Community Forums

bulldog2655 · 05-19-2013, 08:27 PM

We are fairly green when it comes to this whole DP thing, but we are learning !!

So we have narrowed down our search to two units and would like to have some insight from the forum on which way to go. The beaver contessa naples 40 footer is in excellent condition and fairly loaded out. With a price tag of $60K it is on the high end of our budget. It is also a little bit above the NADA value (avg. retail - $55K). The HR Imperial 40 PBS is around $40K and needs a little work. Minor things, but I know they can add up. We are figuring on about $5k for fixes. This unit would be well below the NADA (avg. retail - $66K). We like both floor plans equally. They both run out great on the test drives . The Beaver has the 330 cat and the HR has the 350 cat, same transmission. Same basic amenities, Beaver has a satellite system and up dates tv's.

Were these built on the same line ?

What do you think the fair prices for each of these units should fall ?? Is the Beaver really worth $15-20K more.

Does anyone have access to or know where to find the original Brochure for the 1999 HR Imperial Line ??

We know you can Car Fax a Car, is there a similar one for motorhomes ??

Thanks in advance for your input.............

deandec · 05-20-2013, 09:28 AM

Since the NADA numbers are mathematically depreciated for RV's and not based upon actual transactions, I assume the HR Imperial is worth @ $11K more than the Contessa if their condition is equal because its MSRP was probably higher.....

I believe it was higher in the model rankings for HR and should have some additional features that the Contessa does not have. You should be able to see where each ranked by looking at the MSRP price stated on NADA.

Beaver had the reputation for excellent cabinetry work.

I would suspect the Contessa is over priced based upon the info you have given and might have room for a much lower offer price.

The updated TV's are not a big expense unless significant cabinetry work was done to mount them. The satellite antenna might be near the end of its useful life if installed in 1999.

Of either of the rigs has the Aqua-Hot or similar system, that could have been a $10,000 option when new. Be sure both have a diesel generator.

JMHO, with no experience with either unit.

bulldog2655 · 05-20-2013, 11:37 AM

Thank you for your input. Both do have diesel gennys. And you are correct that the original MSRP on the HR was higher.

We were all set to buy the Beaver until we happened upon the HR. Sooooo, confusing..................

joemcgin · 05-20-2013, 12:00 PM

The VIN check I used from doing a Google search was Instavin. Worked fine for the 2 RV's I was interested in. You can also receive a 24 hour trial from the NADA site on RV's to find the Trade in values of units you are interested in under the Commercial Tab. Submit your e-mail and you receive a code to activate for 1 day. I don't know why they don't include it with the regular Retail values like they do for cars, but if you know what you are looking for it may be helpful.