I've been researching used Foretravel units the last few months and came across a terrific '08 Phenix 445. The owner is asking $383K. However, NADA has low retail at $224K and high retail at $270K. I know NADA is only a guide; however, this is a significant difference in the pricing.
So, is NADA closer to the actual value of this unit, or is the owner's asking price closer to where this FT should be listed?
Since the market is so small, NADA can't be correct. You'll have to judge the market for yourself. Since you've been researching for several months, you should have a good idea of current values. What other coaches close to this one have you seen?
Well, NADA is just a formula to discount off new. I will say that some of the older units are selling for more money then NADA especially if they have the old engine and no DEF or Particulate filter. Also, there are not that many of the older coaches on the new style so they are going a bit higher then the book.
Call FOT and MOT - talk to a sales person there and let them give you a range. They would be interested, since if the coach you are looking at doesn't work out, you are a prospect, now or in the future.
Start making offers, you will find the value to you at some point.
Remember, you can buy anything, wait til you try to sell it!
JD
As John said, you can make an offer, and try to negotiate, which gets me PO'd if it's me, because I put what I consider a fair price on whatever. But some put a price on that they intend to negotiate. Or, you could just wait it out till the price gets to what you "feel" is right, then hope someone doesn't best you to it. Personally, I don't put much value on KBB, or NADA, especially on unique vehicles like Foretravel, Farrari, Lazy Daze & etc. course dealers will share by the book when valuing a trade, on their side, on the purchase vehicle.....good luck!
KBB, NADA, etc. are nice references, but not necessarily real-world for vehicles that have limited numbers. PPL lists what coaches have sold for, so you might check that. Of course, their list is only what they have sold, but perhaps if you check PPL sold against KBB and NADA you can get some sort of correction factor.
As Dave said, many people expect to negotiate some, so they set their asking price higher than what they expect to get from it. If the coach's price is marked "Firm" then you can expect that the seller wants to get that much money for it. If not, make an offer. If you have talked to the seller directly you know the reason for the sale. If the seller has his eye on a newer coach he may be willing to take a bit less to get it sold quickly so he can jump on the new one. If he is selling because of declining health he may just want it gone.
Personally, if the coach is in average condition I'd start at the NADA low price and expect to go up. If it is perfect condition I'd start at the high price and expect to go up even more. You know how much you can afford to pay (don't forget to save some back for tires, batteries, etc. that may need replacing). Also keep some back for upgrades that you will want to make to satisfy you and/or your wife.