1988 Coleman Columbia worth $1000

[zx10r203]

I am new to the PU camping thing and have always pretty much used tents until my brother got his 30' 5th wheel and that was exactly camping but it sure beats the rocks and ground lumps under your back.

Anyways, my wife's parents are selling a 1988 Coleman Columbia for $1600 but for us she is letting it go for $1000, kinda small but we don't have kids. Just me. the wife, and the dog.  There are no holes on the canvas, tires are in really good shaped, no mildew smell on the inside even though it has been sitting for a long while. As far as I know it has been used a total of 8-10 times.  

Is it worth it?

Pulling it won't be a problem. My truck can handle a whole train of these!!


Here are some pictures of one just like it. Just mine has no AC

[paulski617]

If this was closer to missouri, I'd say absolutely positively not to buy it, as long as you'd give me contact info.  Since it is so far away, I'd have to say that yes, judging from the pics it definitly is worth $1000.  Based on what I've looked at so far.

[flyfisherman]

From time to time there are extraordinary great buys that show up, but never, of course, if your looking for them!  A thousand bucks does not buy much in this time and place, however, condition is everything in the used market. That's a good looking camper and I bet it's been well cared for. How can you go wrong?
Besides, you need a "starter" camper anyway ... so that you can see what you really like, what is just some fluff and what you really need for the next camper.
Also, you'll be spending most of your time outdoors so you really don't have to have a thirty footer just to sleep in! Another thing ... with the gas price thing you'll want to keep on the economical side of towing in order to get out and see some places!



Fly

[zx10r203]

From time to time there are extraordinary great buys that show up, but never, of course, if your looking for them!  A thousand bucks does not buy much in this time and place, however, condition is everything in the used market. That's a good looking camper and I bet it's been well cared for. How can you go wrong?
Besides, you need a "starter" camper anyway ... so that you can see what you really like, what is just some fluff and what you really need for the next camper.
Also, you'll be spending most of your time outdoors so you really don't have to have a thirty footer just to sleep in! Another thing ... with the gas price thing you'll want to keep on the economical side of towing in order to get out and see some places!



Fly

Well my TV is 2002 Dodge Ram Quad Cab.  Before my mods it got a descent 15-16 mpg. Now is a totally different story. After a exhaust system, chip, intake, remapped ECU, the thing gets 10-11 mpg. So economy went out the window!!!

[Morin]

Just got an 89 Coleman myself.. grab it for 1000.00.  They are good campers if taken care of and this one appears that way.  The roof isn't leaking and it looks like you have the same canvas as I do (Evolution 3) which from this forum appears to be OK.  Spray it down with some 303 High Tech fabric guard and you'll be good to go.

HAVE FUN!

[tknick]

My wife and I starting camping in the exact same year/model (except without the A/C!).  We loved it.  It's not a palace, but it will give you a dry comfortable place to sleep, cook, eat, etc.  JUMP ON IT!  Like the last person said, the tenting might need a little additional waterproofing, but it's a great camper.

The only difference between that one and the bayside we have now is the decor, a little more space and a fridge.  

travis

[mercc350]

I don't understand why they just don' t give it to you but that is just me. I just bought a 1996 Jayco 1206 loaded for $2000.00 that is in the same shape. My point is if this isn't what you want dont buy it. Look at the NADA on it you will see it is not worth even $ 1000.00.

[TXpopper]

Remember NADA is only a guide.  It is worth what someone will pay for it.  The NADA guide indicates my 1974 Mercury outboard engine is worth $60, but on ebay they sell for between $300 and $500.  A $1000 for this PUP is probably not a bad price. You may want to search completed auctions on ebay to see if any have sold recently to see what people are actually willing to pay.