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Airstream pricing on B190

mortsgah
Explorer
Explorer
So I have never bought an RV and wanted to try one out before going new. I am looking at a 1998 Airstream B190 with 27K miles. Has the Ford V10 6.8l engine (I hear both horror stories and "best there is" on that one). Anyway prices seem all over the place. This one seller is asking $20K which seems kind of high...but 27K miles? Thoughts by any Class B folks out there.
8 REPLIES 8

401nailhead
Explorer
Explorer
Good approach, when the gut tells you to be wary and the price is too high, that is not a good combination. There are other ones out there. Same with a floorplan that is not quite right. You have to live with the one you buy! Good Luck!

mortsgah
Explorer
Explorer
Hmmm. I didn't know that. I didn't check the fridge. But after looking it over, the price was too high and I couldn't completely buy in to the mileage being accurate. Gut told me to pass on the vehicle. I'll keep looking. Thanks for the comments!

stan909
Explorer
Explorer
Was fridge cold running on propane ? Fridge is biggest expense after transmission and engine.

401nailhead
Explorer
Explorer
BTW, it looks like NADA might be more $9k to $11k before factoring in the very low mileage. Mileage that low is worth a lot, if rubber is not dry rotted and engine and transmission not abused. Good that you are checking on engine, transmission, chassis a/c, camper a/c and generator before paying extra for the low miles though. Personally, I like the over-cab area design because in a tight space of a B, that storage area and room for moving things around is invaluable (we call it pivot space in ours), and provides an extra bed. It is less streamlined than other B models though and might use more gas. I agree, all prices are negotiable, and fair market value is only what a seller and buyer eventually agree to, so just if it were me, I would offer $15k cash after checking out condition and if everything checks out as excellent, including tires, brakes, and suspension as well, go up another $1K or $2k if needed to seal a deal. No experience for me on that engine, but torque and power should be great at least, and someone here will know. GVWR on that model appears above avg to me (9400 lbs based on something I saw online, which is good to have in my opinion). Gas mileage maybe less than avg??

mortsgah
Explorer
Explorer
Good info. So I went and looked at it. It is in pretty good shape for one that age. All systems work (onan 2800 generator with 123 hours), pump, roof and cab AC, awning,upgraded stereo with GPS and back-up camera, drawers, bed, seats, etc). Tires are practically new. No leaks around roof. No body rust. The owner upgraded to a class C. Tailpipe exhaust is clean and smells good. Exhaust system has no rust. Maintenance records look real.

Any experience or recommendation on getting a Carfax or other report? I'll also have my mechanic take a once over.

NoVa_RT
Explorer
Explorer
This one seller is asking $20K which seems kind of high...but 27K miles? Thoughts by any Class B folks out there.

As others have mentioned, a lot depends on the condition, and your ability to assess it, or have someone do that for you. Low mileage and well-cared for are not always easy to find. If it's worth pursuing, you still don't have to offer full price. Perhaps $15-18K will get it done, or even lower if that's what you want to offer.
2013 RT 190-Popular

401nailhead
Explorer
Explorer
If those are well documented miles (i.e. low mileage vehicle) and it is in good shape, I would pursue that in a minute. Low mileage combined with stock vehicle in nice shape is KING, and you have to pay for it. If the mileage is questionable, or condition is less than great, then be cautious. For that age, even 50K miles is low miles. A price target for that age Class B (and MY opinion only, so it could be debated) is $9k to $18k and less than 70k miles. $20k is not too much to pay for a super low mileage vehicle if well documented miles, good condition, and ideally checked out by a mechanic. You are not going to find many used Class B's about 20 years old with fewer than 40k miles. All numbers and details here are my opinion only.

mkguitar
Explorer
Explorer
what we did was fly to Ireland and rent a campervan from bunkcampers.co.uk

a few days in Spouse asks if they have vans like this at home- she'd like one.

So we bought one.

That trip around Ireland ( staying mostly beachside) allowed us to figure out some of our wants and needs- for example we are both tall so a sideways sleeper is out- don;t really need a shower- we'd rather have space- campground showers work fine for us...stuff like that.

There are rental places in the US to figure out if it is for you.

B's are tight, but the pay off is ease of driving ( she has done solo trips), MPG and parking.



in terms of that specific unit- the "airstream" name was used on alot of stuff over the years- not all of it as wonderful as the retro trailers-
I'm not big on the ford having rented the 15 pass vans for work...I bought a GM based B as I am more familiar with GM's and I do alot of my own work- just easier for me.

Mike