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pacificnw's avatar
pacificnw
Explorer
Jan 14, 2018

Trade-ins... when did things change?

So I am in the market for a new MH and I have a 10 year old MH that I thought might be of some interest to dealers selling new MHs. Not so. When did this change? Did I miss something?

Here are some parameters... NADA retail valuations on my MH range from low 28k to average 32k. Reasonably, or so I thought, an RV place could sell my unit for a minimum of 30k. Its in nice shape.

I have spoken to 3 dealers and not one has suggested a trade in value north of 18k. One said maybe 12k. Another said no one is lending money for a 10 year old MH. Are they stupid or simply lying?

In my estimation they would serve their potential clients better if they simply said... "we don't want your trade in."

Am I wrong? And when did all this change?
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  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    Jan 14, 2018
    pacificnw wrote:
    In my estimation they would serve their potential clients better if they simply said... "we don't want your trade in."

    Maybe the low offers are a subtle way of telling you they don't want your trade in?
    You are normally better off selling privately than you are trading.
  • DutchmenSport's avatar
    DutchmenSport
    Explorer
    Jan 14, 2018
    They are probably right on the lending to anything over 10 years. Even trying to get a travel trailer that's 4 or 5 years old, it's difficult to get a loan on it.

    And yes, the dealers will give you a low ball offer, on anything you are selling or trading. This is pretty much normal. Unfortunately, you are attempting to sell to a dealer who wants to resale for a profit. They don't want to get stuck with something older that no one is willing to pay cash up front for.

    If you doubt the dealership, go to your local bank or credit union and ask them if they would re-finance your current coach. I bet they laugh you out of the building.

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