My dad would like to buy this motorhome on ebay. It is a great deal on paper, although for some reason it hasn't sold. I found that It's been for sale for about 3 months and just recently the price dropped about 30 grand for ebay. Here's the link:42' American Eaglethanks for any advice

It looks to me like a very good deal, I think the $145,000 wouldn't have been too bad. Low miles, new tires and batteries.

The inoperative washer/dryer, fogged window, and bad awning are no big deals, but the paint "checking" may be.It could indicate bad fiberglass panel(s) which would be VERY expensive to repair.Ask around on the American Coach Yahoo Forum.

wow something suspicious for sure. The NADA says low retail is 133, their lot picture shows 145, ebay is 99. Certainly does not make sense.I bought a show quality 4x4 Chevy pickup once from eBay. The pictures were amazing, just showed a few minor digs and a couple of scratches. Bought it without seeing it first. My bad, when I saw it, started it, it was a disaster. The paint was shinny but because they buffed it to death, engine burned oil, no ac all the stuff they said it didn't do. A few weeks later I found out it sat in a field and was brought out to sell. The auto hauler that delivered it was very angry, the engine seals were all gone and dripped oil on the lower high end cars. Since I paid for it on eBay I couldn't get my money back. I paid 8000 for a 800 dollar (if that) truck.The moral of the story is I see the pictures with minor scratches here and there. DO NOT BUY IT UNTIL YOU GO SEE IT. If the dealer is willing to sell way below NADA and with all his stipulations, there is something there.

looks great, I,d e mail them a lower offer like $120k. this is a dealer he has wiggle room. I would not go over 130k

Fogged windows are about $300 each to repair. Washer dryer could be something as simple as a bad electrical connection. If not, that is another $1000+ to replace. Bad awning could mean a broken spring and cost $150 or so to repair. Checked paint probably means cracking fiberglass panels. The coach looks great and I think the price is OK but it really needs a thorough "in person" inspection before you close the deal. From my own experience, all photographs on eBay look great. Not meant to deceive but it is difficult to show the flaws in the paint or small surface cracks with a photograph. Remember that a new paint job could easily run $15,000-$20,000 with the existing color scheme and the condition of the paint today will only get worse. The paint/fiberglass problem is really only an appearance issue so if it does not bother your Dad, then go for it, keeping in mind that when he goes to sell it, any paint issues will be a MAJOR issue to another buyer during the negotiation process. I'd go look at it in person and maybe offer around $85,000 and go from there. Good luck!!!

My dad is about to buy a motorhome, is it a good deal?

31 Replies

happy-2
Explorer
May 13, 2015
BEWARE SCAM ON EBAY,I almost bought a rv, they wanted me to pay a third party then take the rv and check it out. I told her that if I couldn't see it and test it before I paid its NO deal,I never herd back from her.
happy-2
Explorer
May 13, 2015
BEWARE SCAM ON EBAY,I almost bought a rv, they wanted me to pay a third party then take the rv and check it out. I told her that if I couldn't see it and test it before I paid its NO deal,I never herd back from her.
Peralko
Explorer
May 13, 2015
I would never buy anything that expensive without having it thoroughly checked out first. Seems to be several issues that may be minor--they could also be an indication that the previous owner didn't do much in terms of maintaining the coach, which could potentially mean other more significant issues. The paint checking is not real serious--sand it out and repaint in a light color, and you'll be good to go. From the info given, it does not strike me as having a meticulous previous owner.
Dachristianman
Explorer
May 13, 2015
When you're spending that kind of jack on a rig, a round-trip airline ticket and rental car is a small price to pay to see it in person.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
May 13, 2015
The seller is obviously a dealer that has decent feedback for prior RV sales. It is worth taking a look and making an offer.
midnightsadie
Explorer II
May 13, 2015
missed that 99k thing.
rockhillmanor
Explorer II
May 13, 2015
Looks like a scam and smells like a scam.

The 'copious amount of rambling rhetoric' on that ad is not something a reputable dealer would state in an any ad. Big RED scam flag.

And the paragraphs about how long they will hold title and sometimes they will even hold the title longer before you get the title etc etc. and about how you might NOT get title?. Even bigger RED flag.

There are some VERY nice RV dealerships in Wisconsin where you are located.

Go to a dealer and SEE/DRIVE the MH of your choice before you buy.
the_vfox
Explorer
May 13, 2015
It could be a consignment vehicle and the dealer is trying to get it off the lot.

Good price, I would put the contract subject to a inspection and test drive.
Ivylog
Explorer III
May 13, 2015
Why offer 120K if the 'buy it now' price is 99K?
Makes you wonder.:S
One fogged window ($200) a new W/D $1200 if it cannot be fixed. A heck of a good deal with a money back guarantee.
gbopp
Explorer
May 13, 2015
midnightsadie wrote:
looks great, I,d e mail them a lower offer like $120k. this is a dealer he has wiggle room. I would not go over 130k

Why offer 120K if the 'buy it now' price is 99K?

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My dad is about to buy a motorhome, is it a good deal?

31 Replies

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