The economy and declining value in our RV's

[Dave and Jaime]

This listing for a 2003 40FDTS for $87000 is an eye opener.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors...AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=

Sadly, our Alpines, like the stock market, are down about 25% in value since last fall.

[Ted III]

In all sincerity I think you will find you can buy most coaches for much less than the 25%.

[TXiceman]

In todays market, I'd not offer over 65% on book value for a used RV. But that is my opinion.

Ken

[Dave and Jaime]

The "book value" itself is down more than 25% in the last 3 months. NADA is no doubt a little slow to reflect the market changes but the published prices are down. I would never pay "book value" any way but since it is computed using the same methodology, comparison of Oct 2008 with Jan 2009 prices for the same RV will give a good indication of the relative loss in value.

[tmar10]

Somebody forgot to tell my taxman who thinks NADA is the gospel.

[Jim A]

Unless NADA has changed in the past few years, their prices are based on a percentage depreciation from the list price based solely on age and initial list price. It did not take into account that coaches from some manufacturers have a higher residual value. If this is still true, it is probably a good thing for us since it does not take into account that we own orphans.

When we purchased our coach we figured to own it until it was used up and had to be sold for scrap metal. So loss of book value doesn't concern me at all. It wasn't bought as an investment, just as a cost for the lifestyle we wanted.

[takepride]

I'm with Jim. Unless there is a huge technological improvement that cannot by added to my coach, I can remodel and replace parts until it dies. I've looked at brand new coaches and could just about "gut" mine and rebuild it the way I like for less than buying new.

While not a huge technological improvement, I really like the Smartbeds (that I don't have), but will live with adding roll-outs. I suppose something with a new propulsion system might come along, eventually, and be too costly to adapt mine.

I upgraded to my Alpine because of a major improvement, slide-outs. But since that invention (mid-90's), nothing SPECTACULAR has really shown up that cannot be added.

But who knows? Maybe my vanity will win out in another ten years and I'll "need" a newer coach.