I am looking to purchase my first MH and have settled on a Class C. Due to a limited budget we are looking at units from roughly 1999 to 2001. However, in doing some research on NADA I have noticed that there seems to a significant price increase from say a 1999 to a model year 2000 or 2001. Is this common or am I possibly misreading the NADA guides? If I am correct it seems that it would make sense to narrow my search in to a unit no newer than 1999. Lastly, I looked at a very clean 1999, Coachmen Santara 311 SB, Ford, seller is local and seems like the type of person I would trust buying from. However, he has it priced at $14,750 which seems to be well over NADA value. NADA has low retail at $8,350 with high retail at $10,050. Seller is basing his high $14k price on Average Retail with many options (AC, Awning, furnace, toilet, cruise control, etc...) added in. It is my understanding that when using NADA you should not add in extra options like this because they are already factored in the to standard price. Is this correct?When buying from a private seller is it OK to pay NADA Average Retail or should you expect to be closer to low retail?I definitely want to be fair if I make an offer but don't want to pay $14,750 for an $8,500 unit.Thanks

In my opinion, when buying older rigs in particular, it's not helpful to put much faith in the NADA (or similar) books because the value is most highly dependent on the condition of the motorhome and its appurtenances. Even something as mundane as tires, for example, can make a significant difference—if they're old enough to need replacement, that's an additional $1000 you will have to spend. Similar thoughts apply to the appliances, structure, etc.At least around here, $15K or so for a 1999 Coashmen Santara in nice shape (well kept, systems working properly, moderate milage) would be an appropriate price. Other parts of the country may tend to have more or less expensive prices in general. I paid somewhat more for my '98 Coachmen Santara 315QB a year ago, and I believe I got a fair deal—not a screaming great one, but not a horrible one either, and I got a nice RV that is very suitable for my needs and wants. A fantastic deal on an RV that doesn't suit my needs would leave me worse off.

I paid $25,000 for my 2001 Tioga. Had all the upgrades I wanted.Loved it then and I love it now. That was three yrs ago.It's all relative. If you like it and it fits your life go for it.Bob

I would pay more for documents and history on an older unit than NADA. What I mean is I think those would over rule NADA if we liked the unit.

I would Google the RV and see what other people are asking for the same model. The longer he has had it up for sale the more he will drop his price.Don

Go on Ebay and search "completed listings" for similar units. That might give you a better idea than NADA.BUT if the unit is in excellent condition (and do a THOROUGH inspection for rot, leaks, and test all systems) and has good tires etc, it could be worth more to YOU than NADA.IME most sellers will take somewhat lower than asking price. I would consider around $12,500 as a starting offer and be willing to meet him in the middle, minus considerations for needed repairs. Check the date on the tires, if they are good that is worth about $1K.

Looking to buy Used Class C - Question on NADA values

15 Replies

coolmom42
Explorer II
Jun 27, 2015
Go on Ebay and search "completed listings" for similar units. That might give you a better idea than NADA.

BUT if the unit is in excellent condition (and do a THOROUGH inspection for rot, leaks, and test all systems) and has good tires etc, it could be worth more to YOU than NADA.

IME most sellers will take somewhat lower than asking price. I would consider around $12,500 as a starting offer and be willing to meet him in the middle, minus considerations for needed repairs. Check the date on the tires, if they are good that is worth about $1K.
Duck
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
I would Google the RV and see what other people are asking for the same model. The longer he has had it up for sale the more he will drop his price.
Don
BobandShaz
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
I would pay more for documents and history on an older unit than NADA. What I mean is I think those would over rule NADA if we liked the unit.
Chopperbob
Explorer
Jun 27, 2015
I paid $25,000 for my 2001 Tioga. Had all the upgrades I wanted.
Loved it then and I love it now. That was three yrs ago.
It's all relative. If you like it and it fits your life go for it.
Bob
DrewE
Explorer II
Jun 27, 2015
In my opinion, when buying older rigs in particular, it's not helpful to put much faith in the NADA (or similar) books because the value is most highly dependent on the condition of the motorhome and its appurtenances. Even something as mundane as tires, for example, can make a significant difference—if they're old enough to need replacement, that's an additional $1000 you will have to spend. Similar thoughts apply to the appliances, structure, etc.

At least around here, $15K or so for a 1999 Coashmen Santara in nice shape (well kept, systems working properly, moderate milage) would be an appropriate price. Other parts of the country may tend to have more or less expensive prices in general. I paid somewhat more for my '98 Coachmen Santara 315QB a year ago, and I believe I got a fair deal—not a screaming great one, but not a horrible one either, and I got a nice RV that is very suitable for my needs and wants. A fantastic deal on an RV that doesn't suit my needs would leave me worse off.

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Looking to buy Used Class C - Question on NADA values

15 Replies

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