stuff."
I would also check with Good Sam Club. They have a RV protection plan that they market the daylights out of. I've heard good things about it, and it may be less expensive in the long run - but I'm not certain - just a thought.
I hope this helps!!!
...not knowing all of the options for your PUP, I spec'd one out at RVDIRECT.COM. The price - DELIVERED TO YOU came out to:
$9,264.00
That was with most of the bells and whistles (AC, Heater, Fridge, Hot water, etc)
I'd consider looking there as well.... :)
This is a prime example of why "Patience" is a virtue :p .
This is the beginning of camping season. The worst time of the year to buy. Consumer demand is high causing the nicest rigs to go fast (at top $), which makes supply low. We all know what happens when demand is high and supply is low......drives the price through the roof and sellers are not likely to negotiate.
If you could put this on the back burner until the end of camping season you would benefit greatly. That's when people are putting there campers on the market because they want to upgrade (or did upgrade and are stuck with 2 campers). This increases supply when demand is at it lowest. You could benefit by saving 1/2 of what you might spend now with the selection being at it's worst.
We purchased our PU in Oct. The previous owner had already purchased a new camper and was faced with storage on 2 campers. The result was a tremendous selection and saving for us. There were about 10 PUs that we had printed out ads from craigslist. We set out one Saturday morning with cash in pocket and new trailer hitch on our car, determined to see them all. The second guy that we talked to wouldn't let us leave without that camper. He could tell that it was exactly what we were looking for and it truly was "Like new". We were able to purchase the (then) 2-year-old camper for cash and not be burdened with payments. Now (2 1/2 years later), we could sell our PU for what we paid for it (not that we want to) if we advertise it during "peak season" (Now).
As far as extended warranties are concerned, most aren't worth the paper that they are written on. Unless the warranty clearly covers the replacement costs of the roof or wood-rot in the floor, I wouldn't touch it.
Quote from: naganthunter...not knowing all of the options for your PUP, I spec'd one out at RVDIRECT.COM. The price - DELIVERED TO YOU came out to:
$9,264.00
That was with most of the bells and whistles (AC, Heater, Fridge, Hot water, etc)
I'd consider looking there as well.... :)
I just can't justify spending that kinda money on something that I don't need on a daily basis, like a car! Have a bad gut feeling about the whole thing. Everything is approved and waiting for us. All we have to do is pick up the phone.
BUT
Have an appt this evening in Nashville to look at a '95 Coleman Four Seasons (do not know which model). Garage kept, perfect condition, all the bells and whistles. Here's the other BUT.... He wants 3900 for it! I checked all 4 models on NADA and whichever one it is he's asking above retail value for it. He says they've barely used it, and he doesn't know much about campers. Since we are driving a distance to come see it, he said he'll hold it for us and not sell it until we get there this evening.
Is it worth the extra $$$ for is being well taken care of it? Another what do u think question.
The guy just called as I was typing this to say he misrepresented the year. It is a 94 and not a 95. He also said he's had 6 calls since mine from interested buyers. The top is aluminum and not ABS and it is the Yosemite model. I'm searching the net for a pic of one and can't find it.
Quote from: bethbrittI just can't justify spending that kinda money on something that I don't need on a daily basis, like a car! Have a bad gut feeling about the whole thing. Everything is approved and waiting for us. All we have to do is pick up the phone.
BUT
Have an appt this evening in Nashville to look at a '95 Coleman Four Seasons (do not know which model). Garage kept, perfect condition, all the bells and whistles. Here's the other BUT.... He wants 3900 for it! I checked all 4 models on NADA and whichever one it is he's asking above retail value for it. He says they've barely used it, and he doesn't know much about campers. Since we are driving a distance to come see it, he said he'll hold it for us and not sell it until we get there this evening.
Is it worth the extra $$$ for is being well taken care of it? Another what do u think question.
The guy just called as I was typing this to say he misrepresented the year. It is a 94 and not a 95. He also said he's had 6 calls since mine from interested buyers. The top is aluminum and not ABS and it is the Yosemite model. I'm searching the net for a pic of one and can't find it.
That's a 14-yr-old camper. I can just about assure you that it will need new tires and a wheel bearing service, right off the bat. Tires last 3-5 years, even less if the camper isn't used much. The tires rot, even if garage stored. Wheel bearings should be serviced yearly. If he hasn't used that trailer much, I would ask him for proof of when the bearings were last serviced. If they haven't been serviced, I would tow the trailer to the nearest tire store (No farther) and have the wheel bearings serviced. If a bearing fails on your way home, the results could be catastrophic.
That price is about triple what you might pay for a similar PU in October.
Maybe you should take a drive out to CA.:
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/rvs/630574504.html
Hello again Bethbritt!!
Do not drive yourself crazy over this :eyecrazy: My best friend and wife just bought the Coleman Cheyenne. A 2001 model in near new condition for $3000.00, The one you are to look at this afternoon is asking way too much for that 94 model camper. Remember, I only paid $1300 for my duel axle 96 Jayco 1406. :-() Had to replace a cable and tires but I got a fully loaded camper for less than $2000.00! When I mean loaded, it has every option avail for that camper and everything works perfect. :-() Wavery is right, bide your time and a great deal will come along. As for extended warrantys go, if you purchase the new camper do not get the additional warranty. It is a waste of money. The dealers make a HUGE profit off of it. :yikes: As the previous poster said. You can get an a/c installed pretty cheap from Camping World. They sell in bulk,not like the dealer who is wanting to make a ton of money for the extras.
Did you see this one:
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/625977812.html
That price is still pretty high but looks like a better deal than $4000+ for a 14-yr-old PU. Chances are, this guy may negotiate. Go look at it with $4000 in your pocket and I'd bet you drive away with it. My guess is, he's not getting that much action with that high asking price.
Man.....PUs sure sell for a lot more on that side of the country :eyecrazy: . OR should I say that the asking price is sure higher... ;)
What city are you in?
Quote from: waveryDid you see this one:
http://nashville.craigslist.org/rvs/625977812.html
That price is still pretty high but looks like a better deal than $4000+ for a 14-yr-old PU. Chances are, this guy may negotiate. Go look at it with $4000 in your pocket and I'd bet you drive away with it. My guess is, he's not getting that much action with that high asking price.
Man.....PUs sure sell for a lot more on that side of the country :eyecrazy: . OR should I say that the asking price is sure higher... ;)
What city are you in?
She is in Clarksville,Tn. Just south of the KY state line. About 45 min. or less northwest of Nashville.
Yeah, Spicyville got my location right. LOL...Thanks.
Just got off the phone with him and got his to reluctantly go down to $3500. The average retail is about $3000, so that is a little better. Where I am at he'd easily get his 3900 asking price. *sighs*... Just 1 more day on the emotional pup rollercoaster ride. We are still going to go out there this evening and look at it. I know the price is high, but we can pay cash and not have a monthy payment. BTW...he said wheel bearings were packed last year, and tires are in excellent condition.
Wavery,
That Fleetwood sold day it was posted. I would think that everything would be more expensive in Beverly Hills!
Quote from: bethbrittYeah, Spicyville got my location right. LOL...Thanks.
Just got off the phone with him and got his to reluctantly go down to $3500. The average retail is about $3000, so that is a little better. Where I am at he'd easily get his 3900 asking price. *sighs*... Just 1 more day on the emotional pup rollercoaster ride. We are still going to go out there this evening and look at it. I know the price is high, but we can pay cash and not have a monthy payment. BTW...he said wheel bearings were packed last year, and tires are in excellent condition.
Wavery,
That Fleetwood sold day it was posted. I would think that everything would be more expensive in Beverly Hills!
Just be patient.....then lowball the price of what you think the camper is worth. Do not buy something that you will regret :banghead: :swear: