PLEASE Advise:1995 Coleman Rio Grande

[naganthunter]

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

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!!!

[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....  

[wavery]

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.

[bethbritt]

...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.

[wavery]

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.

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

[spicyville1]

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.

[wavery]

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?

[spicyville1]

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?

She is in Clarksville,Tn. Just south of the KY state line. About 45 min. or less northwest of Nashville.

[bethbritt]

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!

[spicyville1]

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!

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: