2004 Roadtrek Versatile 190 advice

[organize4u]

Hi. I'm new here. I have put a deposit down on a 2004 Roadtrek Versatile 190. It has approximately 25000 miles on it and has been in storage for about 6 years. They have replaced the rotors, fuel pump and tires. There was also a window that needed to be replaced and they are recaulking around all the other windows. This rig is on consignment at American Dream Vacations. I noticed on the invoice that they sent me showing my deposit that there was a line item for a PDI Certified RV Inspection for $500. I was going to have it inspected by an RV specialist myself. Since they dud it, shouldn't that be a charge they absorb? Should I repeat the process? I will of course get it checked out by a mechanic even though they say it "runs like a kitten'. When I first looked at it they were in the repair process. It was pretty dirty too. Now its ready to test drive/inspect tomorrow. My concern is that it has been sitting for years. I dont want to buy a money pit. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Retired]

Im curious what the asking price is. Even with low mileage, everything is 17 years old.

If you didnt ask for an inspection, dont pay for one.

 

[organize4u]

$32500. What fid u mean about the inspection?
Marie

 

[Retired]

$32,500 is way over book value. NADA says $25,500 tops.

The dealer is charging you a $500 fee for an inspection., if you didnt ask for this inspection, you shouldnt pay it.

What does the inspection mean? Do you get any kind of a warranty?

I would ask for at least a 30 day/3000 mile warranty.

 

[organize4u]

The problem is because of Covid everything is inflated. It was originally listed for $34,500. I've been getting alerts from RVtrader and that is what I'm seeing and most have high mileage and a far drve fro me. I agree on the inspection fee. Being a single female, it's a little daunting. I don't want to invest in a money pit.
Marie

 

["EZ"]

The problem is because of Covid everything is inflated. It was originally listed for $34,500. I've been getting alerts from RVtrader and that is what I'm seeing and most have high mileage and a far drve fro me. I agree on the inspection fee. Being a single female, it's a little daunting. I don't want to invest in a money pit.
Marie

Run. Don't walk away. This is not a good deal. AND if you don't want to have to do a lot of maintenance and repairs don't buy a 17 year old RV!!

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Run. Don't walk away. This is not a good deal. AND if you don't want to have to do a lot of maintenance and repairs don't buy a 17 year old RV!!

ouch!!! Not that I don't agree, I just wasn't going to say it. I hope you aren't a victim of you must sign a contract to deal with us common in the RV world.

 

["EZ"]

The problem is because of Covid everything is inflated. It was originally listed for $34,500. I've been getting alerts from RVtrader and that is what I'm seeing and most have high mileage and a far drve fro me. I agree on the inspection fee. Being a single female, it's a little daunting. I don't want to invest in a money pit.
Marie

Do yourself a favor. Next time you find an RV you think you want to buy, go to RVPricingandAppraisals.com to get a buyers appraisal for the RV you are looking at. They will give you the current market value of that EXACT coach with the options included. It may cost a few bucks but it may save you tens of thousands of dollars. Go to their FB page and read awhile. You'll learn a lot about how the RV market works. It's like buying a car only with 3 more zeros on the price. There are a million ways to be taken advantage of. Arm yourself with some knowledge. Don't be a sucker for some smooth talking salesman or dealership with questionable operating practices.

 

[organize4u]

You guys are probably spot on. I just talked to another dealer whose highly respected; a family owned business for many years. Two of my friends purchased new rigs from them. They have just taken in a 2008 Roadtrek Popular 190: one owner, kept under cover in Georgetown,TX, 60K miles, out the door for $49K. Thoughts? Also EZ I will check out the site you suggested. Appreciate your help.

 

[Retired]

To give an informed opinion we need a link to what you are considering.

49k is still a lot of money for a 13 year old RV.

Sellers (dealers) will use Covid to justify high prices, dont buy into it. The MH is worth what the seller is willing to accept and what you are willing to pay.

If the seller wants top dollar, then the MH should be in pristine condition and needing nothing.

For top dollar I would want new tires, all belts and hoses replaced, all fliuds replaced, new house and starting batteries, new brakes all the way around and everything working as it should.

If you have to perform maintenence or do repairs, then I would start subtracting from the asking price.

There is nothing worse than paying top dollar, then turning around and spending more money to make a vehicle roadworthy so you dont get stranded.

Dont be afraid to play hardball, the dealer isnt.

 

[organize4u]

Really none of the dealers mentioned Covid. That's just my sense of things. I've looked online at RV trader and this particular RV seems to be priced right. I understand that it is 13 years old and it boggles my mind with these things go for. I will send a link as soon as I get the information; they just got this rig in.

 

[organize4u]

NADA says average retail ~$52K, low retail ~$43K. I didn't plug in any specs because I don't know them yet. As mentioned their out the door price is $49K ($45,500 + TTL, etc.)

 

[Retired]

Generally much preventive maintenence is ignored by most vehicle owners. If the radiator hoses and thermostat are 13 years old they are way overdue for replacement. Brake fluid should be flushed and replaced every 5 years. Tires frequently age out before they wear out. The chassis owners manual maintenence schedule should be followed for the extreme duty intervals.

I dont think there is anything wrong with buying an older rig, but unless the seller has done the necessary maintenence over the years that should be reflected in the price.

 

[organize4u]

Thanks JIA and everyone. All good advice. I will check out the 2008 on Monday.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Really none of the dealers mentioned Covid. That's just my sense of things. I've looked online at RV trader and this particular RV seems to be priced right. I understand that it is 13 years old and it boggles my mind with these things go for. I will send a link as soon as I get the information; they just got this rig in.

I think the price peak is just about over. Maybe you should just wait a little I think the glut is about to start after the surge of sales.