Airstream>>

I bought mine slightly used in 2009 and paid market price. By today's market values my trailer is worth about 90% of what I paid. I doubt that you could say this about the typical trailer that is 9 years old. So, expensive, yes. But only when you consider the initial outlay. If you can swing that then I submit that things are more equal than you might want to admit. Buying new always makes things worse if you want to recoup as much of your investment as you can.

You make good points especially about the 'entry fee' cost, depreciation, and market value used. I would not recommend a new Airstream to anybody looking for a first RV. If they do not like RVing or don't want a trailer after thinking they would like it, too much investment is at risk selling quickly. Airstreams tend to favor those that are not afraid to spend on quality and intend to keep it for the long haul. By the time others factor into their financial equation that the AS will outlast two, three or four box trailers the intital outlay doesn't look so bad. Most folks simply look at what something costs and decide from there. Airstreams might be expensive but they are not 'overpriced'. Cheaply made, inexpensive trailers that will not go the distance are overpriced.