Airstream>>

Double post...sorry.

So no one here ever bought a new Airstream? Hmmm...

BTW, there seems to be a huge disconnect between the extremely high asking prices for used units being offered for sale and what the NADA guide shows they are worth.

For instance, there is a 6-year-old 19' Safari for sale near me with an asking price of $39,500 and yet the NADA guide shows a low retail price of $16,090 and a high retail price of $19,390. I should mention the MSRP on this unit was originally $46,051. The seller must be smoking some funny stuff if he thinks his trailer is worth 86% of the MSRP price 6 years later. Some Airstream dealers on the net are advertising prices about 12% to 13% below the MSRP price on new units. No wonder this trailer has been for sale for several months and it hasn't sold.

Practically every used unit I've seen for sale on the net are priced considerably more than what the NADA show they are worth. I realize it's not unusual to see price differences between the market and the guide, but I have never seen such a big spread.

As a canoeist I know that some folks love their bomb proof Grumman aluminum canoes while I sing the praises of my wood and canvas Old Town canoe.

However, when I hit the portage trail it is with my 45 lb. Kevlar; nostalgia gives way to practicality.

If you like an Airstream you should buy and Airstream. If you want to show off your Airstream; there are better places to spend you money.

gemsworld wrote:
What percentage off the MSRP can someone negotiate on a new Airstream?

110%-120% is considered a Good Deal by folks determined to own one of these American Icons. Anything under that would relegate the deal to that of "it's just a trailer".

I seriously thought about buying a Silver Streak due to the all aluminum body and superior construction methods to the Airstreams but gave up on that idea after touring a couple of them. Even though the Silver Streaks have more room than Airstreams they hardly had any room compared to a modern travel trailer. It was also hard to find a Silver Streak without skin damage.

It is too bad Avion quit making their aluminum trailers as they were well built and had interiors that were made to last.

I seriously thought about buying a Silver Streak due to the all aluminum body and superior construction methods to the Airstreams but gave up on that idea after touring a couple of them. Even though the Silver Streaks have more room than Airstreams they hardly had any room compared to a modern travel trailer. It was also hard to find a Silver Streak without skin damage.

Visit the Airstream Forums, type "leaks", "floor rot" and "corrosion" into the search feature and decide for yourself if the price of an Airstream is justified by the quality. I agree with others that Airstreams are timeless and an iconic design. The Airstream interiors have an understated elegance that other trailer manufacturers should pay attention to. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and it is totally subjective if the "cool factor" of an Airstream is worth the price.

What percentage off the MSRP can someone negotiate on a new Airstream?

..........as for me maybe some day I will buy an AS before I pass on.

We only are reading your side of the issue, not your wifes. If your wife is unhappy with most or all of your RV purchases at one time or another or for any reason including expense........then the Airstream will likely not make her any happier or any less happy. But, and it is a big BUT, it will make you happy and you are half the family. If you are not happy, you are not happy! So get happy and get the Airstream and maybe your wife will understand the quality, iconic timeless shape that never goes out of style, and to some the status part of owning the Airstream. And she will have a happy husband. What is the value of a happy satisfied husband??? Probably priceless!! And "priceless" is definately worth more than the cost of an Airstream.

There is even a club with nationwide regions that are socially active and she might like that social aspect of owning the AS. Who knows you might just find that one trailer that fits the bill for you both. Good luck. Remember we only live once, get that Airstream if you want it. She will come around just watch. And when you pull into camp you can give tours to all the rest of the standard box trailer folks camping nearby that just want to be able to gaze into the interior of the RV icon of the ages (well at least for the last eighty years) for a few minutes. Status symbol (or not), you will not arrive in camp with an AS unnoticed.

Jack_Diane_Freedom wrote:
Make sure you can stand up in the Airstream. I cannot especially with the rounded roof line.

X2, and while Airstreams are great and have a loyal following, they're not our cup of tea. We need a double slide out trailer!