Posted 2005-08-04 8:56 AM (#28866) Subject: New vs Used?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Austin, TX
I've decided to purchase the Sundowner model 777. Now I'd like to know what you think about used vs new?
1997 model asking $8000
2003 model asking $9950
2006 model asking $11250
It would be nice to save some money and get a used one, but I'm planning to use it for several years and wonder if it would be worth it to pay for the new one? Also, I see that they hold their value fairly well for the first 8 or so years, but I'm wondering about the next 8 years. If I wanted to sell the '97 in 8-10 years, would it still be worth much?
Posted 2005-08-04 9:39 AM (#28867 - in reply to #28866) Subject: RE: New vs Used?
Expert
Posts: 1723 Location: michigan
it all depens on how much money you can spend. I couldn't afford nor could I justify the price new trailer when there are good used ones sitting there at decent prices. I found what I wanted at a price I could afford. To me resale value depends on the shape of the trailer more than the brand- keep it clean, well maintained and looking good, you'll have good resale value. of course, we can't predict how the trailer market will look in 8-10 years either- if gas prices go up even more and the ecomony tanks, then chances are trailers won't be selling as well. And its hard to predict what people will want in a trailer in 8-10 years- perhaps the trend will be away from loaded to the gills or barebones units.
If you can afford a new trailer, then buy it. At least in 8-10 years it will be newer than a used one right now. far as I can tell the difference is about 4K- for that maybe a new one would be a better value now.
Posted 2005-08-04 11:08 AM (#28871 - in reply to #28866) Subject: RE: New vs Used?
Veteran
Posts: 127 Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Sit down with both dealers and get their "rock bottom price". The prices you have listed below, the 2006 is only $1300 more than the 2003. Are their any new features on the 2006 that are not on the 2003 ? What kind of condition is the 2003 in ? You will get a full warranty on the 2006 and only the remaining structural warranty on the 2003 plus you will have to pay a warranty transfer fee. It all depends on how important those factors are to you. Now, if they are willing to deal on the 2003 and they aren't on the 2006, that might make your mind up, but for $1300, I think I would go with the 2006 and the warranty. (JMO).
Posted 2005-08-04 2:56 PM (#28883 - in reply to #28866) Subject: RE: New vs Used?
Expert
Posts: 2453 Location: Northern Utah
I'm going to second champhorse here. For the small difference I'd go with the new trailer. It will be worth that much more if you try to sell it in the next 5 years. I sold a 2000 trailer in June, I paid $14,700 for it five years ago and sold it for $12,000.
You will get the difference back some where down the road, So why buy a trailer that may be ready for new bearings, brakes, tires etc?
Only you know your finaces. If spending that extra money today will mean that you have to stay home because you have no money for gas, Then buy the used trailer and enjoy.
Posted 2005-08-04 3:07 PM (#28884 - in reply to #28866) Subject: RE: New vs Used?
New User
Posts: 4
Location: Austin, TX
I can afford to do any of the trailers I mentioned. I just like to be as smart as possible and not throw away money just because I can. I'm perfectly willing to pull a used trailer, but am also wondering what maintenance issues may be coming up, how much the trailer will drop in value in the next 10 years or so--I can see a new one would probably go down around 3K, but would a used one lose more? It seems what you get with the new one is a better metal coating and warrenty (the 2003 may have that same coating and some warrenty left, but the 1997 would not). One additional factor is that I'd have to drive from Dallas to Tulsa for the 2003 and purchase from an individual rather than dealership. I'm leaning toward the new one, but still thinking about it. Thanks for the input.
Posted 2005-08-04 3:29 PM (#28885 - in reply to #28866) Subject: RE: New vs Used?
Expert
Posts: 2689
If this is your first trailer, or your first trailer in a while.
1) Buy used, about 3 years old.
2) In 2 years trade it for a 3 year old trailer.
3) Repeat step #2.
4) Loop until you KNOW what your dream trailer is, THEN decide on new vs used, brand X vs Y, straight vs slant, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more stalls etc.
5) Come back and advise us/whoever follows/the next generation of neophites.
This will keep you on fairly flat parts of both the depreciation and deterioration curves, it will also get you through several trailers in a few years, a fairly quick ownership learning curve, hopefully without too many bad experiences.
Posted 2005-08-04 4:23 PM (#28887 - in reply to #28866) Subject: RE: New vs Used?
Veteran
Posts: 127 Location: Fort Worth, Texas
If you have to drive to Tulsa for the used one and the new one is close, you can figure the additional fuel cost to get the trailer into the price of it. This wasn't such an issue 5 years ago but when gas now costs $2.25 a gallon, you might spend an additional $100 - $150 to go get the used trailer. And what if it's not in the shape you had hoped for when you get there ?
Sounds like you will get a better value with the new....plus you know what you're getting. The price you listed on the new 777 is a very good price and it will take a couple of years to de-value to what you even have in it. The good news is that a trailer doesn't lose value like a car does. You should retain great value for many years on that trailer if you keep it in nice shape.
New vs Used?
