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ecupstid's avatar
ecupstid
Explorer
Apr 14, 2015

Looking for insight on purchase of used diesel.

We have owned two Monaco Dynasty's over the last several years. Sold the last one a couple of years ago due to some health issues. Health has much improved and we are thinking about purchasing another coach. Have been in contact with the owner of a 1998 36' Foretravel U295 with 68k miles. The owner is the second owner of the coach having purchased it about seven months ago from the original owner. He says his plans have changed and now needs to sell the coach. He says the coach has always been in storage when not in use from the day the original owner purchased it new. He has upgraded both TVs and purchased all new tires. I have only seen pictures of the coach as it is 600 miles from our location, but based on the pictures and my conversation with owner the coach appears to be in excellent condition inside and out and appears to show the pride of ownership we are looking for. The owner is asking $69k OBO...

This is a non-slide coach and now 17 years old. The NADA low book value is $23k with a high of $28k.......I realize Foretravel is a high end coach and expect to pay more than book value based on the condition of the coach. However, I would appreciate as much input as I can get as to what a reasonable offer would be for the coach before proceeding further. I also would appreciate input regarding how wise it would be or not be to purchase a 17 year old Foretravel.

We are seventy years old and most likely will only keep the coach for two or three years. Thanks
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  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Apr 14, 2015
    Wow,

    I can only wonder what my 1997 Bounder would bluebook for now. I bought it new in 96, and took fairly good care of it, but not indoors when not traveling. I only have about 50,000 miles on mine. I guess bluebook would be less than 1/2 of the Foretravel's? Perhaps 25% of that amount?

    Good luck with your purchase. You might call back and say that your 'credit union' recommends that you only pay say $35,000 because low blue book is in that range. But you would consider looking at the coach if he is willing to entertain a lower value than the $69,000 asking price. While expecting the owner to go below $50,000 might be un-realistic, you might be surprised to hear that number being tossed around - if you are really interested and have not seen the coach yet.

    Once your wife goes inside and gasps "This is what I really want" - the giggling is all over and you are going to pay big bucks for this coach. But before that happens, and if the wife cooperates and holds her tounge, insists on a slide out, and looks 'really mad' if you make a $50,000 offer when she KNOWS it will not have a slide out or room enough in the kitchen for anything, you might get the seller to come down in price.

    Of course all of this will not work well if someone else comes along and is willing to pay $55,000 cash on the spot!

    Good luck!

    Fred.

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